5 High-End Cameras that Filmmakers Love

Posted on: May 19, 2023

A fully assembled cinematic camera rig filming indoors.Photo Credit: 26ShadesOfGreen / Shutterstock.com

By Staff Me Up

Cameras are constantly changing and improving, so it’s a great idea to keep yourself up to date on what camera you will be expected to work with, no matter the production budget. Filmmaking at its finest calls for a certain degree of quality, and we thought you’d like to know about some of the best cameras out there today. Loaded with features, these pieces of machinery are awesome to work with, and are works of art in themselves.

Here are some of our favorite cameras on the market:

Canon EOS C300 Mark III

If you’re looking for a top-notch 4K, look no further than the Canon EOS C300 Mark III. This powerhouse records up to 120 fps at 4K or uses a cropped sensor for up to 150 fps at 2K. It also has a superior auto-focus and mechanical image stabilization for when you’re on the move. The Canon EOS C300 Mark III records internal 4K Cinema RAW Light or high-quality MXF at 4:2:2 and includes a 4.3-inch display with dual XLR audio inputs and a user changeable EF or PL lens mount.

RED KOMODO 6K

RED is always putting out groundbreaking cinema cameras, and the KOMODO 6K is no different. Weighing a travel-friendly 2.1 lbs, this camera can record up to 6K at 40 fps (or 4K at 60 fps) and features a 19.9 MP Super 35 CMOS sensor with Global Shutter technology. The RED KOMODO 6K also provides a whopping 16+ stops of dynamic range for low-light performance, plus a suite of RED’s control system smartphone integrations and wireless controls.

Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K

The Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K is loaded with great features and commands an excellent shoot at up to 60 fps in 12K, 120 fps at 8K and 220 fps at 4K using a cropped sensor. This powerhouse utilizes Blackmagic’s 5th Generation Color Science to get your colors right, ranging from neon signs to skin tones. It also boasts an array of extras such as a built-in microphone, XLR mic inputs, an interchangeable lens mount, timecode I/O and a touchscreen LCD.

Sony FX6

An absolute workhorse of a camera, the Sony FX6 does not stop providing value. Using a 4K full-frame Exmor R sensor combined with a BIONZ XR processor, the Sony FX6 wields a 6 x 4.6-inch lightweight body under 2 lbs, so you can take it with you without hassle. It’s also great in low-light conditions, thanks to an ISO 12800 high-sensitivity mode.

ARRI ALEXA 35

You didn’t think we’d leave the cream of the crop off this list, did you? The ARRI ALEXA is unsurpassed in its abilities, and the 35 is no different. The Alexa 35 has a Super 35 format ARRI ALEV 4 CMOS sensor with a Bayer pattern color filter array to create an unbelievable shooting experience. It’s also the smallest fully featured ARRI production camera available and extremely versatile, boasting five interchangeable lens mounts, two scratch mics and internal FSND filters to adapt to various shooting requirements. This little camera records 4K at up to 120 fps and has the processing power of larger ALEXA models.

Using the ALEXA allows productions the ability to use less lighting, and gives little to correct in post. ARRI cameras are used in major Hollywood productions, and are the gold standard of cinematic cameras. To get ahold of one of these, you’ll have to check in with the folks at ARRI to rent one out or pick up a pre-owned model.

Know of any sweet cinematic cameras we missed? Let us know on your social media channels. And if you’re an AC or Camera Operator that can’t wait to get behind one of these cameras, or just a friendly neighborhood production worker looking for their next gig, you can browse and apply to thousands of jobs on Staff Me Up to get on-set today.

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