Camera

[Rick Wise]

Were I to buy a doc camera today, I think I’d go for the Sony Z5u because of its ergonomics and good low-light performance. For scripted work I’d probably pick the EX-1. Others will have other ideas.

I suggest you start by stating your budget, and whether that needs to include support items such as a tripod, etc. You could also do a Cow search for Documentary, as well as a GoogleSearch for “documentary camera.” Check out what BHphotovideo has to offer in your price range and read the user reviews. Narrow your choices down to 3 cameras, then eliminate one-by-one until you are left with your best choice.

All of these prosumera cameras are quite remarkable. They do not produce “film” images but with a good eye you can shoot good footage. Whichever camera you paick is going to be great for you if you are a great cameraman with a great eye for composition, shadow, light, color, movement. It is not the camera, it’s the cameraman, always, that makes the “film.”

Rick Wise
director of photography
San Francisco Bay Area
and part-time instructor lighting and camera
grad school, SF Academy of Art University/Film and Video
https://www.RickWiseDP.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rwise
email: Rick@RickWiseDP.com