Are you looking for a camera but don’t know where to start? There are so many types of cameras out there and first you should figure out what you will primarily be filming. I’ll list the types of cameras then we can break them down:
- Smartphones
- Point and Shoot
- Action Cams
- Camcorders
- DSLR
- Digital Cinema Cameras
Smartphones
Let’s start with something that you may already have in your pocket. If you’re just starting out it may seem like you need to invest hundreds or even thousands of dollars. That may not always be the case though. Your smartphone could have a great camera built in depending on the model phone you have. This option would be great for content creators and bloggers that may be just starting out. I would recommend starting out with your phone. Continue to build your audience and when the time comes, invest into another camera. A plus to using a phone is the fact that you can edit and post your video online right from your phone as well.
Point and Shoot
So the next step up from using your smartphone is getting a point and shoot camera. You may want a stand alone camera rather than running out of space on your phone or running out of battery. Point and shoot cameras are relatively inexpensive.
With point and shoot cameras, you’ll generally get a better lens. The resolution is better on point and shoot cameras, which mean you can have higher resolution prints. They are still small enough and simple enough to get the job done without causing too much attention.
Point and Shoot cameras I recommend: Sony RX100 models, the Panasonic Lumix DMC‑LX100, and the Leica D-Lux Type 109).
Action Cams
Actions cams should be primarily be used for action photography. These cameras are best used in small places, under water, or on moving vehicles. You can basically mount them to anything. But like your phone, you’re pretty much locked into one wide-angled image.
Action Cams I recommend: GoPro HERO Models or the Sony HDR Action Cams
Camcorders
If you are looking into doing documentaries, camcorders are perfect for that. These cameras usually have a fixed lens that ranges from a 24mm equivalent to a 200mm equivalent. Most have built in ND and automatic focusing capabilities. You have to work a little harder to get shallow depth of field on the cameras but it’s totally possible. Camcorders are also great for recording sports and capturing events like weddings. The first camera I learned on was a camcorder actually. They usually have external batteries that last pretty long. (If you are looking to get a camcorder, make sure you get one with media card capabilities or a hard drive. Avoid tape based cameras.)
Camcorder I recommend: Panasonic HC-V770K and the Canon VIXIA HF models.
DSLR
The best thing about the DSLR in my opinion: using different types of lenses and having a large sensor. DSLR cameras a great and can give you a feature film look on a budget. I shot my first feature on DSLRs. You get a fantastic camera that takes amazing photography and doubles as a video camera. Something to consider is that in almost every case when getting a DSLR, you have to come up with an audio solution as well as stabilizing the camera.
DSLRs that I recommend: Canon Rebel Ts, the Sony Alpha a6300, and the Panasonic DMC-GH models.
Digital Cinema Camera
Looking to spend a few thousand dollars on just a camera body? Digital Cinema Cameras can give you the highest quality with high dynamic range and features like raw and log recording, Media for these higher end cameras are usually much more expensive because it needs to transfer data really fast. Usually these cameras are rigged up and require more man power to operate.
Digital Cinema Cameras that I recommend: Blackmagic Mini Ursa 4.6k, Canon C100 Mark II, Sony Fs5
Keep in mind a few things…
Before you get a new camera, rent the camera. Test it out. Go to the store and play with the camera a little bit or borrow it from someone that you know may have the camera. There is a ton of information out there on the web so do your homework, research, read reviews, and analyze footage.
If you enjoyed this article, let me know. What camera platform are you considering going with? Let me know with the community? Let me know. Join the Capturing Light Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/capturinglightcommunity/.