Nine things to think about before buying your first video camera

So, you’re into video and the time has come to buy your first camera. Congrats! But before you spend your hard-earned money, let Jordy Vandeput of Cinecom.net help you out. In this video, he guides you through nine things to consider before buying your first camera, and these will help you make the best possible decision.

1. Budget: other than the camera body, you need to consider the lenses, tripod, light, and other gear you definitely will need for filmmaking. So, if this is your first camera: Jordy advises buying a cheap one. It’s the first thing you’ll replace, and you can use the lenses and other gear with other camera body you buy later.

2. Camera features: you want clean HDMI, 10-bit recording, 120 fps/4K… But do you actually need those features? Think about the features you really need for your work. Also, consider seemingly small things like flippy screen and ergonomics, because they can make all the difference when using the camera.

3. Future proof lenses: there are different camera mounts and lens coverages (full-frame, Super 35 and Micro 4/3). There are lenses for each sensor size, so make sure that you buy lenses that you can use even when you buy your next camera.

4. Don’t buy into the ecosystem: when buying accessories, don’t buy those that are specific for your camera brand or even model. You want universal accessories that you’ll be able to use with your future cameras as well.

5. The codec: more and more cameras record at H.265 which gives you a good image quality within a small file size. However, it’s difficult to edit it, so you’ll have to convert your footage into something like ProRes. Your editing software struggles with codec, not file size, so be aware of this when choosing the camera body.

6. Use your phone: if your budget is low and you can only buy cameras with weaker specs than your phone has… Well, maybe you should start filming with your phone. Start with buying a good microphone and some lights and it will already improve your videos. Shooting with your phone is a great way to learn about filmmaking before you spend big money on professional gear. Here and here you’ll find some useful tricks that will help you raise your phone shots onto an even higher level.

7. Camera type: Should you buy a DSLR, mirrorless, camcorder, or a cine camera? It’s good to know that cinema cameras are not recommended to be your first: they’re expensive and you need a lot of additional gear to adapt the camera to your specific needs. If you need cinematic video quality, go for a DLSR or mirrorless. And if your work requires delivering results fast, maybe a camcorder is a better option.

8. Second hand: buying used gear is always a good idea, especially if it’s your first. However, pay close attention to its condition as you don’t know how it has been treated before.

9. Buy the previous model: another solution that will save you money is buying older camera models. When a new flagship model is released, the older ones go on a discount. But they’re still great cameras, so you can go for them and save yourself some cash for other accessories.

We also have some first camera tips for photographers here. And do you have any tips for future filmmakers before they buy their first camera?

[9 Things You Should Consider BEFORE Buying Your FIRST CAMERA | Cinecom.net]