Movie Making Manual/Cinematography/Camera

This Module is part of the Cinematography section of the Movie Making Manual

What specifications would make your perfect camera? This incomplete list serves two purposes:

1. To give you an idea for what specifications and possible camera choices you can make, considering you budget.
2. It's fun to fantasize

Low Budget Cameras

<$500 USD

Possible Specifications

• 720x1280p - 1080x1920p
• 4:4:2 Colour Representation
• Records onto inbuilt HDD or external SD cards
• Ability to record 24, 25 and/or 30fps
• Video Component Out
• Autofocus
• Battery Operated

Examples

• Canon: Legria HF R26
• Panasonic Lumix: G5, G3

Mid Budget Cameras

$500-$2500

Possible Specifications

• <= 1920x1080p resolution.
• Variable frame rate; 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 60.
• Select-able Aspect ratio from 4:3, 16:9, 2.35:1.
• 4:4:2 colour representation.
• Custom and Auto Exposure.
• User settable white balance.
• Records to Internal/External HDDs, SD Cards or CF Cards.
• Possible interchangeable lens.
• Reasonable Low-light abilities.
• Liveview functions.
• Records video metadata (date, time)
• Video Component/HDMI out.
• Manual and/or Autofocus
  • User has direct, mechanical control over the focus and zoom.
  • Eye tracking to control where to focus and exposure
• Audio inputs (3.5mm jack)
• Manual Audio Levels
• User-upgradable firmware

Examples

• DSLRs
  • Canon EOS: 550D, 600D, 650D, 60D, 7D, 5DMII(I)
  • Panasonic Lumix: GH1, GH2 (Technically mirror-less)
• Camcorders
  • Canon: XA10

Higher Budget Cameras

$2500-$100,000

Possible Specifications

• 1080p-5k resolution
• 4:4:4 Colour Representation (Uncompressed RAW)
• Interchangeable Lens
• Manual Focus
• Custom Exposure and White balance settings
• Records to internal/external SSD
• HD/SDI
• XLR Inputs
• Audio Monitoring
• Manual Frame rates: 1-300fps+
• Manual Aspect Ratios: 4:3, 16:9, 2.35:1.
• Records video metadata (Date, Time, Scene number, Take number, Timecode)
• Timecode in.
• PL or other mount.

Examples

• RED: Scarlet, One, Epic.
• ARRI: Alexa
• SONY: FS700
• CANON: C300, 1D-C

Hollywood Budget Cameras

$100,000+

Examples

EXPENSIVE

• 45mm Film
• IMAX film