Movie Making Manual/Cinematography/Camera
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This Module is part of the Cinematography section of the Movie Making Manual
What specifications would make your perfect camera? This incomplete list serves two purposes:
- To give you an idea for what specifications and possible camera choices you can make, considering you budget.
- It's fun to fantasize
Low Budget Cameras[edit | edit source]
<$500 USD
Possible Specifications[edit | edit source]
- 720x1280p - 1080x1920p
- 4:4:2 Colour Representation
- Records onto inbuilt HDD or external SD cards
- Ability to record 24, 25 and/or 30fps
- Video Component Out
- Autofocus
- Battery Operated
Examples[edit | edit source]
- Canon: Legria HF R26
- Panasonic Lumix: G5, G3
Mid Budget Cameras[edit | edit source]
$500-$2500
Possible Specifications[edit | edit source]
- <= 1920x1080p resolution.
- Variable frame rate; 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 60.
- Select-able Aspect ratio from 4:3, 16:9, 2.35:1.
- 4:4:2 colour representation.
- Custom and Auto Exposure.
- User settable white balance.
- Records to Internal/External HDDs, SD Cards or CF Cards.
- Possible interchangeable lens.
- Reasonable Low-light abilities.
- Liveview functions.
- Records video metadata (date, time)
- Video Component/HDMI out.
- Manual and/or Autofocus
- User has direct, mechanical control over the focus and zoom.
- Eye tracking to control where to focus and exposure
- Audio inputs (3.5mm jack)
- Manual Audio Levels
- User-upgradable firmware
Examples[edit | edit source]
- DSLRs
- Canon EOS: 550D, 600D, 650D, 60D, 7D, 5DMII(I)
- Panasonic Lumix: GH1, GH2 (Technically mirror-less)
- Camcorders
- Canon: XA10
Higher Budget Cameras[edit | edit source]
$2500-$100,000
Possible Specifications[edit | edit source]
- 1080p-5k resolution
- 4:4:4 Colour Representation (Uncompressed RAW)
- Interchangeable Lens
- Manual Focus
- Custom Exposure and White balance settings
- Records to internal/external SSD
- HD/SDI
- XLR Inputs
- Audio Monitoring
- Manual Frame rates: 1-300fps+
- Manual Aspect Ratios: 4:3, 16:9, 2.35:1.
- Records video metadata (Date, Time, Scene number, Take number, Timecode)
- Timecode in.
- PL or other mount.
Examples[edit | edit source]
- RED: Scarlet, One, Epic.
- ARRI: Alexa
- SONY: FS700
- CANON: C300, 1D-C
Hollywood Budget Cameras[edit | edit source]
$100,000+
Examples[edit | edit source]
EXPENSIVE
- 45mm Film
- IMAX film