1. Sony FX3
Best Go-To For Any Filmmaker, Stunning Results Made Easy
Of course, this is number one; this camera is a fan favorite and my personal go-to.
The Sony FX3 has quickly become a favorite among beginner-to-intermediate filmmakers, and for good reason — it delivers everything you'd want without over-complicating things. At its heart is a 12.1-megapixel full-frame sensor that captures stunning detail and offers a massive 15 stops of dynamic range, which means your shots will look sharp in bright and low light. Plus, with an ISO range that goes from 80 all the way up to 102,400, you won’t have to stress about poor lighting ruining your footage.
You can shoot in 4K at up to 60 frames per second, perfect for action-packed shots. And if you're into creating buttery smooth slo-mo shots, the camera can handle up to 120fps in Full HD. The sound quality doesn’t fall short either, thanks to two XLR inputs. However, you're likely just adding an external mic anyway, it's good to know for those who want a simple setup.
With its intuitive menu and large touchscreen LCD monitor, the camera lets you adjust settings quickly without fumbling with tiny buttons. While simple in use, its design is essential and does away with fluff. We love that. It's a popular choice among prominent filmmakers, cinematographers, and avid Youtubers because of Sony's loyal testimony to stunning results every time.
The FX3 is also a Netflix-approved camera for independent filmmakers and documentarians to use. Small camera bodies for the large screens. It's that good.
If you want something even more affordable, think of the Sony FX30 as its younger sibling; it is easy on the added features with slightly less boastful specs but produces insane quality nonetheless. It's an excellent B-cam or resort for those who don't care to pixel-peep.