Best cameras for filming a short film

May 28th, 2024

Making a short film is important for both beginners and professional filmmakers. For a beginner filmmaker, creating a short film serves as an invaluable learning experience, allowing them to understand the basics of filmmaking, including scriptwriting, storyboarding, directing, cinematography, editing, sound design, and more. By working on a shorter project, you can experiment with different techniques and styles without the pressure and resource demands of a full-length feature. This hands-on experience helps in skill development, building or improving your portfolio, and gaining confidence in your abilities.

For professional filmmakers, short films offer a platform to explore new ideas and experiment with unconventional narratives or techniques that might not be feasible in a feature-length film. Short films can be a creative playground where you can push the boundaries of your craft, test out new gear or storytelling methods, and showcase versatility. Short films are often used as a proof of concept to secure funding for larger projects, demonstrating to potential investors or production companies the viability and appeal of your idea. Participating in film festivals with short films can also enhance a filmmaker’s reputation and network within the industry, opening up further opportunities for collaboration and career advancement.

Given that most short film productions operate on limited budgets, budget-friendly cameras capable of handling the rigors of production while delivering exceptional image quality will be required. While there is no single "best" camera for filming a short film, each camera has its own strengths and weaknesses. The ideal choice depends on specific production needs, including visual style, aesthetics, and technical requirements. Here, we explore four top contenders favored by both beginners and professional filmmakers: the Canon C70, Red Komodo, Sony FX3, and Blackmagic 6K Pro.

Blackmagic Cinema 6k Pro — Blackmagic 6K Pro

Canon C70 EOS Camera

Canon C70 is a convenient choice for filmmakers, especially for short films. Whether you’re a solo filmmaker or working on a larger set, the Canon C70 meets and exceeds the demands of contemporary filmmaking, offering features that cater to both professional and independent filmmakers. With built-in NDs up to 10 stops, excellent low-light performance, and CLOG2’s impressive dynamic range.

Red Komodo 6K Camera

Thanks to RED for bringing their legendary image quality and color science into an ultracompact, all-in-one design body with global shutter, making it ideal for both small and high-end productions.

Sony FX3 Cinema Line Camera

The FX3 was used by Gareth Edwards as the main camera for his 2023 film "THE CREATOR," showcasing its capability in professional settings. The biggest downside is the lack of a built-in ND filter. Overall, the Sony FX3 is a flexible camera that excels in various filmmaking scenarios, and highly effective in low light making it a top choice for both beginners and professionals.

Blackmagic Cinema 6K Pro Camera

It's incredible how far the pocket cinema line has come. Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro is the most intuitive UI among the mentioned cameras. It offers crisp, film-like footage with the flexibility and control needed for professional productions. The Blackmagic Film Gen 5 color science is truly magical, making it a valuable tool for professional filmmakers willing to invest in color grading and adapt to its power-intensive demands. This camera competes closely with the Red Komodo on image quality and dynamic range, built-in ND filters, and internal RAW 6K recording.

Criteria	Canon C70	Red Komodo	Sony Fx3	Blackmagic 6k Pro
Key Features	Super35 Dual Gain Output (DGO) Sensor DCI 4K 60p, Hi-Speed UHD 4K 120p/2K 180p Canon Log 2, 3, PQ & HLG HDR Recording RF Lens Mount / EF with Optional Adapter DIG!C DV7 Image Processor, XC Protocol 16+ Stops of Total Dynamic Range Built-In ND Filters / Auto ISO & Gain Dual Pixel CMOS AF & EOS iTR AF X 1 BNC Timecode / 2 Mini-XLR Audio Inputs Dual LUT/Long GOP Support	19.9MP Super35 Global Shutter CMOS Compact, 2.1 lb All-in-One Design Canon RF Lens & ARRI CFast 2.0 Support 16+ Stops Dynamic Range Up to 6K40, 5K48, 4K60 & 2K120 Recording REDCODE RAW HQ/MQ/LQ & Apple ProRes Integrated 2.9" 1440 x 1440 Touchscreen Wireless Control & Preview via Wi-Fi CFast 2.0 Card Slot; RED IPP2 Support EF-to-RF	12.1MP Full-Frame CMOS Exmor R Sensor UHD 4K up to 120 \| 1080p up to 240 Compact Form for Cage-Free Operation 10-Bit 4:2:2 XAVC S-I,16-Bit Raw Output S-Cinetone/S-Log3/HLG, 15+ Stops DR Detachable 2 x XLR/TRS Adapter Handle Phase Detection AF/Face Tracking/Eye AF 80 to 409,600 Expanded ISO Range Dual CFexpress Type A/SDXC Card Slots	Bright 1500 cd/m² Tilting HDR LCD Super35 HDR Sensor, Gen 5 Color Science Dual XLR Inputs, Canon Active EF Mount Built-In ND Filters Record 6K 6144 x 3456 up to 50 fps Dual Native 400 & 3200 ISO to 25,600 CFast 2.0 & SD/UHS-II Card Slots Record up to 120 fps Windowed HD USB Type-C Recording, 3D LUT Support 13-Stop Dynamic Range
Image Quality & Dynamic Range	Dual Gain Output (DGO) sensor allows you to capture rich, organic, and filmic images, even if you miss exposure. 16+ Stops of Total Dynamic Range, enabling you to recover highlights and shadows with ease. Whether you're shooting in challenging lighting conditions or aiming for a specific aesthetic, the C70 won’t disappoint.	Komodo image quality is comparable to far more expensive digital cinema cameras like the Arri Alexa, offering a 16+ Stops Dynamic Range that captures detailed and nuanced visuals. Adequate low-light performance with a native ISO of 800, not as strong in low light as the Canon C70 or Sony FX3.	With its full-frame sensor, the Sony FX3 provides shallow depth of field, impressive bokeh, and reduced rolling shutter artifacts. Base sensitivity 80-102,400, expandable to 409,600, ensures impressive low-light capture. 15+ stops of dynamic range, capturing the nuances of both exterior and interior scenes, allowing for extensive color grading. The FX3’s S-Cinetone color setting produces beautiful skin tones and a softer look, complementing footage from other Sony Cinema Line cameras like the VENICE, FX9, and FX9.	Blackmagic 6k pro is a compact Super35 Cinema Camera. competing closely with the Red Komodo on image quality. With 13 stops of dynamic range, built-in ND filters, and internal RAW 6K recording, the 6K Pro captures rich, highly detailed footage. The 5-inch HDR touchscreen monitor with 1500 cd/m² brightness offers clear visibility and focus peaking, waveforms, and false color.
Built-in ND Filters	C70 built-in ND filters allow you to manage exposure quickly and efficiently without the need for additional gear or filters.	Lacking built-in ND filters, the Komodo requires external ND filters for exposure control.	The FX3 lacks built-in ND filters, requiring external solutions for exposure control.	The Blackmagic 6K Pro includes built-in clear/2/4/6-stop ND filters, aiding in efficient exposure control.
Codecs	Canon C70 supports both internal RAW and XF-AVC codecs, offering flexibility in post-production. The internal RAW codec provides a lot of latitude for color grading, while the XF-AVC codec is almost as flexible and great for quick workflows.	Red Komodo shoots 6K 16-bit Redcode RAW, perfect for color grading and visual effects in 4K with HDR or SDR completion. If your post-production workflow cannot handle Redcode RAW, the Komodo also supports 4K ProRes 10-bit. To shoot in 6K, Redcode RAW is required, while ProRes gives a maximum resolution of 4K, scaled down from the full sensor	Sony FX3 supports S-Log-3, S-Gamut3, S-Gamut3.Cine, and10-bit 4:2:2 for maintaining rich gradation and color matching across Sony’s Cinema Line. HLG HDR provides the option for direct HLG playback without grading, offering flexibility in post-production.	Blackmagic 6K Pro codec include Blackmagic Raw (BRAW) and ProRes, providing flexibility in post-production. The ability to film in 6K and 4K at 60fps, combined with dual native ISO, enhances the camera's adaptability to various shooting scenarios.
Performance and Usability	Canon C70 is designed for both run-and-gun shooting and more controlled environments. Its compact form factor feels like a DSLR with a battery grip, making it perfect for handheld shooting. The autofocus capabilities are strong, with face-only AF options that ensure your subjects stay in focus. While the autofocus can slow down at 120fps, it still performs admirably for fast-action scenes, such as car chase.	The Komodo sensor is a 6K 17:9 sensor, producing a slightly wider image than 16:9. It offers a choice of 4 aspect ratios with spherical lenses: 16:9, 2:1, and 2.40:1, with cropping options for each. Anamorphic settings, allowing for the use of various anamorphic lenses. Proper aspect ratios can be viewed on the built-in screen and through the SDI output. The global shutter exposes the whole frame simultaneously, resulting in the smoothest, most natural motion without skew or distortion. Low-light performance is adequate with a native ISO of 800, it's not as strong in low light as the Canon C70 or Sony FX3.	Designedforsolo shooters and travel applications, the FX3 combines elements from Sony’s Cinema Line and Alpha series into a compact, portable cinema camera. Its ergonomic body and "cage-free" design allow for various accessories to be mounted directly on the camera, enhancing usability. The FX3’s real-time Tracking and Eye autofocus functions, powered by AI-based algorithms, ensure precise focus, while the touchscreen focus function and customizable AF settings provide further control. The FX3 is highly effective in low light, performing exceptionally well at ISO 12800.	Blackmagic 6K Pro retains the valuable active Canon EF mount, allowing users to take advantage of the expansive array of EF/EF-S mount lenses. The 6K Pro can turn one frame into two by cropping a second shot from one frame, upscaling to 8K, or capturing rich, detailed footage. Despite not being great in low-light performance like the FX3, and C70 coupled with poor battery life, and lack of continuous autofocus, the camera excels in other areas of usability, such as the built-in ND filters and the intuitive user interface.
Professional Features and Connectivity	For filmmakers looking for professional features, the C70 delivers. It includes a BNC timecode that holds sync for a reasonable amount of time, making it reliable for multi-camera setups. The camera’s slo-mo capabilities and internal 4-channel audio recorder with excellent pre-amps eliminate the need for external recorders. Can easily be rigged to smaller gimbals like the DJI RS2, RS3, and RS4.	Despiteitscompact size, the Komodo includes a global shutter, avoiding issues like skew, bent lines, and flash banding. Thebodyweighs about 4 lbs, and with a couple of small batteries and a lens, it totals 6-8 lbs, making it light enough for smaller gimbals like the DJIRS2, RS3, and RS4.	Sony FX3 includes several pro audio recording options, such as a detachable XLR adapter handle with two XLR-1/4" TRS combo audio inputs, a mic holder, and a 3.5mm input for additional microphones. It supports up to 4-channel, 24-bit audio recording. The camera's design enables mounting 1⁄4"-20 compatible accessories directly on the camera or the detachable handle, eliminating the need for a separate camera cage and streamlining setup and breakdown.	The camera's internal recording options, such as CFast 2.0 and SD/UHS-II card slots, along with a USB Type-C port for external SSDs, provide multiple storage solutions for different workflows.
Flexible and Customizable	Canon C70's design allows for easy customization. You can strip it down for gimbal use or rig it up for larger productions. With fully remappable keys, multiple audio inputs, and a straightforward interface, you can tailor the camera to your specific needs. The ability to use a speedbooster with an EF lens also gives you more creative options, providing a full-frame look when desired.	While the Red -Komodo has some downsides, such as startup time, audio quality, and black shading, but its superior film image quality makes it worth the wait. Arguably the camera with the highest image quality among the mentioned cameras, but will require adequate color grading to reach full picture potential	Sony FX3’s compact size, high ISO range, and full-frame sensor make it suitable for modular filmmaking. This means the camera system can be customized with various accessories and attachments, such as lenses, grips, monitors, microphones, and rigs, to tailor the setup for specific scenes or production requirements. Ideal for run and gun and solo shoots	The Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K Pro is ideal for run-and-gun work. Built-in NDs, a super bright LCD, GYRO data for easy post-stabilization, and the best-laid-out menu/UI make it highly flexible. Despite requiring advanced color grading skills for maximum image quality, the camera is highly recommended for filmmakers looking for a cinema-quality image on a semi high-end DSLR budget.

Here's a summary of the strengths and weaknesses of the four cameras

Criteria	Canon C70	Red Komodo	Sony FX3	Blackmagic 6k Pro
Image Quality	8	10	7	8
Performance/Form Factor	8	9	8	6
Built-in NDs	5	0	0	5
Connectivity	7	6	8	7
Audio	7	6	9	7
Post Production	8	10	7	8
User Interface (UI)	8	7	8	9
Factory Battery Life	8	8	7	6
Low File Size	8	7	8	5
Frame Rate at (4K)	9 (120fps)	7(60fps)	7 (60fps)	9 (120fps)
Total Score	76	70	69	70

Canon C70:

Total Score: 76

Strengths:

Excellent performance, built-in ND filters, superior connectivity, and great audio support
User-friendly with long battery life
Super35 Dual Gain Output (DGO) Sensor: exceptional image quality and impressive dynamic range
Built-In ND Filters: up to 10 stops, quick and efficient exposure management
Excellent Autofocus: Dual Pixel CMOS AF with face detection and tracking
High-Quality Audio Options: dual mini-XLR inputs for professional audio recording
Extensive Connectivity: BNC timecode, HDMI, USB-C, dual SD card slots
User-Friendly Interface: intuitive menu system and controls
Canon Log 2 and 3: high dynamic range and flexible color grading

Weakness:

No Internal RAW Recording: the Canon C70 does not offer internal RAW recording, which can limit the flexibility in post-production.
Limited Low-Light Performance: While it performs well in many lighting conditions, its low-light performance is not as strong as the Sony FX3.
Rolling Shutter: The C70 uses a rolling shutter, which can lead to distortions or "jello" effects in fast-moving scenes or when panning quickly.

Best For:

Filmmakers who need a reliable, all-around performer with easy-to-use features. Suitable for run’n and gun, travelling, team or solo shoots

Red Komodo:

Total Score: 70

Strengths:

Exceptional Image Quality: 6K resolution, high dynamic range, and accurate color reproduction.
Global Shutter: Eliminates rolling shutter artifacts for smooth, distortion-free motion.
Modular Design: Allows extensive customization with accessories.
Professional Codecs: Supports REDCODE RAW and Apple ProRes for flexible, high-quality output.
Wireless Control: Built-in Wi-Fi for remote control and monitoring.

Weakness:

Limited Built-In ND Filters: Requires external ND filters for exposure control.
Complex Setup: Needs additional accessories like external monitors and follow focus for full functionality.
Slow Startup Time: Longer boot time compared to the other cameras.
Audio Quality: Built-in audio options are less robust; often requires external audio equipment.
Battery Life: Shorter battery life, necessitating frequent changes or external power solutions.
Low-Light Performance: Not as strong as the Sony FX3 and Canon C70.
Learning Curve: Requires time to master its complex features and settings.

Best for:

Filmmakers who prioritize top-tier image quality and are willing to work around its higher accessory needs and larger file sizes.

Sony FX3:

Total Score: 69

Strengths:

Excellent Low-Light Performance: excels in low-light conditions.
Full-Frame Sensor: Provides shallow depth of field and impressive bokeh, enhancing cinematic quality.
Compact and Lightweight: Its small form factor is ideal for handheld shooting, travel, and gimbal use.
Advanced Autofocus: Real-time Eye AF and Tracking AF ensure sharp focus on moving subjects
High Dynamic Range: Offers 15+ stops of dynamic range for capturing detailed highlights and shadows.
User-Friendly Design: Cage-free design with multiple mounting points for accessories
Professional Audio Support: Includes a detachable XLR handle with two XLR/TRS combo inputs for high-quality audio recording.
Flexible Codec Support: Offers 10-bit 4:2:2 XAVC S-I, S-Log3, and HLG for versatile post-production workflows.
S-Cinetone Profile: Provides a cinematic look with minimal grading

Weaknesses:

Lacks built-in ND filters, requiring external solutions to manage exposure.
Rolling Shutter Effect: More pronounced rolling shutter effect in fast-moving shots
Menu Complexity: Complex menu system can be challenging to navigate for users unfamiliar with Sony’s interface.
Single Full-Size HDMI Port: Only one full-size HDMI port, which might be a limitation for certain monitoring and output setups.
Heat Management: Although improved, still susceptible to overheating during extended high-resolution recording sessions in hot environments.

Best For:

Filmmakers who need a highly portable camera with strong low-light capabilities, great image and audio quality, and quick post-production. Good for travel and solo shoots.

Blackmagic 6K Pro:

Total Score: 70

Strengths:

High-Quality Image: Captures crisp, film-like footage with its Super 35 HDR sensor and Gen 5 color science.
Built-In ND Filters: Incorporates built-in ND filters, allowing for efficient exposure control.
Flexible Recording Options: Supports recording in Blackmagic RAW (BRAW) and ProRes formats.
Dual Native ISO: Features dual native ISO of 400 and 3200, enabling excellent performance in low-light conditions.
Professional Audio Support: Offers comprehensive audio support with dual XLR inputs, phantom power, headphone output, and built-in stereo mic system.
User-Friendly Interface: Features an friendly user interface and menu system, more intuitive than the Komodo, C70 and FX3.
Extensive Connectivity: Offers various connectivity options, including CFast 2.0, SD/UHS-II card slots, USB Type-C recording, and 3D LUT support.

Weaknesses:

Low-Light Performance: Low-light performance not as strong as C70 and FX3
Battery Life: The factory battery life of the Blackmagic 6K Pro may be relatively shorter compared the C70, FX3 and Komodo.
Continuous Autofocus: The autofocus functionality of the camera is not as robust or reliable the other mentioned cameras.
File Size: Recording in high-resolution formats such as Blackmagic RAW (BRAW) may result in larger file sizes, requiring ample storage space.
Complexity of Color Grading: Achieving optimal results in color grading with Blackmagic RAW (BRAW) footage may require advanced color grading skills and software
Accessory Dependency: To fully utilize the camera's capabilities, additional accessories may be required, such as external monitors, follow focus systems, and power solutions.

Best For:

Filmmakers who want a user-friendly cinema camera with built-in NDs and are comfortable handling large storage need and post-production color grading.