Best Cameras – under $2,000

The X-H2 is the best camera for video FUJIFILM has ever made!

We’re sure it will also cater well to those who need to produce video next to photo content as the 40.2MP sensor is sufficient for such a “dual task”.

With so many resolution options (Full HD – 8K), next to a robust internal recording 4:2:2 10- bit codec (ProRes), good IBIS, and good autofocus performance, we predict that this camera will be a hit, especially considering its attractive price ($1999). Add good audio and lowlight capabilities and there you have it – a very versatile working tool!

The Panasonic LUMIX GH7 camera is a great option for anyone who needs versatility.

On top of that, if you are filming nature, take full advantage of the Micro Four Thirds sensor. Meaning that one can travel with smaller zoom lenses and achieve the same focal length on the tele side as going with larger sensors, cameras, and larger lenses. We only wish a special addition, LUMIX GH7, for nature lovers (bird watchers in particular), would someday find its way to the market. We are seeing too many people schlepping around much heavier cameras and lenses from other brands, unaware of the advantages of working with a Micro Four Thirds sensor camera.

If you are a full-time news cameraman or a solo documentary filmmaker, you will also learn to appreciate the 32-bit float XLR DMW-XLR2 audio module. Running and gunning with a camera that allows you a safety net in audio recording is a welcome thing. Last but not least, we hope future versions of the GH family of cameras will look more modern and stylish. Yes, we don’t make our purchasing decisions based entirely on looks, yet a nice-looking camera might feel nicer in our hands.

Panasonic has a new capable backbone camera and we won’t exaggerate by saying that this might be the most important camera release of the past years.

Like its predecessor, it is a LongGOP encoding camera only. There is no All-Intra or ProRes internal recording, yet, 10-bit 4:2:2 color sampling in full-frame up to 4K is now possible, next to 6K recording in 10-bit 4:2:0. 

We are not sure why Panasonic named this new camera after its predecessor instead of giving it a completely new name and creating a blank starting page, but whatever the reason, for under $2000 this is a well-balanced full-frame camera in terms of price and capabilities.

If you are a filmmaker who is already using a FUJIFILM camera like the X-H2S, the X-S20 might be a perfect companion, especially if you are shooting a lot with anamorphic lenses.

As for other creators, this camera might be very appealing too. It’s powerful, small, lightweight (491g with battery and card), easy to use, has great video quality, and can simply be taken anywhere. Drone operators might consider using this camera as well, because of its size and open-gate capabilities.

Such a feature-rich camera with up to 6.2K 3:2 open gate recording in ALL-Intra, 4:2:2 10bit internally, including F-Log2 with an APS-C sensor size at this price point is not so easy to find elsewhere.

If we have to summarize our conclusion of the FUJIFILM X-S20 in a sentence, it would simply be “a camera that one can grow up with”. You get “A LOT of camera” for $1,299 and, more importantly, it’s simply fun to use!

One of our cameras of the year 2020! The FUJIFILM X-T4 is a versatile mirrorless camera that blends advanced stills and video capabilities along with enhanced workflow and assistive functionality.

Built around an APS-C-format 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, the X-T4 is capable of high-quality recording along with support for DCI/UHD 4K video at 60 fps, Full HD recording up to 240 fps, sensitivity from ISO 160-12800, and continuous shooting up to 15 fps with the mechanical shutter.

The BSI design of the sensor affords reduced noise and greater overall clarity and is paired with the X-Processor 4 to achieve fast performance and improved responsiveness. The sensor's design also enables a hybrid autofocus system that combines 425 phase-detection points with a contrast-detection system for quick and accurate AF performance.

Additionally, complementing all aspects of image production, the X-T4 also incorporates a 6.5 stop-effective sensor-shift image stabilization system to reduce the appearance of camera shake with almost any mounted lens.

• Sensor Size: 23.5 x 15.6 mm
• Lens Mount: FUJIFILM X
• MOV/H.264/H.265 10-Bit: up to DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 23.976p/24.00p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p [100 to 400 Mb/s]
• external recording: 10-Bit DCI 4K (4096 x 2160)

The bigger brother of the 4K version. The BMPCC 6K records up to 50 fps 6144 x 3456 video and it also features an active Canon EF mount, so EF/EF-s glass can be controlled via the camera in terms of aperture for example.

This model is even a bit bulkier than the 4K version but the overall look and feel remains the same. It offers a bigger s35 sensor and the inclusion of the popular Canon EF mount makes it a pretty versatile tool for aspiring filmmakers. It does not offer any in-body stabilization, though.

• Sensor Size: 23.1 x 12.99 mm (Super35)
• Lens Mount: Canon EF
• Raw: up to: 6144 x 3456 at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50 fps (49 to 483 MB/s)
• ProRes 422HQ: up to 4096 x 2160p at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps (24.25 to 117.88 MB/s)
• ProRes 422: up to 4096 x 2160p at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps (78.63 MB/s)

Blackmagics second take on the concept of a "pocket" camera. This 4K model is considerably bigger than the original version but it packs a lot more features, too.

The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K features a 4/3" sensor for capturing up to 4096 x 2160 DCI 4K images at rates up to 75 fps in a variety of codecs including Blackmagic Raw at several bit rates and various ProRes 422 options. Slow-motion rates up to 120 fps are available in 2.6K raw for Super16 lenses and in cropped Full HD. Keep in mind that you will need *a lot* of batteries when shooting with this camera.

• Sensor Size: 18.96 x 10 mm (4/3")
• Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
• Raw: up to 4096 x 2160 at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps (21 to 203 MB/s)
• ProRes 422HQ: up to 4096 x 2160p at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps (117.88 MB/s)
• ProRes 422: up to 4096 x 2160p at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps (78.63 MB/s)

The LUMIX G9II is Panasonic’s new flagship camera for taking stills, but its video capabilities have not been neglected.

Built on the success of its predecessor, the G9II kept its relatively small size and comfortable hand grip, but other than that, it is safe to say that this is a completely new camera! For the first time, both photographers and filmmakers will appreciate having a Phase Detection Autofocus System with subject recognition in an MFT camera. In all honesty, with the pre-production camera that we had, we got mixed results. Let’s say that 90% of the time the continuous autofocus worked well, and for the rest, it was a bit of a hit-and-miss up to the point where we had to switch focus to manual mode. 

Filmmakers will appreciate the large HDMI output connector and even more importantly, the ability to record ProRs HQ in up to 5.7K externally to an SSD.

In the highest possible resolution and best available codec, one can set the camera to 5.7K in up to 30p in ProRes HQ externally. When it comes to internal recording, 10-bit, 4:2:2, All Intra in up to C4K 60p Is available.  If you are not so picky about color sampling, 5.8K in up to 30p in 10-bit Long GOP 4.2:0 is also available. 

As with Panasonic cameras in general, the G9II stabilization works very well, although I advise you to carefully watch the focal length you are using when working with it. Wide shots tend to wobble a bit at the edges. 

From a video perspective, we can easily see small news agencies using this camera next to independent creators who shoot all kinds of different content but are mostly out in nature. In so many ways, the MFT sensor size is the golden ticket for high resolution, magnification, and camera size.

The Z CAM E2-M4 4K Cinema Camera features an interchangeable Micro Four Thirds lens mount and it records to a CFast 2.0 card.

This is a very versatile, yet tiny, camera. You will need a decent rig for shooting with it handheld but many filmmakeras prefer a box-shaped camera in contrast to mirrorless setups. External RAW recording via select Atomos monitors/recorders is also available.

The camera features a 4/3" sensor with 10/12-bit color support. ISO settings include 500 and 2500 in native mode, 250 and 1250 with WDR activated, and a total manual range of 500 to 102,400. The E2-M4 supports H.265 and H.264 codecs for efficient compressing of your images.

• Sensor Size: 19 x 13 mm (4/3")
• Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
• ProRes 422HQ 4:2:2 10-Bit: up to 4096 x 2160p up to 30 fps
• ProRes 422 4:2:2 10-Bit: up to 4096 x 2160p up to 48 fps
• H.265 10-Bit: up to 4096 x 2160p up to 23.98/24/25/29.97/50/59.94/120 fps (230 Mb/s)
• H.264 8-Bit: up to 4096 x 2160p up to 23.98/24/25/29.97/50/59.94/120 fps (230 Mb/s)

Another box-shaped camera from Z Cam. The E2 model The Z CAM E2 4K Cinema Camera shoots HD up to 240 fps, and records to a CFast 2.0 card.

The E2 4K features a 4/3" sensor with 10-bit color support. The camera supports recording in ProRes 422 in 10-bit, as well as H.265 and H.264 codecs for efficient compressing of your image. The difference to the slightly cheaper E2-M4 version is the option to link up multiple cameras for synchronized shooting.

• Sensor Size: 17.3 x 13 mm (4/3")
• Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
• ProRes 422HQ 4:2:2 10-Bit: up to 4096 x 2160p up to 30 fps
• ProRes 422 4:2:2 10-Bit: up to 4096 x 2160p up to 48 fps
• H.265 10-Bit: up to 4096 x 2160p up to 23.98/24/25/29.97/50/59.94/120 fps (230 Mb/s)
• H.264 8-Bit: up to 4096 x 2160p up to 23.98/24/25/29.97/50/59.94/120 fps (230 Mb/s)

The Nikon Z 6II is an updated take on the all-rounder mirrorless camera designed for photo and video applications.

The Z 6II retains its familiar form factor but offers upgraded features over the original Z 6. It offers a full-frame sensor, various recording modes, including external 4:2:2 10-Bit. In comparison to other offerings, the Z series is pretty compact in size, making this camera a good traveling kit.

• Sensor Size: 35.9 x 23.9 mm
• Lens Mount: Nikon Z
• H.264/MOV/MP4 4:2:0 8-Bit: up to UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p
• external 4:2:2 10-Bit: UHD 4K (3840 x 2160)Full HD (1920 x 1080)

Moving the LUMIX camera range into new territory, the Panasonic LUMIX BGH1 Cinema 4K Box Camera is a modular, box-style digital cinema camera with a miniature form factor, making it ideal for gimbal and drone work.

This box-style digital cinema camera features a 10.2MP M4/3 sensor with an MFT lens mount. It records video with resolutions up to 4K60 and incorporates VariCam Look workflows such as V-Log L and Cinelike, dual-native ISO using its Venus Engine, anamorphic support, AF (autofocus), and it supports HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) color.

There are many features packed into this tiny form that make it the go-to production camera in any mobile and multicamera production environment.

• Sensor Size: 19 x 13 mm (4/3")
• Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
• AVC-Intra/AVC-LongG/H.264/H.264 Long GOP/MOV/MP4 4:2:2 10-Bit: up to 4096 x 2160p at 23.98/24/25/29.97 fps (150 to 400 Mb/s)
• external 4:2:2 10-Bit via SDI/BNC: 1920 x 1080p at 60 fps external 4:2:2 10-Bit via HDMI: 4096 x 2160p at 60 fps

The Panasonic AG-UX90 UHD 4K is a classic camcorder for recording up to UHD 3840 x 2160 video.

It features a relatively small 1" MOS sensor so don't expect high-end cinema looks from it but it still is a decent piece of gear for filmmakera who want a lot of features in a compact and ergonomic package. The camera's 5-axis Hybrid Image Stabilizer provides anti-shake correction for smooth movement, and the 3-ring lens design allows for precision iris/focus/zoom manual control. It even features a professional audio input via XLR.

• Image Sensor: 1-Chip 1" MOS
• Sensor Sensor Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (8.59 MP)
• 35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 24.5 to 367.5mm
• MP4 4:2:0 8-Bit: up to 3840 x 2160p at 23.98/29.97 fps (100 Mb/s)
• AVCHD 4:2:0 8-Bit: up to 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/59.94 fps (21 to 25 Mb/s)

The Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II is a fine camera but in order to understand the full picture it is valid to ask, who is this camera actually for and why was it born? When it comes to operating, if you are a LUMIX user, this updated camera version of the legendary GH5 will make you feel right at home. Footage wise, it will be very easy to combine whatever comes out of it with other existing modern cameras from the LUMIX line, so if you are already invested with Panasonic, it is rather easy to establish the value of adding this camera to your equipment arsenal.

Now, if you are starting from scratch, it’s an entirely different story. If you are a content creator, who relies on YouTube to share your creation this camera can become an essential tool in your production, but if this is not the case, the competition gets even stiffer. So at the end, it all boils down to what you do and how you use your camera.

One thing should not be overlooked: if you are working for/with a broadcaster, this compact camera can be an ideal solution when filming news and live “reporting stand ups”. A mobile phone and a good network connection might be all you need for it, as the combined overall camera capabilities and price can’t be beat.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII is a pocket-sized camera. This seventh-generation camera in the RX100 series is the second to feature the impressive 24-200mm-equivalent ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lens that covers wide-angle to telephoto focal lengths for greater shooting flexibility.

Making use of the extended range is a redesigned 20.1MP 1" Exmor RS CMOS sensor, along with an improved BIONZ X image processor, for fast shooting performance, high sensitivity to ISO 12800, and UHD 4K video recording. The sensor's design also provides a 357-point hybrid AF system for quick and accurate focus performance and subject tracking in both stills and video modes.

A stacked design and front-end LSI also contribute to quickened operation and enhanced image quality. In terms of video capabilities, the camera also features S-Log3 and HLG gamma settings, and High Frame Rate shooting allows you to record at up to 960 fps for slow-motion playback.

• Sensor Size: 1"
• Focal Length: 9 to 72mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 24 to 200mm)
• MP4/XAVC S: up to UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p [60 to 100 Mb/s]
• AVCHD/MP4: up to Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 50i/59.94i [17 to 24 Mb/s]

The HXR-NX100 Full HD NXCAM Camcorder from Sony offers a compact camera, perfect for fast-paced shooting on the go.

The camcorder features a single Exmor R sensor with Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution, Sony G lens with 12x optical zoom range, and a 24x Clear Image Zoom. The integrated zoom lens features individual lens control rings for focus, iris, and zoom. The lens can be used in either full-auto mode with servo control or as a completely manually operated lens.

• Image Sensor: 1-Chip 1" CMOS Sensor
• Focal Length: 9.3 to 111.6mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 29 to 348mm)
• XAVC S: 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/29.97/59.94 fps (50 Mb/s)

The Canon XA40 Professional UHD 4K Camcorder is a compact, lightweight camera featuring UHD 4K capture.

Also on board is a 1/2.3" CMOS sensor, two XLR audio inputs, and one mini-HDMI output which fits right into the ENG category for documentary or journalism-style productions. Being able to use professional audio inputs is a big plus for this camera.

• Sensor: 1-Chip 1/2.3" CMOS Sensor
• Effective Sensor Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (8.29 MP)
• Focal Length: 3.6 to 73.4mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 29.3 to 601mm)
• H.264/MP4: up to 3840 x 2160p at 23.98/24/29.97/30 fps (150 Mb/s)