The Best Cinema & Studio Cameras For Churches 2024
Welcome to the 2024 list of best cinema and studio cameras for churches, where I'll be making my picks for the following categories:
The Best Overall Cinema Camera
The Best Budget Cinema Camera
The Best Overall Studio Camera
The Best Budget Studio Camera
Plus, one honorable mention (a camera close to my heart)
All of these cameras are more than capable of helping your church livestream.
But what makes these cameras special compared to others I've talked about in previous blogs is their image quality.
Relative to PTZ cameras or camcorders, these will dramatically outperform those options.
Speaking of those other options, I published a blog called The 7 Best Church Cameras For Live Streaming earlier this year, along with the Best BUDGET Live Stream Cameras For Churches.
And if you're looking for an all-in-one buying guide, "an ultimate church camera catalog for 2024," I've put that together as well - here.
Free Bonus
The Best Church Cameras Of 2024: A comprehensive catalog of the best 14 camera options for churches across all categories and price points.
To the cameras we're highlighting today, I've consulted the expertise of a friend of mine in this industry, Joel W. Smith.
His website is invaluable - you can find it at joelwsmith.com, where he has buying guides - not just for cameras of all types - but also live production gear, computers, switchers, cables, you name it.
We've combined our collective experience in this blog and arrived at the recommendations I will share with you now.
Category #1: The Best Overall Cinema Camera
Sony FX30
Price Point: $1,789 USD
Man, do I love this camera.
There are no overheating concerns whatsoever, which is remarkable considering what this camera can do.
This camera includes:
An APS‑C / Super 35 sensor
6K oversampling
Outstanding autofocus
5‑axis in‑body image stabilization
Can record up to 4096 x 2160 at 119.88 fps in 4:2:2 10‑bit
Even more resolution in RAW - 4672 x 2628 - when you're using the HDMI output
When you add the Sony XLR-H1, which is the optional audio handle add-on, you get 2 XLR inputs
It records to Dual CFexpress Type A / SD memory card slots
Those are cool because the slot for the cards can take two different types. So, an SD card will fit in there, but so will the faster, more powerful, and more expensive CFExpress Type A Cards.
Finally, it's got five 1/4"‑20 mounting points for accessories
This thing is a UNIT. I love the build quality.
For being so compact, it's pretty stout.
No frills. No marketing gimmicks. No useless fluff.
It's just rock-solid performance and excellent image quality.
We use two of these to record our podcast every week.
And you can just count on them.
And for the price? Come on.
Pros & Cons For This Camera:
The Pros:
Value combined with image quality = hard to beat
There are lots of good lens options with the Sony E mount and Super 35 sensor
The Cons:
No SDI output
No synchro scan shutter
Limited power options
For continuous power, you can only use third-party dummy battery adapters right now, which isn't a deal breaker or anything. It's what we do for our podcast. Here are the ones we use, which we got from Amazon. They've worked fine. No complaints.
The only annoyance is that the battery door doesn't close when the dummy battery is in there - but we're really picking nits at this point.
This camera is a beast. Virtually, no notes.
Now, as a little honorable mention here, I've got to mention the big brother of the Sony FX30, and that is the Sony FX3 - which predates the FX30.
They're virtually identical, except the FX3 is full-frame.
I mentioned we film our podcast with a pair of FX30s, but our setup is actually a three-camera setup, and for the main wide shot, we use the FX3.
The thing about the FX3 is it's more than twice the cost of the FX30, which is probably just not worth it for many churches.
Here's the critical thing to note, though: that full-frame sensor essentially gives the FX3 the ability to see in the dark.
It's a low-light monster.
Sony is famous for this.
So, suppose you know the lighting in your church's sanctuary is sub-optimal. In that case, it might be worth it to pay a little extra for a camera that can perform better in low-light, because that may be more cost-effective than actually upgrading the lights themselves.
That said, the FX30 is no slouch in the low-lighting department either.
I just had to mention the FX3, though, because I do love it dearly.
Okay, moving to the next camera on our list.
Free Bonus
The Best Church Cameras Of 2024: A comprehensive catalog of the best 14 camera options for churches across all categories and price points.
Category #2: The Best Budget Cinema Camera
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K.
Price Point: $1,295 USD
It's hard to argue with the popularity and performance of this camera.
It has become synonymous with a "budget‑friendly cinema camera,” and for excellent reasons.
I've owned six of these, and they've all been great.
This camera includes:
Micro Four Thirds sensor
Dual native ISO
Records in ProRes or BRAW
Records up to 4096 x 2160 at 60 fps
Records to CFast 2.0
SD UHS‑II or external USB‑C drives
Built‑in 5" touchscreen
You can apply custom 3D LUTs to HDMI output, the built‑in monitor, and even directly to recorded files
Clean HDMI output up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps
On top of all that, you get compatibility with Blackmagic's robust and diverse ecosystem - for instance, tally, camera and lens control, and record functionality when paired with Blackmagic ATEM switchers.
Pros & Cons For This Camera:
The Pros
Price
Massive user base and accessory market
Integration with Blackmagic's ecosystem
The Cons
HDMI output is limited to 1080p
Micro Four Third lens selection can be tricky
This camera was released in 2018, so it's likely due for an update
However, that can also be considered a pro because this camera has a used market.
So, if the list price of $1,295 USD isn't doing it for you, explore the used market to find even lower-priced options.
Let's move to studio cameras now. And what's the difference between a studio camera and a cinema camera anyway?
The nice thing about the three cinema cameras we just mentioned is their portability.
They're very compact. You can take them anywhere.
So, if you want to livestream or record your church service, you're set.
But suppose you also want to shoot testimony videos, talking head videos, capture b-roll of your church service either handheld or on a gimbal, and get some slow-motion baptism shots- in that case, those cinema cameras can do it all!
The tradeoff is that they will have fewer robust live production features than the upcoming studio cameras.
The tradeoff with studio cameras? It's in the name. The idea is you set those up in your studio (or for a church, in your sanctuary), and they stay there.
Not the best suited for run and gun.
So, it really comes down to your church's needs and what you want to prioritize.
Category #3: The Best Overall Studio Camera
Blackmagic Studio Camera 6K Pro
Price Point: $2,495 USD
Basically, Blackmagic took cues from their wildly popular Pocket Cinema Cameras and repackaged those into a form factor better suited for live production.
That's what we have here.
And as a result, this camera has an impressive list of goodies.
This camera includes:
A Super 35 sensor
Active EF lens mount
12G-SDI output and program return
The ability to record to external USB-C drives
Record in 6144 x 3456 up to 50 fps
Live stream via RTMP directly from the camera
Built-in ND filters can be set locally or remotely
5-pin XLR port for professional talkback headsets
And really, that short list only scrapes the surface of what this camera offers, not to mention the excellent image quality and performance for the price.
The built-in live streaming feature will also be a great solution to get single camera setups online quickly and efficiently.
So, if you're looking for a camera system that offers a remarkable bang for the buck and overall value, this is the one.
Pros & Cons For This Camera:
The Pros
The value
The integration with Blackmagic's ecosystem
Wide selection of EF lenses for all budgets
The Cons
ProRes recording formats have been removed, leaving only Blackmagic RAW
Limited features outside Blackmagic's ecosystem and parfocal servo zoom lenses are expensive
Now, our final camera on our list.
Category #4: The Best Budget Studio Camera
Blackmagic Studio 4K Plus G2
Price Point: $1,795 USD
Our friends at Blackmagic have done it again!
While this camera does have a smaller sensor and loses a few features compared to the previous pick, it is still no slouch.
This camera includes:
A Micro Four Thirds sensor
Active MFT lens mount
Dual gain ISO
Excellent Blackmagic generation 5 color science
12G-SDI output and program return
Can record to external USB-C drives
Can record in formats up to 3840 x 2160 at 60 fps.
So, if you're on a tight budget but want the most capability and image quality your money can buy, this is a natural fit.
Pros & Cons For This Camera:
The Pros
Price
Image quality
Integration with Blackmagic's ecosystem
The Cons
Only three MFT lenses currently support power servo zoom
Parfocal servo zoom is often a deal breaker
Free Bonus
The Best Church Cameras Of 2024: A comprehensive catalog of the best 14 camera options for churches across all categories and price points.
Conclusion
In wrapping up this exploration of The Best Cinema And Studio Cameras For Churches 2024, it's crucial to remember that the perfect camera isn't about choosing the most popular option but finding the one that aligns with your church's specific needs and priorities.
Each camera we've discussed boasts unique features and capabilities. Still, it’s all about finding the right camera that enhances the quality of your content and empowers your ministry's message.
So, as you consider your options, focus on what matters most for your church's storytelling and engagement goals.
Let's prioritize not just the technology but the stories and moments we aim to share, ensuring they resonate deeply and authentically with our communities.
And, if you want my complete list of Best Church Cameras for 2024, 14 cameras in total from even more categories than we cover in this blog, you can download it here.
For even more great lists and buying guides, head to joelwsmith.com - an invaluable church resource.
As for the next blog you'll want to read, perhaps explore my picks for the Best Budget Live Streaming Cameras for Churches this year.
Thanks as always for your time, attention, and trust- we'll talk real soon.
More Posts
