Best Cinematic Camera In 2023: A Detailed Review
Updated on July 27, 2023
Delve in filmmaking? Want to shoot like a professional cinematographer? Need a cinematic camera? We have reviewed and recommended the best cinematic cameras (best film-making cameras) with pros and cons.
Most people are crazy about cinematic shots and often try to learn how to shoot cinema-like videos on their own.
Cinematic videos or cinema-kind shots record videos with a shallow depth of field including varying angles and add beautiful focus transitions for a cinema-grade look.
To produce a film-like content like professional do, you need the best cinematic cameras by your side.
In this guide, we’ve entailed the year’s best cinematic cameras for everyone including beginners and experienced filmmaking needs.
So, by the end of this blog, you will be able to choose a kind of cinematic camera that suits you best.
Table of Contents
Best Cinematic Cameras With High Video Quality
It’s not easy for us to investigate these best cinema cameras for filmmaking as there are dozens of options available.
We’ve researched the best cinematic cameras for every budget-oriented person, so in case you’re a beginner, there’s an option for you as well.
Panasonic AU-EVA1
Panasonic AU-EVA1
Starting at
$6,495.00
- Type: Cinema camera
- Sensor size: 24.89 x 12.97 mm
- Sensor resolution: 20.5 MP
- Recording format: MOV and AVCHD
- Lens mount: EF mount
- Video (max): 4K
- Operating temperature: 0 to 40°C
- Weight: 2.65 lb / 1.2 kg (body only)
The first time we heard of Panasonic AU-EVA1, we thought of it as a conventional cine-cam but now we have become its biggest fan as its specs stand outstanding, though it’s cost you higher.
We loved the ergonomics and design facet as everything is placed in the right position for a flexible shooting experience. You can move the LCD screen of the camera anywhere which gives you flexibility in shooting and viewing.
The camera features a super large sensor “35mm” with dual native ISO technology which ample-up cinematic shooting at a glance.
Magically, you can shoot at 4K UHD at 60fps and 2K at 240fps which allows you to shoot quality cinematic videos in both slow-motion and standard motion.
Everything is great in EVA1 except AutoFocus. Sometimes, you have to deal with mediocre AF but that happens sometimes.
Reasons To Buy
-
V-Log and V-Gamut Capture
-
5.7K downsampling works well
- Dual-native ISOs
Reasons To Avoid
-
Reflective screen
- Troubled autofocus
Score Results
Video quality: 9.0
Frame rate: 8.0
Ergonomic: 8.0
Connectivity: 9.0
Handheld shooting: 9.0
Panasonic AU-EVA1 Common Questions
Q. What size sensor is EVA1?
Ans. 24.60 mm x 12.97 mm is the sensor size that captures 5.7K resolution.
Q. What is the frame rate of the Panasonic EVA1?
Ans. EVA1 holds capability to shoot in various frame rates such as 60fps at 4k, 120fps at 1080p, and 240fps with sensor crop at 1080p.
Canon EOS C300 Mark III
Canon EOS C300 Mark III
Starting at
$9,791.08
- Type: Cinema camera
- Sensor size: 26.2 x 13.8 mm
- Sensor resolution: 9.6 MP
- Recording format: XF-AVC/MXF
- Lens mount: EF, PL, and B4
- Video (max): 4K
- Operating temperature: 0 to 40°C
- Weight: 3.86 lb / 1.75 kg (body only)
The C300 Mark III is Canon’s important release in its cinema camera lineup. It is very much similar to the Canon EOS C500 Mark II in terms of physical appearance and shooting quality.
Canon has given really powerful slow-motion functionality with 120fps recording in 4K and 180fps in 2K crop which is rare to have in other best cinematic cameras at the price it comes with.
As we tested for image quality, it stands brilliant as it delivers very sharp and detailed, indeed. The physical design is also satisfactory and convenient to add accessories for filming.
The only thing we found annoying about this cinema camera is that it has only one video port. This means if you want to use EVF for example, you need to detach the LCD monitor.
Reasons To Buy
-
120fps in 4K cinema raw light
-
Dual pixel AF with touchscreen support
- Super 35mm DGO sensor
Reasons To Avoid
-
Only one video port
Score Results
Video quality: 9.0
Frame rate: 8.0
Ergonomic: 7.0
Connectivity: 9.0
Handheld shooting: 8.0
C300 Mark III Common Questions
Q. Is Canon C300 Netflix approved?
Ans. Yes, Canon C300 cine-cam is enrolled in the Netflix approved camera.
Q. Does Canon C300 shoot 4K?
Ans. With a DIGIC 7 sensor, the C300 can record high bit rate 4K video.
Sony FX6
Sony FX6
Starting at
$7,343.31
- Type: Cinema camera
- Sensor size: 35.7 x 18.8 mm
- Sensor resolution: 10.2 MP
- Recording format: XAVC-I
- Lens mount: E mount
- Video (max): 4K
- Operating temperature: 0 to 40°C
- Weight: 2.0 lb / 890g (body only)
If your budget is not far enough or you don’t want to go with Canon and Panasonic cine-cameras, you can look at this option that gives you a bang for your buck.
The Sony FX6 is only 890g (body only) and adding up accessories goes to 2.59kg which is standard and acceptable. The best about FX6 is that it gives full-frame performance which means you won’t get crop cuts.
As it lacks 6K and 8K capabilities, it shoots 4K videos at 120fps with technologies like real-time eye AF, face detection, cinematic color science, 800/12800 ISO sensitivity, and 10-bit internally.
It’s the best cinematic camera that you can bring for filmmaking as everything is delivered perfectly.
Reasons To Buy
-
4K (QFHD) high-frame-rate 120fps
-
Built-in electronic Variable ND Filter
- Cinematic color science with S-Cinetone
Reasons To Avoid
-
No built-in image stabilization
Score Results
Video quality: 7.0
Frame rate: 9.0
Ergonomic: 8.0
Connectivity: 8.0
Handheld shooting: 9.0
Sony FX6 Common Questions
Q. Does Sony FX6 shoot in 4K?
Ans. Yes, Sony FX6 can shoot in 4K (QFHD) high-frame-rate 120fps recording.
Q. Does Sony FX6 overheat?
Ans. According to the media verdict, the Sony FX6 was designed to avoid overheating in any situation.
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K
Starting at
$4,750.07
- Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor size: 23.10mm x 12.99mm
- Sensor resolution: 8.8 MP
- Recording format: RAW and ProRes
- Lens mount: Canon EF mount
- Video (max): 6K
- Operating temperature: 0 to 40°C
- Weight: 4.6 lb / 2kg (body only)
We love what Blackmagic is doing with their cameras for filmmakers. With Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K model you shoot in high-resolution 6K, you can shoot pretty high-quality images and cinematics recording in RAW and ProRes.
You get cropped dynamics when shooting on RAW 4K DCI but when switched to RAW 6K, you get no crop dynamics which means full frame reading is delivered. However, on ProRes 4K DCI, you get full-frame shooting (and that is the only option you get).
Another good thing we’ve noticed in this camera is its movable screen which can only swing up and down (no side to side) but it’s good when filming.
It has a dedicated ND filter button on top of the LCD monitor that can be used to block IR contamination by simply pressing the ‘Minus’ and ‘Plus’ signs, no need to miss around ND filters in front of the lens.
Reasons To Buy
-
Great value for the spec
-
Raw and ProRes
- Built-in ND filters
Reasons To Avoid
-
No continuous AF, AE or IBIS
Score Results
Video quality: 9.0
Frame rate: 9.0
Ergonomic: 8.0
Connectivity: 8.0
Handheld shooting: 9.0
Blackmagic 6K Common Questions
Q. Is this camera Netflix approved?
Ans. No, the Blackmagic 6K which is a pocket cinema camera isn’t Netflix-approved.
Q. Is Blackmagic Pocket 6K mirrorless?
Ans. Yes, BMPCC 6K is not a centered cinema camera instead a Mirrorless but many professionals are using this camera for filmmaking.
Panasonic LUMIX BS1H
Panasonic LUMIX BS1H
Starting at
$3,182.09
- Type: Cinema camera
- Sensor size: 35.6 mm x 23.8 mm
- Sensor resolution: 24.2 MP
- Recording format: ALL-Intra, LongGOP, MOV, and MP4
- Lens mount: L mount
- Video (max): 6K
- Operating temperature: 0 to 40°C
- Weight: 1.29 lb / 585g (body only)
We call it a cube camera as it is shaped like a small box. You can’t use this camera for photography which means specifically used for filming or cinematic shots.
It is a very capable camera as you get 6K 24p, 4K 60p with a crop, no recording limits and you get support for all media recording formats that you can use at, 4:2:0, 4:2:2, and All-I and LongGOP in 8-bit and 10-bit all possible to be recorded internally.
Another thing to note is that it is specifically designed for indoor shooting requirements. You can use this camera as a multi-cam set-up for live streaming or as a standalone for specific agendas.
However, there are many downsides to this camera.
Primitively, it does not come with an LCD screen to see what you are shooting or setting change.
Another worse thing is that you can’t switch the RAW over HDMI off with the app, you would need another display for example monitor or computer to do so.
Reasons To Buy
-
14+ stops of V-Log and V-Gamut
-
4K 60p IP streaming supportable
- Excellent low light performance
Reasons To Avoid
-
No articulating screen
- Doesn’t come with a battery
Score Results
Video quality: 8.0
Frame rate: 8.0
Ergonomic: 8.0
Connectivity: 9.0
Handheld shooting: 9.0
Panasonic LUMIX BS1H Common Questions
Q. Is Lumix BS1H better than Panasonic AU-EVA1?
Ans. No, Lumix BS1H doesn’t offer professional filmmakers substantial requirements like LCD screen, EVF, ND filters, and IBIS which means Panasonic AU-EVA1 is a good option.
Q. Does the BS1H have autofocus?
Ans. Yes, it has an excellent autofocus feature and uses the DFD autofocusing system which is common to be found in Lumix models.
Panasonic HC-X1
Panasonic HC-X1
Starting at
$2,697.99
- Type: Cinema camera
- Sensor size: Not disclosed
- Sensor resolution: 9.46 MP
- Recording format: MOV, MP4, and AVCHD
- Lens mount: Leica Dicomar Lens
- Video (max): 4K
- Operating temperature: 0 to 40°C
- Weight: 4.41 lb / 2kg (body only)
The Panasonic HC-X1 is the best cinematic camera and it shoots great-looking video. We like everything about this camera including physical design, ergonomics, system features, and video output at a glance.
We think it’s good for semi-professional videographers as it delivers the most genuine things on demand. It shoots great 4K image quality and supports Ultra HD multi-format recording.
If you are involved in serious content production like studio cinematic, wildlife cinematic, sports cinematic, or filmmaking, this camera is pretty gigantic to withstand in every aspect.
As it is budget-friendly, you can overlook bucks-monster cameras like Panasonic BS1H and Canon EOS C300 Mark III.
Reasons To Buy
-
Advanced Optical Image Stabilizer
-
Supports dual codec recording
- 4K Ultra HD professional camcorder
Reasons To Avoid
-
Lacks the ability to get shallow depth of field
- Non interchangeable lens camera
Score Results
Video quality: 8.0
Frame rate: 8.0
Ergonomic: 8.0
Connectivity: 8.0
Handheld shooting: 5.0
Panasonic HC-X1 Common Questions
Q. What is the bitrate of HC-X1?
Ans. The bitrate for the HC-X1 is up to 100 megabits per second.
Q. Does the Panasonic HC-X1 come with a battery?
Ans. Yes, the S-8D98 70Wh battery is included with the camera.
Nikon Z6
Nikon Z6
Starting at
$1,696.95
- Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor size: 35.9 x 23.9 mm
- Sensor resolution: 24.5 MP
- Recording format: MOV and MP4
- Lens mount: F mount
- Video (max): 4K
- Operating temperature: 0 to 40°C
- Weight: 1.29 lb / 585g (body only)
Looking for a budget-friendly best cinematic camera? You can try Nikon Z6 which is not a Cine-Cam but performs losslessly equivalent.
It is a mirrorless camera with a 35.9 x 23.9 mm FX-format backside illumination CMOS sensor that performs pretty well in both images and videos.
For video, it can shoot up to 12 fps; 4K Ultra-HD video; 6K time-lapse; 1080P/120fps slow motion while using a 273-Point on-sensor Phase detect AF system.
You can use this camera to create cinematic videos for weddings, sports, traveling, and others in a nutshell. It records in the 10-bit depth of colors, hence good for cinematic creation with LUT effects.
Reasons To Buy
-
Capture video footage in 10 bit N-Log
-
Efficient integrated stabilization
- Compatibility with the majority of Nikon lenses
Reasons To Avoid
-
Screen only tilts
- Single memory card slot
Score Results
Video quality: 8.0
Frame rate: 8.0
Ergonomic: 7.0
Connectivity: 7.0
Handheld shooting: 8.0
Nikon Z6 Common Questions
Q. Is the Nikon Z6 good in low light?
Ans. Thanks to high ISO performance, users can shoot good images and record quality videos in low-light, with extended sensitivity reaching up to ISO 204,800.
Q. Can Nikon Z6 shoot 4K 60?
Ans. Yes, Nikon Z6 can shoot RAW videos in 4K at 30fps with full readout of the sensor.
Canon EOS R8
Canon EOS R8
Starting at
$1,499.00
- Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor size: 36mm x 24 mm
- Sensor resolution: 24.2 MP
- Recording format: MOV
- Lens mount: RF mount
- Video (max): 4K
- Operating temperature: 0 to 40°C
- Weight: 0.91 lb / 414g (body only)
Canon’s newly released world’s largest full-frame mirrorless camera, EOS R8 is a buzzword across the globe. A lot of professional photographers are talking about the camera and the way it stands out at the price it is tagged.
This mid-range 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor, 2.36 million dots EVF, Weather-resistant construction, Advanced HDR and HDR PQ, and 40fps high-speed continuous shooting make this camera worthy for high-quality stills and Cinema-like video shooting.
The ergonomics of this camera are fun, fast, and easy to use. Though it is inexpensive compared to Nikon Z6 and comes with more features intact, you can consider buying this camera over the Nikon models.
Reasons To Buy
-
Uncropped 4K movie at up to 60 fps
-
Wide dynamic range of still pictures
- Vari-angle LCD touchscreen
Reasons To Avoid
-
Awkwardly placed card slot
Score Results
Video quality: 8.0
Frame rate: 8.0
Ergonomic: 8.0
Connectivity: 7.0
Handheld shooting: 8.0
Canon R8 Common Questions
Q. Is R8 full-frame?
Ans. Yes, the R8 incorporates a 36mm x 24mm (full-frame) 24.2 million pixel CMOS image sensor and DIGIC X Image Processor.
Q. When did the Canon R8 come out?
Ans. April 18, 2023 is the release date of Canon EOS R8.
Are Best Cinema Cameras Built Differently?
The short answer is yes.
Cinema cameras are designed and developed with a different set of considerations and therefore, they are distinct from the best mirrorless cameras.
Although you can shoot cinematic from mirrorless, they aren’t really made for cinema shooting.
Cinema cameras outrage in performance as they allow you everything that is required to complete high-end professional video work.
In these cameras, you get demanded connectivity, modular design, high-quality shooting and saving formats, and a collaborative production workflow.
?
How To Choose The Best Cinematic Camera?
You will be looking at a different set of cameras when considering buying the best cinematic cameras. We don’t talk about Mirrorless vs DSLR cameras here.
As there are plenty of options available, you can gently pick a camera for filmmaking. But there are five things to examine that your cinema camera should offer to you. Those are discussed below:
1. Excellent low-light performance
Poorer low-light performance may ruin your cinematic look and feel, thus, it is important to look out for a camera that shoots brilliantly in low light.
Especially for filmmaking, cinema cameras are developed with the thought to provide professionals to shoot in night lights with sharp details, accurate focus, and better ISOs settings.
Test your cinema cameras for low-light performance. Take a short or record a video where the light is dim or the subject doesn’t have much light availability. Analyze the output and make a decision.
2. Accurate focusing
Faultless focusing is another important thing to expect to get from your cinematic camera. It should be accurate and pretty fast.
In filmmaking, there are many objects and scenes with various angles to be shot, in which it’s required that those scenes be captured with an accurate focus, so the details don’t get blurred or out of focus.
Test the camera to see how fast it can focus on the subject at a distance. A fast and accurate focus helps the video shooting experience enthralling.
3. Higher number of frames
Why do frame rates matter? There are plenty of reasons for that. Being the foremost gives an impact on style and video views.
If you are shooting for movies, 24fps is the standard because it looks natural to the human eye and feels the most cinematic.
Besides, shooting cinematic at 60fps and 120fps makes a video overall look smoother and more detailed. It will be good if you get all these frame-level features in your cinema camera.
4. LOG option
For cinematic shooting, most professionals take use of LOG mode. It shorts for logarithmic footage, a companion feature for cinematic recording that gives a wide dynamic and tonal range to further provide exceptional flexibility in color grading.
This is where magic comes when shooting in LOG mode rather than RAW. Examine your camera before making a final purchase that allows you to shoot with a combination of S-Log and S-Gamut so you can give scenes the look you envisioned.
5. Strong battery performance
You know you would hold your camera for long hours to take shots you planned for a cinematic experience.
Then, you would also know that you would be required to have a camera that lasts for an hour.
More than an hour of battery performance is important to unleash your cinema camera so you get plenty of time to complete your shooting objectives.
Summary: Best Cinematic Cameras In 2023
| IMAGE | PRODUCT NAME | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Panasonic AU-EVA1 |
|
Buy Now |
 |
Canon EOS C300 Mark III |
|
Buy Now |
 |
Sony FX6 |
|
Buy Now |
 |
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K |
|
Buy Now |
 |
Panasonic LUMIX BS1H |
|
Buy Now |
 |
Panasonic HC-X1 |
|
Buy Now |
 |
Nikon Z6 |
|
Buy Now |
 |
Canon EOS R8 |
|
Buy Now |
It’s your time to try cinematic shots from aforementioned cameras.
All the cameras for cinematography are great and deliver good results as we tested it out personally.
Go ahead! Feel confident getting your first best cinematic camera from this guide.
That’s all in this blog 🙂
Recent Updates:
- July 27, 2023: Reviewed the accuracy of the article with some tweaks to text for reliability and speech.
- July 27, 2023: Mentioned each camera’s scores in various categories based on internal survey data.
- July 27, 2023: Uploaded a video with an aim to provide more detailed and accurate information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cinematic camera?
A cinematic camera is a camera that is designed specifically for capturing high-quality, professional-looking footage for use in films, TV shows, and other visual media.
Which camera is best for cinematic shots?
Canon EOS C300 Mark III is the best camera that delivers excellent, high-quality, and professional-looking cinematic shots.
What best cinematic camera does a filmmaker use?
Panasonic AU-EVA1 is the best cinema camera and Netflix-approved camera for videography and filmmaking.
Which is the best cinematic camera for beginners?
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K is a convenient cinematic camera for beginners.
Which is the best cinematic camera in low-budget?
Canon EOS R8 is the best cinematic camera that newbies purchase for cinematic shooting experience.
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