Top Documentary Camera Choices for Every Budget
Are you a filmmaker that’s thinking about upgrading your equipment and adding a documentary camera or getting your first camera so that you can produce documentaries? If documentary filmmaking is on your mind, and you want to capture a mix of impactful interviews and stories as well as amazing b-roll footage, choosing a documentary camera should be high up on your list of to-dos!
We’ve put together a list of documentary camera options that are best for any budget. Even if you’re looking for a super-low-budget option, there are some quality documentary filmmaking cameras that can get the job done.
Check out the top documentary camera choices we’ve got for you no matter what budget you’re working with – you’ll be surprised!
Low-Budget Documentary Camera Options
At bare minimum, producing a documentary is going to require a camera and a tripod. You may not need extensive sliders or rings, but to capture quality video for your documentary it’s important to consider the bare essentials. In addition to your tripod, a DSLR camera or a low-budget camcorder is ideal.
The following options might do the trick:
- Canon EOS Rebel T7 starting at about $450
- Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless 4K video camera priced under $600
- Canon EOS 77D DSLR Camera w/EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 priced around $800
Any of these cameras, or a DSLR that has 4K capabilities, a quality external audio source, and the right lighting can help you produce a quality documentary film.
Mid-Range Documentary Camera Options
Jumping up to cameras that are priced mid-range for a beginner, over $1,000 but still very affordable you’ll find many consumer, prosumer and traditional documentary camera options and styles to choose from.
Many have motorized zoom options, others have ergonomic grips and handles that can make for more comfort during longer-shoots.
Documentary filmmakers on limited budgets with a bit more than low- or super-low budget to invest can consider the following documentary camera options:
- Sony FS7 Super 35mm Camera priced just over $1,100 and up to $7,900 for various models
- Canon EOS C100 Mark II priced around $2,500
- Sony PXW-FS5 4K XDCAM starting at just under $3,000
Professional Grade Documentary Camera Options
For professionals, shooting a documentary becomes more than just a filmmaking hobby. It’s what you do everyday, or most days, and it brings in revenue for your studio or business.
Investments into a documentary camera for filmmakers in the professional video industry focus largely on production quality, USB and HDMI outputs, abilities, and functionality.
You’re focused on getting the job done right, with minimal effort and ergonomics are important because you need to know that you can work 12 hours or more a day.
The best documentary camera options in this class include:
- Canon C300 Mark II Starting around $7500
- Sony PXW FS7 priced around $7000
- Sony PMW F55 starting at $7,500
Choosing a documentary camera and the equipment that you’ll need to produce a documentary for television or for your website requires careful planning and consideration.