Not sure which camera is right for your project? This guide will walk you through the key features and ideal uses for each of the cameras in the Film/Media Studies collection.
Sony RX10 II
Key Features
- 4K recording
- Slow motion recording
- Built-in lens with 24-200mm (equivalent) zoom, f/2.8
- Built-in ND filters
- Compatible with Sony K2M XLR adapter
- Small size, lightweight
Ideal Uses
Documentary, run-and-gun, slow motion
Pros and Cons
+ Compact, versatile lens, great recording options
– Weak battery life, fixed lens, small sensor
Overview
The RX10 II is a compact fixed-lens camera with advanced video features you might not expect on a camera of this size. The built-in lens has a long zoom range, equivalent to 24mm to 200mm, with a constant f/2.8 aperture. This camera can capture 4K footage at 24 frames per second or full HD (1080p) footage at up to 120 frames per second. There is also an extreme slow motion mode, which will capture a short burst of footage at 240, 480, or 960 frames per second, although the video quality decreases as the frame rate goes up. Other video-centric features include built-in ND filters, image stabilization, and a headphone jack for monitoring audio. An external microphone can be attached using either a 3.5mm port or by using the Sony K2M XLR adapter, which mounts to the top of the camera. Overall, the RX10 II is a very well-rounded camera, especially when size and weight are a major concern.
Suggested Accessories
Sony K2M XLR adapter, mid-size tripod
Additional Information
Panasonic GH3
Key Features
- Full HD video recording at 24 or 60 frames per second
- Micro 4/3 lens mount can be used with native or adapted lenses
- Articulating rear screen
- Small size, lightweight
Ideal Uses
Documentary, short film, music video
Pros and Cons
+ Great handling and controls, good battery life, good image quality
– No 4K or slow motion recording, limited audio options
Overview
The GH3 is a tiny workhorse of a camera, capturing excellent quality video in a small package. The camera’s Micro 4/3 lens mount is incredibly versatile, which means that many different kinds of lenses (including our collection of Nikon primes) can be used with an adapter. The GH3 captures full HD (1080p) video at 24 or 60 frames per second. Other features include a 3.5mm microphone jack and headphone jack for audio, a fully articulated rear screen, and an intuitive layout and menu system with quick access to manual controls. While the GH3 is built like a stills camera, it can capture beautiful video and is easy to use, making it an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade from the camcorders offered by the library’s equipment services.
Suggested Accessories
RODE VideoMicro, mid-size tripod, Panasonic 12-35mm zoom lens
Additional Information
Camera guide, Camera manual part 1, Camera manual part 2
Panasonic GH4
Key Features
- 4K video recording at 24 or 30 frames per second
- Full HD video recording at up to 96 frames per second for slow motion shots
- Micro 4/3 lens mount can be used with native or adapted lenses
- Articulating rear screen
- Small size, lightweight
Ideal Uses
Documentary, short film, music video
Pros and Cons
+ Great handling and controls, good battery life, good image quality, 4K recording, slow motion
– Limited audio options
Overview
The GH4 is the successor to the GH3 and adds several new features while retaining the GH3’s core functionality. The most significant additions are 4K recording and full HD slow motion. Like the GH3, it offers intuitive handling, long battery life, and excellent video quality.
Suggested Accessories
RODE VideoMicro, mid-size tripod, Panasonic 12-35mm zoom lens
Additional Information
Camera guide, Camera manual part 1, Camera manual part 2
Panasonic GH5
Key Features
- 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second
- Full HD video recording at up to 180 frames per second for slow motion shots
- Micro 4/3 lens mount can be used with native or adapted lenses
- Built-in image stabilization for smooth handheld footage
- Twin SD card slots for extended recording time
- Articulating rear screen
- Small size
Ideal Uses
Documentary, short film, music video
Pros and Cons
+ Great handling and controls, good battery life, good image quality, 4K recording, slow motion, image stabilization
– Limited audio options, heavier than other GH cameras
Overview
The Panasonic GH5 builds on the strengths of the GH3 and GH4, adding a number of high-end video features. These include additional 4K recording modes, improved slow motion capabilities, two SD card slots for extended recording or backups, and advanced in-body image stabilization. The image stabilization is a standout feature, allowing smooth footage to be captured even when filming handheld or with an adapted lens. The GH5 is an incredibly versatile camera and is appropriate for a variety of situations.
Suggested Accessories
GH5 battery grip, RODE VideoMicro, mid-size tripod, Panasonic Leica 12-60mm zoom lens
Additional Information
Sony AX2000
Key Features
- Fixed lens 30-590mm (equivalent) lens
- 4-82mm (7x crop)
- Built-in ND filters
- Two XLR inputs with phantom power
Ideal Uses
Documentary, event video
Pros and Cons
+ Versatile lens, XLR audio inputs, advanced video features
– No 4K recording, fixed lens, small sensor, heavy
Overview
The Sony AX2000 combines the benefits of a dedicated video camera – ND filters, XLR audio inputs with phantom power, dual card slots, and advanced assist features – with a versatile fixed lens. The camera’s single lens option and relatively small sensor means that it isn’t the best choice for cinematic work, but it’s a good all-in-one choice for event video or documentary work. The AX2000 also makes great use of external buttons and straightforward controls, which makes it a good option for students who want to try out a more advanced video-centric camera.
Suggested Accessories
Sennheiser G3 lavalier microphone, shotgun microphone, large tripod
Additional Information
Panasonic AF100
Key Features
- Micro 4/3 lens mount can be used with native or adapted lenses
- Built-in ND filters
- Two XLR inputs with phantom power
- Long battery life
Ideal Uses
Sit-down interviews, event video
Pros and Cons
+ Lots of lens options, XLR audio inputs, advanced video features
– No 4K or slow motion recording, confusing menus
Overview
The Panasonic AF100 is a classic pro camcorder-style interchangeable lens camera. Unlike smaller cameras such as the Sony RX10 II and the Panasonic GH3, the AF100 was designed to capture video first and foremost. As such, it features built-in ND filters, dual XLR inputs with phantom power, two SD card slots (for redundancy or extended record time), focus peaking, zebras, a histogram, and long battery life. In other words, the AF100 has all the features you would want in a video camera without much need for adapters or accessories. The trade-off is that the AF100 is larger and heavier than some other cameras and it can take a little time to become familiar with all of this camera’s controls and functions. Due to its size, the AF100 is best used on a medium-to-large tripod, making it an ideal camera for recording events and formal interviews.
Suggested Accessories
Sennheiser G3 lavalier microphone, large tripod, Panasonic 14-140mm zoom lens
Additional Information
Sony FS5
Key Features
- 4K recording
- Slow motion recording
- Built-in ND filters
- Two XLR inputs with phantom power
- Long battery life
Ideal Uses
Documentary, sit-down interviews, short film, event video
Pros and Cons
+ Excellent image quality, lots of recording options, XLR audio inputs, advanced video features
– Steep learning curve
Overview
Much like the Panasonic AF100, the Sony FS5 has all of the features you would want in a professional camcorder-style camera – XLR inputs, built-in ND filters, scopes, focus peaking, long battery life, and dual SD card slots. However, the FS5 also has newer features such as 4K recording and slow motion options, creating a very complete package. While it isn’t a small camera, the FS5 is still comfortable to shoot with handheld, making it well suited for a variety of situations. The camera can be paired with a versatile 18-105mm Sony zoom lens, or a Nikon mount prime lens using an adapter. The long list of features and options on the FS5 mean that it takes longer to learn how to use than some other cameras, but it’s a powerful cinematic tool.
Suggested Accessories
Shotgun microphone, large tripod, Sony 18-105mm zoom lens
Additional Information
BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera
Key Features
- Micro 4/3 lens mount can be used with native or adapted lenses
- Excellent image quality
- Footage can be extensively color graded
Ideal Uses
Short film
Pros and Cons
+ Lots of lens options, beautiful image quality, RAW and ProRes recording options
– No 4K or slow motion, terrible battery life, high crop factor
Overview
The BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera is an unusual little camera. Its extremely small size and limited battery life mean that using it requires a good deal of planning and, often, several accessories. Ideally, it should be used with an external monitor (the built-in monitor is small and doesn’t articulate), external audio recorder (the internal sound recording quality isn’t great), a lens adapter (to combat the crop factor of using a small sensor), and an external battery pack (the stock batteries only last around 30 minutes). It also lacks some features that other small cameras have, such as 4K recording and high frame rates for slow motion. While these factors might make it tempting to dismiss the Pocket Cinema Camera, there is one area where this camera really excels: image quality. The footage captured by this camera is detailed and film-like, without the unpleasant “digital” look that some other video cameras have. The video files recorded by this camera tend to be larger than those recorded on cameras like the RX10 II or the GH3 and the footage is higher quality as a result. The footage also has less contrast and saturation, which makes it ideal for color correction and grading in post-production. The Pocket Cinema Camera isn’t the best camera for every situation, but if you want to capture really beautiful cinematic footage, it’s one of the best options.
Suggested Accessories
Tascam DR-40 audio recorder, Metabones Speedbooster, Zeiss prime lenses, SmallHD DP7 Pro external monitor
Additional Information
DJI Osmo
Key Features
- 3-axis gimbal stabilization
- 4K recording
- Slow motion recording
- Built-in wide angle 20mm (equivalent) lens
Ideal Uses
Steadicam-style shots, music videos
Pros and Cons
+ Advanced stabilization modes, small form factor, lots of recording options
– Fixed lens, small sensor, no good on-camera audio options
Overview
The DJI Osmo is a small camera with a wide-angle lens that is permanently attached to a 3-axis gimbal electronic stabilizer. (Gimbal stabilizers use small motors to keep cameras steady and remove unwanted movement and shake – they are, essentially, electronic Steadicam rigs.) It has limited audio capabilities and a fixed lens, so it is not a good “general use” camera; the Osmo is a specialty tool used to capture smooth moving shots. Since there is no screen on the camera itself, it must be paired with a cell phone. The Osmo can film at 4K resolution or at full HD (1080p) in a variety of frame rates for slow motion footage.
Suggested Accessories
RODE VideoMicro
Additional Information
Krasnogorsk-3
Key Features
- 16mm film recording
- All mechanical operation
- Animation and time-lapse capabilities
- 17-69mm f/1.9 lens
Ideal Uses
Short film, introduction to 16mm production
Pros and Cons
+ Simple operation, all mechanical, versatile lens
– Limited recording options, heavy
Overview
For students interested in learning to shoot on 16mm film, the Krasnogorsk-3 is a great option. The camera is relatively simple and straightforward and the included lens is versatile. This camera does not record audio, so a separate recorder will need to be used for sound capture.
Suggested Accessories
Large tripod, Tascam DR-40 audio recorder
Additional Information
Bolex H16 Reflex
Key Features
- 16mm film recording
- All mechanical operation
- Animation and time-lapse capabilities
- Fade, cross dissolve, and multiple exposure capabilities
- Triple lens bayonet mount
Ideal Uses
Short film, advanced 16mm production
Pros and Cons
+ Advanced recording features, triple lens mount
– Complex operation, fragile
Overview
The Bolex H16 is the more advanced of our two 16mm film cameras. It has the ability to do sophisticated in-camera effects such as double exposures, fades, and cross dissolves. The rotating front bayonet mount allows three lenses to be mounted to the camera for fast switching between different focal lengths. Our kit includes a 10mm f/1.6, a 25mm f/1.5, and a 75mm f/1.9 lens.
Suggested Accessories
Large tripod, Tascam DR-40 audio recorder
Additional Information
Camera manual, hand grip accessory manual, shutter release accessory manual
Specs Chart
Here’s a breakdown of the individual specs for each camera and how they compare.
