Canon cameras are a household name in the world of photography and videography, thanks to their quality build and impressive imaging capabilities. Finding the best affordable Canon camera can be a challenge, especially if you are looking for one that delivers excellent color and dynamic range for cinematography. This article is a guide to help you make an informed decision on the best budget-friendly Canon camera for your video shooting needs. We will also touch on Sony and Panasonic cameras as alternatives.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Factors to consider when buying a cheap Canon camera
- Best cheap Canon cameras for cinematography
- Canon EOS Rebel SL3
- Canon EOS M50 Mark II
- Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
- Canon EOS Rebel T7
- Canon EOS Rebel T100
- Sony cameras as alternatives for cinematography
- Panasonic cameras for comparable quality
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Introduction
AENL, as a production company that services luxury brands and requires quality cinematography to distinguish our clients’ brands and products from their competitors, having a cinematographer or videographer on a brand’s team can be highly beneficial and necessary for various reasons. Firstly, visual content plays a significant role in engaging customers and building brand awareness. High-quality videos that are well-shot and well-edited can capture the attention of audiences and help tell the brand’s story in a more compelling way.
A cinematographer or videographer can also bring technical expertise to the table, ensuring that the videos are shot with the right lighting, camera angles, and other production elements that contribute to the overall quality of the final product. This can result in a more professional and polished look for the brand’s videos, which can help to establish the brand as a leader in its industry. Therefore, having a budget-friendly Canon camera that delivers excellent color and dynamic range is a great investment.
Choosing the best affordable Canon camera can be overwhelming, with the numerous models available on the market. This guide seeks to provide you with a comprehensive list of the best cheap Canon cameras that meet your cinematography needs.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Cheap Canon Camera
Before settling on a specific Canon camera, you need to consider various factors. Here are some of the essential factors to consider when buying a cheap Canon camera:
- Sensor Size: A larger sensor size will give you better image quality, especially in low light conditions.
- Lens compatibility: Ensure that the camera you choose is compatible with the lenses you intend to use.
- Video resolution and frame rates: Consider the video resolution and frame rates that the camera offers.
- Dynamic range: The dynamic range refers to the camera’s ability to capture detail in bright and dark areas of a scene.
- Autofocus: A good autofocus system is essential for video shooting, especially for fast-paced movements.
Best Cheap Canon Cameras for Cinematography
Now that you know the factors to consider let’s delve into the best budget-friendly Canon cameras for cinematography.
Canon EOS Rebel SL3
The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is an excellent entry-level DSLR camera that offers great value for its price. It features a 24.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 8 image processor that delivers excellent image quality. This camera also offers a good dynamic range, making it suitable for video shooting.
Other notable features of the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 include:
- ISO Range: 100-25600 (expandable to 51200)
- Continuous Shooting: up to 5 frames per second
- Video: 4K UHD 24p/25p video recording
- Autofocus System: 9-point autofocus system with dual pixel CMOS AF
- LCD Screen: 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD with 1.04 million dots
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Battery Life: up to 1070 shots per charge (CIPA)
The EOS Rebel SL3 can shoot 4K video at 24p, Full HD 1080p video at 60p/30p/24p, and HD 720p at 60p/30p/24p. It also has a vari-angle touchscreen LCD that makes it easy to shoot from different angles. The EOS Rebel SL3 is compatible with EF and EF-S lenses, giving you a wide range of lenses to choose from.
Canon EOS M50 Mark II
The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a mirrorless camera that offers great value for its price. It features a 24.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 8 image processor that delivers excellent image quality. This camera also offers a good dynamic range, making it suitable for video shooting.
- Sensor: 24.1 megapixels APS-C CMOS sensor.
- Image processor: DIGIC 8 Image Processor.
- Video: can shoot 4K UHD 24p with 100Mbps, and Full HD 1080p at 60fps. Has a clean HDMI output.
- Autofocus system: Dual Pixel CMOS AF with eye detection AF, which is ideal for both photo and video. It has 143 autofocus points.
- LCD screen: 3-inch vari-angle touch screen LCD with 1.04 million dots.
- Electronic viewfinder: 0.39 inch OLED EVF with 2.36 million dots.
- Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Can transfer images and videos directly to a smartphone or tablet using the Canon Camera Connect app.
- Battery life: Can take up to 305 shots per charge (CIPA standard).
- Size and weight: Compact and lightweight, measuring 116.3 x 88.1 x 58.7 mm and weighing only 387g (body only).
- Price: Reasonably priced at around $599 (body only).
Overall, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a great choice for those looking for a compact and versatile mirrorless camera with excellent autofocus performance, good image quality, and 4K video recording capabilities. It is ideal for vloggers, content creators, and travelers who want a high-quality camera that is easy to carry around.
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a compact and lightweight camera that packs a punch. It features a 20.1-megapixel 1-inch CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 8 image processor, which combine to produce high-quality images with excellent detail and clarity. The camera also has a fast and accurate autofocus system with 31 AF points and can shoot up to 20 fps in continuous shooting mode.
Other notable features of the G7 X Mark III include:
- 4K video recording at up to 30 fps
- Tilting touchscreen LCD display
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- USB charging and power delivery support
- RAW image capture and in-camera RAW processing
- Built-in ND filter for shooting in bright conditions
Overall, the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality compact camera with advanced features.
Canon EOS Rebel T7
The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is an entry-level DSLR camera that offers great value for its price. It features a 24.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 4+ image processor, which together produce high-quality images with good detail and color accuracy. The camera also has a 9-point autofocus system and can shoot up to 3 fps in continuous shooting mode.
Other notable features of the EOS Rebel T7 include:
- Full HD 1080p video recording at up to 30 fps
- Optical viewfinder with 95% coverage
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity
- Creative filters and shooting modes
- Easy-to-use interface with intuitive controls
While the EOS Rebel T7 may not have the most advanced features compared to other cameras on this list, it is a great option for beginners or those looking for a reliable and affordable DSLR camera.
Canon EOS Rebel T100
The Canon EOS Rebel T100 is another entry-level DSLR camera from Canon that is great for beginners. It features a 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 4+ image processor, which together produce good quality images with decent detail and color accuracy. The camera also has a 9-point autofocus system and can shoot up to 3 fps in continuous shooting mode.
Other notable features of the EOS Rebel T100 include:
- Full HD 1080p video recording at up to 30 fps
- Optical viewfinder with 95% coverage
- Scene Intelligent Auto mode for easy shooting
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity
- Creative filters and shooting modes
While the EOS Rebel T100 may not have the most advanced features, it is a great option for those looking for a simple and affordable DSLR camera.
Sony Cameras as an Alternative
Sony has been giving tough competition to Canon in the camera industry. They offer a wide range of cameras that cater to different needs and budgets. Here are some Sony cameras that can be a good alternative to Canon cameras:
Sony Alpha a6400
The Sony Alpha a6400 is a mirrorless camera that offers excellent performance and versatility. It features a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and a BIONZ X image processor that can deliver excellent image quality. It has a maximum ISO of 102400, which can be extended up to 32000, making it suitable for low-light situations. It can shoot 4K videos at 30 fps and has built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Sony Alpha a7 III
The Sony Alpha a7 III is a full-frame mirrorless camera that offers exceptional performance and image quality. It features a 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and a BIONZ X image processor that can deliver excellent image
One popular Sony camera that’s often recommended as a Canon alternative is the Sony A6000. Like the Canon EOS M50, it’s a mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses, but it’s generally more affordable. The A6000 has a 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, fast autofocus, and a compact design. It’s also compatible with Sony’s large range of E-mount lenses.
Another option from Sony is the Sony RX100 series, which consists of high-end compact cameras. These cameras are known for their excellent image quality despite their small size. The RX100 VII, for example, has a 20.1-megapixel 1-inch sensor, fast autofocus, and a 24-200mm zoom lens. It’s also packed with features like 4K video recording and advanced autofocus capabilities.
If you’re looking for a more advanced camera, the Sony A7 series offers full-frame mirrorless cameras that can compete with Canon’s full-frame offerings. The A7 III, for example, has a 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor, fast autofocus, and 4K video recording. It’s also compatible with a wide range of Sony and third-party lenses.
Overall, Sony offers a great selection of cameras that can be used as alternatives to Canon cameras, depending on your needs and budget. They offer excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and advanced features at various price points. It’s definitely worth considering Sony as a brand if you’re looking for a new camera.
Panasonic cameras for comparable quality
Panasonic is another brand that offers great options for those looking for high-quality cameras at an affordable price. The Lumix G7 and G85 are both excellent choices for photographers who want to capture high-quality images and video.
The Lumix G7 is a mirrorless camera that features a 16-megapixel sensor and 4K video recording capabilities. It has a fully articulating touchscreen display, making it easy to get the perfect shot from any angle. It also features built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, allowing for easy sharing and transfer of files.
The Lumix G85 is another mirrorless camera that boasts a 16-megapixel sensor and 4K video recording capabilities. It has a weather-sealed body, making it ideal for outdoor shooting, and a dual image stabilization system that ensures sharp, steady shots. It also has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and a fully articulating touchscreen display.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are plenty of great options for those looking for the best cheap Canon cameras. Sony, Panasonic, and even older Canon models offer excellent features and capabilities at an affordable price point. When choosing a camera, consider your needs and preferences as a brand, cinematographer, videographer, or photographer, as well as the specific features and specs of each model.
FAQs
What is the best cheap Canon camera for beginners?
The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is a great choice for beginners looking for a cheap Canon camera. It features a 24-megapixel sensor, Full HD video recording, and built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity. It also has an easy-to-use interface and plenty of automatic shooting modes to help new photographers get the best shots.
Is it worth buying an older Canon camera?
Yes, it can be worth buying an older Canon camera, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Older models such as the Canon EOS Rebel T6 or T6i still offer excellent image quality and features at a lower price point.
Can you use third-party lenses with Canon cameras?
Yes, most Canon cameras are compatible with third-party lenses from brands such as Sigma, Tamron, and Tokina. However, it’s important to ensure that the lens you choose is compatible with your specific camera model.
Should I buy a mirrorless or DSLR camera?
Both mirrorless and DSLR cameras have their own advantages and disadvantages. Mirrorless cameras tend to be more compact and lighter, making them easier to carry around. They also offer features such as electronic viewfinders and silent shooting modes. On the other hand, DSLR cameras tend to have longer battery life and better autofocus performance. Ultimately, the choice between a mirrorless and DSLR camera will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
