WHICH IS THE BEST USED CAMERA INVESTMENT UNDER $10000 ? -Newbie

[Zack Birlew]

Remember, F5 has rolling shutter and the F55 doesn't. Between all of those cameras, I would say the Epic MX, F55, or Varicam LT would be great cinematic options but if you intend to rent than a C300 Mark II would be a great choice from what I hear. I'm just now filming final reshoots for my first feature using a RED One MX so the Epic MX can definitely hold its own, however, with RED no longer servicing the camera and Blackmagic throwing the grenade in the room with the Blackmagic Pocket 4K and now 6K, I don't think it's the best investment anymore, especially since we've been using the Pocket 4K in spots for the reshoots too! If I were wanting to buy now then it really comes down to other things like low light capability and high speed frame rates as there's some shots I want to film now that I just don't have the exact camera to pull things off with perfectly but I can get close enough with the 2K 120fps on the RED One MX. Think about those aspects as well before deciding as that's the stuff that will actually come back around later when you aren't expecting it.

 

[Takor Arrey]

Yes Zach, and the F55 is just outside of my budget. I will be happy to have it though. Should I be concerned with high hours on Cameras?

 

[Matt W.]

Remember, F5 has rolling shutter and the F55 doesn't. Between all of those cameras, I would say the Epic MX, F55, or Varicam LT would be great cinematic options but if you intend to rent than a C300 Mark II would be a great choice from what I hear. I'm just now filming final reshoots for my first feature using a RED One MX so the Epic MX can definitely hold its own, however, with RED no longer servicing the camera and Blackmagic throwing the grenade in the room with the Blackmagic Pocket 4K and now 6K, I don't think it's the best investment anymore, especially since we've been using the Pocket 4K in spots for the reshoots too! If I were wanting to buy now then it really comes down to other things like low light capability and high speed frame rates as there's some shots I want to film now that I just don't have the exact camera to pull things off with perfectly but I can get close enough with the 2K 120fps on the RED One MX. Think about those aspects as well before deciding as that's the stuff that will actually come back around later when you aren't expecting it.

The MX and Varicam have rolling shutter, too, though, and no less than the F5. And the F5 is 2/3 stop slower than the F55 and in my experience has murky shadows and the raw format is kind of weird to work with, wrapped up in an MXF I think.

Between the F55 and Varicam LT I personally much prefer the LT's image, but both are nice for being "Netflix approved" if that matters. Both the F55 and F5 I like just fine if you over expose them a stop and the FS7 I don't think is much different. C300 Mk II is fine, too. Strong technically but lack of 4k/60p will frustrate some and the ergonomics are divisive.

IMO you're overrating the MX. Yes, the images can look great (Fincher shot incredible stuff with it, though that was all denoised at Lowry I believe) but that camera already had less dynamic range than a C300 and almost two stops less than a Sony F3. No low light ability to speak of past maybe 1600 ISO, less than Sony's base ISO. It simply can't compete on technicalities with the current generation of anything. Regardless, it seems IPP2 redeems it for "look" and helps a bit technically, so I don't think anyone shooting with one is missing out on much (other than low light, but 800 ISO is enough for a lot of traditional film work) but I could never recommend that camera at $10k when it's behind everything else in virtually every respect.

Anyhow I don't think any of these cameras makes sense to buy without experience with all of them, but on the other hand they're all similar enough (excepting the MX and Alexa are a little different) that it doesn't much matter. I mean you can just buy something (F5 is a fine choice imo) and if it works for you it works for you if it doesn't buy something else. I just don't think anyone here, myself included, will have a good answer to so broad a question.

 

[Zack Birlew]

High hours are an iffy thing but I think our RED One MX had about 1,000-1,500 or so hours and it’s been fine. These cameras are meant to be workhorses so I think high hours shouldn’t be too much of a concern and really comes down to taste and preference. To put it simply, what’s a high number for you in terms of hours? That number will help narrow down the selection. Also, I suppose if budget is limited then, yes, the F55 would be out of the running, much like it is for me at the moment, and like others have said, the cheaper FS7 shouldn’t be too far off as alternative.

 

[Audy Erel]

Yup.. my Scarlet-W already have 2100+ hours and it's still producing stellar images just like when I first bought it in 2017.. they are true workhorses!

 

[Sergio Perez]

Red Epic Dragon with LLO OLPF. See if you can find one. Should be on the limit of your budget. But to this day still one of the best images available. And support equipment, redvolt system in sidehandle for lightweight portability, media and everything go for much cheaper nowadays. Can go for the bigger cards no problem.

 

[Takor Arrey]

Red Epic Dragon with LLO OLPF. See if you can find one. Should be on the limit of your budget. But to this day still one of the best images available. And support equipment, redvolt system in sidehandle for lightweight portability, media and everything go for much cheaper nowadays. Can go for the bigger cards no problem.

And Sony may be coming out with a new 6K Camera - Sony FX9. I'm really tempted to hold off and see what September brings.

 

[Takor Arrey]

Yup.. my Scarlet-W already have 2100+ hours and it's still producing stellar images just like when I first bought it in 2017.. they are true workhorses!

Hi Audy, how much will it cost me to get your kit in this day and age?

 

[Takor Arrey]

High hours are an iffy thing but I think our RED One MX had about 1,000-1,500 or so hours and it’s been fine. These cameras are meant to be workhorses so I think high hours shouldn’t be too much of a concern and really comes down to taste and preference. To put it simply, what’s a high number for you in terms of hours? That number will help narrow down the selection. Also, I suppose if budget is limited then, yes, the F55 would be out of the running, much like it is for me at the moment, and like others have said, the cheaper FS7 shouldn’t be too far off as alternative.

High numbers is anything over 1000hrs. Sony may also be announcing a new camera this September according to Sonyalpharumors. I'm hoping that will help reduce the prices of their older cameras.

 

[Ugo Del]

I bought a used Arri Alexa XT from a UK shop and paid less than 1k$ for an Arri Service Certificate (Arri checked and calibrated the camera as if it were new out of the factory). I owned Reds and a Varicam LT but this camera is in another league, it even looks sharper than my previous cams despite the 2.8/3.4k. Used full kits are everywhere now for a good price.

 

[Takor Arrey]

I bought a used Arri Alexa XT from a UK shop and paid less than 1k$ for an Arri Service Certificate (Arri checked and calibrated the camera as if it were new out of the factory). I owned Reds and a Varicam LT but this camera is in another league, it even looks sharper than my previous cams despite the 2.8/3.4k. Used full kits are everywhere now for a good price.

They're over $10K.

 

[Alex Lubensky]

High numbers is anything over 1000hrs. Sony may also be announcing a new camera this September according to Sonyalpharumors. I'm hoping that will help reduce the prices of their older cameras.

1000 hours is a low number. Most rental cams normally count 3500, and are totally fine. Average lifetime of normal hours for a sensor can go as high as 10000. You would want to do a sensor recalibration after those, but it still be fine after. I’ve seen some Epic MX which did something like 16000h.

 

[RJ_Ortiz]

I would recommend considering a Blackmagic Ursa Mini Pro (G2 if you can swing it). You can build out a decent kit under 10K and get a pretty stellar image. I love our RED cam and I like the pocket 4K, but there are days when I miss the Ursa Mini Pro. Not going to go on a long spiel about it, but check it out and think about whether or not it would meet your needs.

 

[Ugo Del]

They're over $10K.

There are Alexa classic and 4/3 from $6K (full kit).

 

[shashbugu]

My 2 cents, get a canon C200, used c300 MKII or BMPCC6k. If you are a one man band, these are the only cameras at your price point that check off all your needs. Sony F5 is modular, its not an out of the box camera. These other cameras you can shoot and get just below Red, Arri and Sony High-End images. Those high end cameras have industry standardized features you will never need as an owner operated doing educational videos. The canons hold more value than any camera on the market even Alexas. That’s a fact.

 

[Takor Arrey]

Sony F5 is modular, its not an out of the box camera. These other cameras you can shoot and get just below Red, Arri and Sony High-End images. Those high end cameras have industry standardized features you will never need as an owner operated doing educational videos. The canons hold more value than any camera on the market even Alexas. That’s a fact.

Yes the F5 /55 are modular, is that a bad thing? My reasoning is that right now within $10K I can get an F5 with internal 4K upgrades and still have enough left to buy a Fujinon MK 50-135mm. Sure I will need to buy an additional sxs media card, it has a PL adapter and an EF adapter, viewfinder and under 300hrs. Did Sony put a spell on me?? I understand their color science is no where near canon's but if I went the Canon route $10000 won't take me far.

 

[John David Pope]

Fs7 MK1, no question.

 

[Václav Formánek]

I would go for BM Ursa Mini Pro G2. You have ready to shoot package, interchangable mounts, internal NDs and also RAW. Depends where you operate, because this is real film camera. Not some small mirrorless body. There is also Canon C200. You can use it with gimbal and Canon made them now even cheaper. There are new cameras everyday now it seems and maybe the Komodo will be what you are looking for. If I had now 10k budget for a camera I would wait and go for Komodo when released. It shapes to be really awesome little box.

 

[Matt W.]

They're over $10K.

But not by much.

There are nice Alexa XTs from a major rental house for $13.5k currently for sale. Or it might even be $12k. Over $10k, but imo a pretty good deal. The older Alexas are 8k, but I wouldn't buy one of them.

Imo the newer Alexas and the FS7 are the hottest items on the list from a rental perspective, of course it depends on your market. I'm not wild about the FS7 personally, but I think it represents an outstanding value.

And 3.2k Alexa footage is my personal favorite image bar none, I prefer it even to Alexa LF and Alexa 65 footage, crazy as that seems. Unfortunately my lenses don't quite cover 3.2k.

And of course, Netflix etc. doesn't accept it, but they're not renting from owner/ops.... I don't know why this is a concern to anyone, frankly, those shows are renting cameras, not hiring owner/ops. Ironically, the one Netflix show I worked on that was acquired as an original series rather than produced as one from the get-go was shot in 1080p. :/

Of course, the Alexa XT is not an ideal beginner camera imo. But I admire those who pick something up and learn on the job. I've seriously considered buying an Alexa XT myself.

I probably will in a few years.

 

[jordan levy]

Hi everyone, I have a liking for cinematography and videography, and currently looking to invest under $10,000 in a decent, USED professional camera package, that I can learn how to operate very well and potentially rent out and make some money, or getting small gigs with it.


So my questions regarding the cameras below are as follows:

1) what would be a better buy in your professional opinion based on these camera packages and why?

2) What will be a good step below these camera's in terms of quality and lifetime value?

3) Are these prices reasonable?

4) Which of these will you grab off the shelf?

5) Is there a better option that I am not aware of?



First, I found a Sony F5 package for $6500, ready to shoot with 4K upgrade and viewfinder. Lenses extra. Under 400hrs.

Also, a Canon C300MK 2 package selling for $8000

Next, the Red Epic M X ready to shoot package for $9500 shipped.

Then, Arri Alexa EV / Alexa Classic (with high speed license) selling for about $8500, with memory and about 1300hr. No batteries.

Sony Fs7 MK1 selling for about $6000, with hand grip, viewfinder and batteries. No lens, no memory.

Finally, a PMW F55 package, ready to shoot for $10000.


Your opinions will be greatly appreciated as I am looking to pull the trigger within the coming week. Thanks

Ps, I am new to the forum.

There are only two relevant cameras on your list, the canon c300mk2 or the sony f55, both have their places and it's not in cinema, but documentary, live event tv specials, corporate, hobbyists. so there is a chance they can rent, but dont ever ever count on renting anything to make any money back, you will be highly disappointed and risk a lot. I would only get a camera that fits my personal use, not my professional work, but that's me because i couldnt possibly accommodate the cliental i work with with. that being said you should look into the canon c200 most likely, low cost, great for beginners, but think about what lenses you want, because it's a much larger commitment, sony lenses or canon?