13 Questions To Ask When Buying A Filmmaking Camera

Buying a cinematic camera or filmmaking camera involves huge investment.

Therefore, it is crucial to pick the best of the best in terms of everything that ensures you a piece of mind shooting experience.

So, what’s the best way to buy the best camera for short film shooting or big-budget movie creation?

Look at the following 20 questions with answers given of each to help you to determine your best filmmaking camera.

Q1. What is my budget for a filmmaking camera?

The question centered attention is about ‘budget’ and it means how much your ability to spend.

Your budget will determine the range of camera options available to you. High-end cinema cameras can be quite expensive, while consumer-level options are more budget-friendly.

Q2. What type of projects will I primarily be using this camera for (e.g., documentaries, narrative films, vlogs)?

The question is often constrained to ‘camera usage’ and the reason your camera would be used for.

In filmmaking, there are various genres such as documentaries, narrative films, and vlogs.

Figure out your niche interest and the type of projects you plan to work on, as this will influence your camera choice.

Q3. What is the camera’s sensor size?

The question highly refers to ‘sensor size’ and also an important factor to consider.

Shooting for big screen or other screen format, filmmakers often choose to go with a full-frame sensor. It is because of better image quality and depth of field.

Full-frame sensors are excellent for cinematic video, while smaller sensors may be more compact and affordable.

Q4. Does the camera support the video codecs and formats I plan to use (e.g., H.264, H.265, ProRes)?

The question contextualizes the expectation of filmmakers in regard to video codecs and formats.

It is important that your chosen filmmaking camera should offer you the choice to export your content in different video codecs and formats such as H.264 and H.265 including a popular ProRes shooting format.

Ensure the camera supports the video codecs and formats you plan to use for editing and distribution.

Q5. What is the camera’s low-light performance and maximum ISO capability?

This question argues about ‘low-light performance’ and ‘ISO sensitivity’ and both are important factors to consider when buying a cinematic camera.

Better low light performance in filmmaking cameras combined with maximum ISO capability provides flexibility in shooting.

Test the camera in different lighting conditions while exploring each shot with varying ISO sensitivity and check the result.

Q6. What is the camera’s dynamic range for capturing highlights and shadows?

The question context ‘dynamic range of a camera’ and it is also an important factor to consider.

Learn about the camera’s dynamic range, which affects its ability to capture details in both highlights and shadows.

In filmmaking, various shooting angles indulge to complete one shot. Check whether the selected camera offers you dynamic range for capturing highlights and shadows.

Certainly, the modern cinema cameras have capability to reproduce 14 or more stops of dynamic range. Aim to get your camera near or equal to this.

Q7. What lens mount does the camera use, and what lens options are available?

Ironically, filmmaking cameras do use certain types of lens to ensure better picture visibility and sharp video shooting.

Lens mount is something that refers to the physical connection point on the camera body where you attach the camera lens.

So, kindly check for lens availability and compatibility lenses that match with the selected filmmaking camera.

Some types of lenses for filmmaking include:

• Wide-angle lenses
• Prime lenses
• Fisheye lenses
• Anamorphic lenses
• Telephoto lenses
• Macro lenses

Q8. Are there audio input options for external microphones, and does it have built-in audio recording features?

This question entails a query regarding the availability of audio input feature which is important to be present in filmmaking cameras.

Ensure the camera has audio input options for external microphones, and inquire about its audio recording features.

In addition to this, external microphones can provide better sound quality and noise reduction than built-in microphones. It facilitates capturing clearer dialogue or more natural environmental sounds.

Q9. How is the camera’s battery life, and can I use external power sources for longer shoots?

This question straightforwardly argues about the camera’s longevity.

You should consider the camera’s battery life and whether it can be powered externally for longer shoots.

Often during making film (small or big) if the battery runs out, it stops everything for a moment. Therefore, check the camera’s longevity by ensuring maximum run time and option of external power source so you can continue without delay.

Q10. Does it have essential video features like zebras, peaking, and waveform monitors?

It is genuinely critical to check the physical features available in your filmmaking camera. These features can greatly impact the quality of your video productions and your creative control over the final result.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to look for:

• Zebras (Exposure Assist): Zebras are a visual aid that helps you identify overexposed areas in your footage.
• Peaking (Focus Assist): Peaking is a focus assist tool that highlights in-focus areas of the image by adding a colored outline or highlighting edges.
• Waveform Monitors (Exposure and Color): Waveform monitors provide a graphical representation of the brightness levels in your image.
• Histograms (Exposure): Histograms provide a visual representation of the distribution of brightness values in your image.
• Log Profiles: Some cameras offer log profiles, like CineStyle or S-Log, which capture a flat, desaturated image.
• Built-in ND Filters: ND filters reduce the amount of light entering the camera, allowing you to use wider apertures and slower shutter speeds in bright conditions while maintaining proper exposure.
• Bit Depth and Color Sampling: Look at the camera’s bit depth (e.g., 8-bit, 10-bit, 12-bit) and color sampling (e.g., 4:2:0, 4:2:2, 4:4:4) options.

Q11. Does it offer customizable picture profiles for color grading and creative control?

When choosing a filmmaking camera, it’s essential to understand the concept of picture profiles and their relevance to your projects.

Picture profiles are essential tools for achieving the desired cinematic look in your filmmaking projects. They impact dynamic range, color rendition, contrast, and overall image aesthetics.

Understanding the available picture profiles and how to use them effectively in your camera is crucial for achieving the visual style you want in your videos.

Q12. What is the availability of firmware updates and community support for the camera?

Firmware refers to the software that runs on your camera’s internal hardware.

Specifically, firmware updates make the software more strong and performative. It may enhance the camera’s performance, stability, and functionality.

Sometimes firmware updates also fix unexpected errors and ensure a smoother shooting experience.

To learn more about firmware updates, check the manufacturer’s website or official channels for firmware updates.

Q13. Have I read reviews and gathered opinions from other filmmakers who have used this camera model?

When considering a filmmaking camera, seeking out reviews and opinions from other filmmakers who have used the same camera model can provide valuable insights and guidance.

Other than this, you can also explore the internet to gather opinions and reviews. Here’s some potential examples:

• Consider youtube to get deeper details from experts.
• Ask experts questions on forum websites.
• Chat with a camera manufacturing representative for more details.

What’s Next

Consider these questions first yourself before or while buying a filmmaking camera.

It might help you figure out a better decision and assist you in purchasing with confidence.

If you do still have questions in mind, don’t hesitate to ask. Thanks for reading my blog 🙂