There are so many options when it comes to tech these days, and you may be tempted to film on your smartphone. However, if you're serious about taking quality video production, you will want to make the switch to a professional camera. In this article we'll review three prosumer Canon Cameras for video so you can make the best choice for your business.
1) Canon 5D Mark IV EOS DSLR
The first Canon camera we're going to talk about is the Canon 5d Mark IV EOS DSLR. MKIV (Mark 4) is the last in the 5D line, as Canon is now switching to mirrorless for their DSLR series. This means that the still powerful 5D camera is now available for purchase at a very affordable price point. This camera shoots in 4K, and has full-frame sensor while shooting in 1080. It's an easy camera to learn on, but can continue to be used as you expand your portfolio and expertise. It was released in 2016 and while it is an “older” camera, it still holds up! Since it’s older, you can find a lot of used 5D MKIV for a good price. If you purchase it new you'll pay $2,700.
2) Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera DSLR
The Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera is the newest mirrorless camera, replacing the 5D models. Traditional DSLR cameras use a mirror to reflect the optical image into the viewfinder. When you take the picture, the mirror flips up so that the image can then pass to the back of the camera where the sensor is exposed to the image. The mirrorless cameras use a ‘live view’ that is captured by the camera sensor itself to create an electronic image. That image can be displayed either on the rear screen or in an electronic viewfinder. Mirrorless cameras are smaller and lighter. However, they do require a different set of lenses from Canon's EF, so you will need to purchase an adapter to use any of your old Canon lenses.
The Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera is worth the upgrade from the R6 for the enhanced video features. It is a full-frame mirrorless camera that shoots up to 8k in 30fps, or 4K up to 120fps for extreme slow-mo action. It also has an updated Dual Pixel CMOS AF II. It is the first EOS camera to feature 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization to compensate any handheld shooting or slow shutter speeds. This is model retails at $3900.
3) Canon C70
Finally, the Cannon C70. This is my personal favorite, and I use it constantly. I bought it in 2021 and have used it for over a year. It's a cinema camera, not a DSLR, which means it only shoots video (no still photography). It is a great entry point to the world of cinema cameras and is affordable in comparison to other high end cameras. The cinema camera also has features that the Canon DSLRs do not, such as peaking, zebra lines, and waveforms. The peaking feature outlines what is in focus and the zebra lines tell you if part of your shot is overexposed.
This camera is a mirrorless version of the Canon professional cinema cameras. It shoots in 4K up to 120fps for slow-mo. It also has mini XLR inputs for audio. I like that it has no recording limit, unlike the DSLR cameras which have a 30 minute limit. Plus, it has dual recording so that you can record onto two separate SD cards at the same time. For post-production, the Canon C70 has Canon's Log 2 and Log 3 gamma modes, both of which provide an expanded dynamic range with excellent tonal reproduction for highlights and in low-light areas of your images, offering you greater flexibility in post-production. This camera retails for $5500.
Do you need help figuring out which camera best suits your needs?Angela Wolf Video offers 1:1 Video Consulting for this exact reason. Each coaching session is 100% tailored to your skill set and needs, and we will help you figure out the right camera for your goals and help you learn to use it.
Do you have a specific video question? Schedule a free video analysis call at bit.ly/callawv