Venturing into this bracket, we’re not quite in the ‘spare no expense’ territory, but it’s undoubtedly populated by more than just your average cameras. Here, top-tier mirrorless cameras with specialized cine modes mingle with bona fide filmmaking devices.
As the price tag climbs, expect some features, like automatic modes or expansive zoom capabilities, to be traded off for a razor-sharp focus on image and build integrity. With these elite cameras, anticipate the need for some must-have add-ons: think cages, extra batteries, base plates, or even a viewfinder.
While the rig for these premium devices might be more extensive, the unparalleled image quality they capture makes every penny worthwhile!
Blending the best of both worlds, the Sony FX3 emerges as the cinematic sibling of the Sony Alpha a7S III. This camera embodies a harmonious fusion of the Cinema Line’s prowess with the agility of the Alpha series, resulting in a cinema camera that’s not just powerful, but also exquisitely compact and rugged. While maintaining the imaging excellence of its lineage, the FX3 boasts a unique hand-holdable design. Its streamlined, minimalistic profile does away with the need for external cages – a nod to its innovative “cage-free” design that allows direct attachment of various accessories. A notable addition is the built-in fan, ensuring prolonged shoots without the menace of overheating, setting it apart from its mirrorless contemporaries.
Blackmagic Design elevates the bar with their Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro, building upon the legacy of their esteemed 6K model. While inheriting core features from its precursor – from recording capabilities and sensor to dynamic range and connectivity options – the 6K Pro brings fresh, sought-after upgrades to the table. These include a 5” tilting HDR touchscreen LCD boasting a luminous 1500 cd/m² brightness, an optional Pro EVF, integrated ND filters with clear/2/4/6-stop options, enhanced audio input with dual mini-XLRs, an impeccable timecode clock, and the convenience of an NP-F570 L-series battery slot. The cherry on top? The camera’s color rendition benefits from the updated Gen 5 color science.
The Sony Alpha a7 IV seamlessly blends top-notch stills with superior video capabilities, making it a true hybrid mirrorless wonder. Tailored for both photographers with its impeccable resolution and AF prowess, and videographers through its robust 4K 60p recording, this camera leaves a strong impression. Despite being positioned as a ‘basic’ model, the Sony a7 IV surpasses expectations. Its comprehensive feature set ensures that even those eyeing the a7S III might opt for this if they can forgo ultra-low light performance or 120 fps recording. Its technical prowess stems from the new 33MP Exmor R CMOS sensor, complemented by the Alpha 1’s BIONZ XR processor. This dynamic duo guarantees swift 10 fps shooting, 4K 60p video recording, sensitivity up to ISO 51200, and a remarkable 15+ stop dynamic range. Augmenting this is its AI-driven AF system, which boasts Real-time Eye AF and Real-time Tracking, ensuring that autofocus remains swift and spot-on.
Canon truly outdid themselves with this model, and it has made waves in the market. The rise of the RF mount, further amplified by third-party lens manufacturers embracing it, promises users a wider array of lens choices, all to achieve that perfect ‘look and feel’. This camera stands as a testament to ‘future-proofing’, giving users the flexibility to venture into diverse production types. Notably, Canon’s pricing hits the sweet spot, suggesting they’ve keenly gauged its value. However, Canon, a gentle nudge for the next iteration: consider incorporating an internal ND filter and reintroducing IBIS.
Meet the eagerly anticipated successor to the a7S II. The Sony Alpha a7S III takes full-frame mirrorless prowess to new heights, showcasing stellar video capabilities, heightened sensitivity, and unparalleled speed. With its revamped 12.1MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor paired with the latest BIONZ XR image processor, expect accelerated performance, superior noise reduction, an expansive dynamic range, and the crowning jewel: UHD 4K video at 120p, complete with in-camera 10-bit 4:2:2 sampling.
