Uploaded February 2019 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Why does a Cinema Camera cost $100,000? Can I get professional footage with my Smartphone? In this video I want to answer these questions to help you figure out what "The Best" camera is for you.

Here is a quick summary if you're impatient :)

SMARTPHONE
Pros:
- (Almost) everyone has one
- Affordable
- Super easy to use
Cons:
- Lack of stabilization (and lightweight) leads to shaky footage
- Bad low light performance and dynamic range
- Variable frame rate can cause audio to get out of sync
- Requires dedicated app to unlock manual features
- Fixed lens

COMPACT CAMERAS
Pros:
- In-body stabilization for smooth footage (even if handheld)
- Great quality and decent low light performance (at the higher end, e.g. G7X / Sony RX100)
Cons:
- Fixed lens
- No dedicated microphone input

DSLR / MIRRORLSSS
Pros:
- Interchangeable lens opens up flexibility and options
- Good video codec, high quality footage (depending on lens)
- Dedicated microphone inputs, HDMI out
Cons:
- Dynamic range is good, but not amazing
- Often don't have in-body stabilization

CINEMA CAMERAS
Pros:
- Built FOR Video
- Super high quality video codec
- Superior image quality
- Video production accessories: monitors, XLR audio inputs and much more
Cons:
- Expensive
- Requires skill to use well
- Large sensor for superior dynamic range, colour accuracy and low light performance

MY (personal) GEAR
amazon.com/shop/surfacedstudio

REFERENCES

Casey Neistat - First Day of Summer Behind The Scenes - youtube.com/watch?v=XNm9aomNhRw
Red Cameras Sample Footage - red.com/sample-r3d-files

All comments and feedback welcome :)

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