Best Starter Camera For Filmmaking

Finding the perfect DSLR cameras can be a difficult decision. What are you looking for in your next entry level DSLR camera? Most look at the megapixels and make decisions based on that. Finding the best DSLR camera for beginners can be a challenging task, but it doesn't have to be that way!

However, there is much, much more to buying your latest DSLR camera than that. Today we will delve into what the best DSLR camera for beginners is and the key factors you should take into consideration when looking to buy your latest DSLR.

There are a lot of aspects to take into consideration when looking at the best dslr camera for beginners. The DSLRs sensor size, the speed of the camera, the overall video quality, and of course, the price.

Here are a few additional specifications you should consider when looking to make your next entry level DSLR purchase:

Video quality
Image quality
Affordability
Speed of the camera
Focus specs
Framing
Usability of the camera

These are just to name a few you should take into consideration when purchasing your first, or the best DSLR camera for beginners. Read the full DSLR buyers guide here.

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The best DSLR camera for beginners

Here is the list you've all been waiting for. The best DSLR camera for beginners. We look at each camera in-depth and give you an honest overview, so you can make a definitive choice.

Don't forget to use our DSLR camera guide: What to look for when buying a DSLR? to help you make an informed decision when looking at purchasing an entry level DSLR for beginner filmmakers.

Canon EOS 2000D

Why the Canon EOS 2000D DSLR?

The Canon EOS 2000D ranks as one of the best DSLR cameras for beginners, it's an ideal camera for beginners and the perfect entry level DSLR for filmmaking.

Why? Well, It's easy to use functioning and a crisp picture can really get some amazing footage. It's definitely one of our favourites, the auto-focus is brilliant and the aperture mechanism is easy to use for anyone new to filmmaking.

We filmed this commercial for Sage Appliances using the Canon EOS 2000D, you can watch it here.

Get those shots out there and don't forget to get a high-quality SD card to capture as much as you can. This makes it a good beginner camera.

The lightweight body of the Canon EOS 2000D allows for smooth maneuverability and for beginners this is essential for when you are practicing new shot setups or testing out action shots. The controls are simple to work, allowing you to get the hang of the basics pretty swiftly. Allowing you to shoot your next film in no time.

To learn more about the Canon EOS 2000D, read our in-depth guide today: Canon EOS 2000D: An in-depth review.

Canon EOS 2000D Key Features:

Exceptional Auto Focus.
Lightweight body.
Effective Still Resolution 24.1 MP
Optical Sensor Resolution 24.7 MP
Great for beginner filmmakers.
Easy to use controls.

Read More: Canon EOS 2000D: An in-depth review

Nikon D3500

Why you should consider the Nikon D3500?

This camera is definitely underrated, the functionality of the camera is incredible for a beginner filmmaker and stabilization is great. The only downfall is the battery drains quite quickly so make sure you buy an extra battery or two if it's an especially long day of filming (but I would advise that with all cameras).

Overall it's easy to use, excellent stability, and crisp footage – definitely one of the best entry level DSLR cameras and also one of the best we have used.

Our in-depth review of the Nikon D3500 can be read here and will give you more detail on why we highly rate this as one of the best DSLR cameras for beginners.

Nikon D3500 Key Features:

24.2 MP DX-format sensor
Incredible Auto Focus
Record full HD movies up to 60 frames per second
Lightweight design

Read More: A Guide to Indie Filmmaking

Canon EOS 4000D

Why you should consider the Canon EOS 4000D as your entry level DSLR.

This is one of the best DSLR cameras for beginners and a great starting point for any entry level filmmaker. The camera has wi-fi capability, as well as a quick menu, which makes it easier to adjust the settings and get the shot you need. The spec of this camera is great, 18MP, and a range of aperture settings.

The downfall is no touchscreen but it's not the end of the world as they have spent the money elsewhere in creating a better spec camera which is ultimately better than a touchscreen.

Overall this is one of the better DSLRs for anyone starting out in the filmmaking world. You get crystal clear shots, gathering that smooth video for those different angles. An overall great experience, one we recommend.

Canon EOS 4000D Key Features:

Great entry price
Nice, simple, rounded body design
Good weight and adequate build quality
Decent ISO range
Image quality is great for the price
Built-in WiFi
Fun features to adjust your images

Read the full in-depth review of the Canon EOS 4000D here. An exceptional DSLR camera for beginners and seasoned filmmakers.

Nikon Z 50

The Nikon Z50 is a much smaller frame than the Z6 or Z7 but has great grip and usability. We love the Nikon Z50 and see it as an excellent DSLR camera for beginners due to it's functionality and price point.

You can use the lenses of the larger cameras as the Z50 has an identical mount, allowing you to mix and match to get the shots you need.

Not to mention for all budding filmmakers, the Nikon Z50 has the ability to record in 4K and boy, it doesn't let you down. The 4K mixed with the APS-C CMOS sensor will allow you to get some jaw-dropping footage, ready to wow your audiences with your next short film.

The only flaw of the Nikon Z50 is the fact it has no in-body stabilisation feature. But overall if you're looking for a camera with incredible manoeuvrability and flawless features, we strongly recommend this as one of the best entry level DSLR cameras.

You may also like to read: Writing an award-winning short film

Nikon Z50 Key Features:

APS-C CMOS sensor
Compact body and lens
20.9 Megapixels
4K resolution
3.2-inch tilting, 1.04m dots monitor
11fps continuous shooting speed

K-70 Pentax

Why this DSLR?

The K-70 Pentax model is weather-resistant, rugged, and has integral Steadicam features to get the smoothest cinematography. It is easy to use and the functioning of the camera is among the best entry-level camera, easy to use, and feels a lot like a point and shoot camera. The K-70 has incredible technology in-built, from the 3.0-inch, vari-angle screen to the APS-C CMOS sensor with 24.2MP video capability.

Pentax K-70 Key Features:

Noise Reduction Feature
High Sensitivity up to ISO 102400
24 MegaPixel APS-C CMOS sensor
24.2MP video capability

Nikon D5300

Why the Nikon? You ask. Well…

This camera is a smooth easy to use entry level DSLR, with an incredible performing sensor and a high-res vari-angle screen. The smoothness of filming is excellent and the autofocus allows you to get some incredible footage. It is definitely a good camera for beginners and among the best entry-level cameras.

Robust and hardy it is great for a first-timer looking to get their material shot, one downfall is the special effects which for some reason only work on JPEG not film, but to be honest none of that is relevant if you are going to be editing the film post-production.

This is one of our favourite entry level DSLRs as it's easy to use, with a lightweight chassis and captures quality video footage for the price – definitely worth checking out over at Amazon.

Nikon D5300 Key Features:

Effective Still Resolution 24.2 MP
Lightweight chassis
3.2-inch, 1037k-dot vari-angle LCD monitor
Capture beautiful movies with the Nikon D5300's 24.2-million pixel DX-format CMOS sensor

Read More: The 5 best DSLR cameras under £1,000

Fujifilm X-T200

The Fujifilm X-T200 was actually launched in 2020, but is still an incredibly good entry level DSLR for beginner filmmakers.

The image quality for an entry level DSLR camera at this price is insane. Its sensor is incredibly powerful and quick, which allows you to capture video and images to the highest quality. The settings on the Fujifilm X-T200 allow you to shoot action films with relative ease.

The Fujifilm X-T200 comes complete with an interchangeable X-Mount lens but is compatible with all X-Mount lenses. Its compatibility with various accessories makes it a firm favourite with filmmakers, especially in the independent circuit looking to breakthrough.

The handling of the Fujifilm X-T200 is another great aspect to the camera. It is easy to function and the lightweight build allows the user to move freely and capture exciting footage.

Have a look below at the Fujifilm X-T200's key features, and scroll below to read our in-depth review of the Fujifilm X-T200. Also, we must add, we absolutely love the retro feel of the FujiFilm X-T200

Fujifilm X-T200 Key Features:

24MP APS-C sensor and colour filter
Burst shooting ability
An updated autofocus feature
Clarity feature
LCD with 2.76 mil dots
OLED 2.36 mil dot viewfinder
4k video
Headphone and microphone input
HDR video

Read the full in-depth guide of why the Fujifilm X-T200 is the best DSLR camera for beginners.

Our final thoughts

That's a wrap, those were a list of the best DSLR Cameras for beginner filmmakers. We must emphasise that there's more to picking the right entry level DSLR than megapixels and price.

Yep, they are important, but it's worth remembering that video quality, image quality, affordability, the speed of the camera, focus specs and handling should not be ignored too.

You can read more in our comprehensive DSLR buyer's guide, which you can read here.

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