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:

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

Low Budget Cameras

<$500 USD

Mid Budget Cameras

$500-$2500

<= 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

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

$2500-$100,000

$100,000+

EXPENSIVE