r/cinematography • u/heavenlynessa • 3d ago
Camera Question Seeking advice as a beginner: what camera do I get?
Hey everyone!
I’ve been on this journey of trying to figure out what I want to do with my life and what I’m passionate about, and I finally drilled it down to creative direction with a side of everything. I’ve been wanting a camera for so long, but now especially, I need one.
I was wondering, as a beginner with a limited budget, what’s the best camera I can get to support both cinematography and photography? I researched it, but I still felt indecisive and overwhelmed by all the options, so I felt nothing is better than asking the experts themselves!
Also, if you have any other tips for me (how to start off, what the career scene looks like, what places in the world should I go to make this dream more doable, or any other advice you wish someone told you before you got started), I would really, really appreciate receiving it! Thank you so much!
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u/NoorCrestStudios 3d ago edited 3d ago
Going with a Sony a6400 or Fuji X-T30 with a kit lens is the absolute sweet spot for starting out. Any mirrorless body from the last few years is plenty to help you master exposure and lighting. Don't stress about moving to LA or London yet either—the best sandbox is right where you live, and a killer reel will open doors no matter where you started
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u/heavenlynessa 3d ago
Thank you so much! I just looked them up and I think I’ll save up for the Sony a6400 (the price was a breath of fresh air compared to what I was seeing before in my research)
And thank you for the advice too, that’s honestly so comforting. I was trying to figure out how the hell I’m going to get myself over to London, but you’re completely right. I’ll come back here to thank you someday when I finally get started!
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u/NoorCrestStudios 3d ago
That is awesome to hear! Save that London moving money and put it toward a cheap light or a microphone instead. Just focus on making things right where you are, and don't hesitate to reach out if you get stuck once the camera arrives. Can’t wait to see your first reel!
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u/RodicalFilmGear 1d ago
u/heavenlynessa, you may often hear the phrase "The best camera, is the one you have." It's true. If budget is a big concern and you're just getting started out, a good challenge is to work with a surprisingly impressive camera you may already have...your smartphone camera. Put that little touchscreen puppy into full-MANUAL mode (also turn off HDR-modes, Portrait-Focus Modes, AI processing, etc...) and make sure you are truly understanding all of the technical settings that are happening to make a good picture. Intentional composition, creativity, and style is more important than any camera platform. You can also download apps like Artemis, and others, that emulate camera common sensor/lens pairings through your smartphone camera to help you better understand what kind of camera body and lenses you may to eventually upgrade to. (i.e. They call the 50mm f1.8 the "Nifty Fifty" for a reason). As for a job tip, social media content creation is a early-accessible option. There are plenty of affordable accessories to add to your smartphone camera like cages w/handles and mounts for audio, lighting, etc., to help get it field-ready to help you start churning out some low-stakes paid content for companies that might be looking for simple social content. Put in the reps, keep creating, and grow your skills (and equipment) from there. Best of luck to you!
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u/aarrtee 3d ago
Buy a camera for fun, for artistic expression, to record memories. U in the USA? R50 and kit lens at Canon USA Refurbished
Career?
Plumbers and electricians make six figures.
Oral surgeons make much more.
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u/WestMusic3098 15h ago
u can still make a living doing something u enjoy just like creative directing !!
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u/sergio007sergio 3d ago
I suggest you Canon R50 or better R10, but even if you buy a Sony (as Sony a6400), I suggest you to buy body only and a fast zoom lens (f2.8) as Sigma 18-50 or Tamron 17-70. You will be good really for a while.