Throughout the course of the pandemic the strategic importance of video and live streaming ministry has grown significantly at churches across the country and around the world. As ministries continue to develop their filmmaking and broadcast capabilities, having access to the right tools is a critical part of ensuring long-term strategic success.
Here are a number of camera options, grouped by budget ranges, that will help churches take the next growth steps in their film and streaming ministries. Unless otherwise noted, the cameras in this list ship without lenses, and are designed to adapt to a number of different glass options for maximum end user flexibility.
SMALLER BUDGET SELECTIONS
Panasonic AG-CX10 Camcorder
The Panasonic AG-CX10 is a great all-around camera for churches just getting started and wanting something that can cover all of the bases. The camcorder films in 4K and includes a built-in 24x optical zoom lens in a lightweight form factor for easy transfer and setup. The AG-CX10 boasts professional connections like HDMI and SDI for video output and dual XLR ports for high-quality audio input. Best of all, the camera will live stream directly over Wi-Fi and ethernet, with an upgradable licensing option for NDI-based IP broadcast workflows.
Street Price: $2,595
Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro
The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro represents one of the very best values on the market for film teams looking for cinema-quality imagery at an unbeatable price point. It features a high-resolution 6K sensor, a bright 5” touchscreen and built-in ND filters for filming in bright environments. The BMPCC6K Pro also records in a RAW format that maximizes quality and flexibility in post-production. It also features HDMI video out and built-in timecode via the 3.5mm audio jack for potential incorporation into multi-camera broadcast arrays.
Street Price: $2,495
MID-RANGE SELECTIONS
Canon EOS C70 Cinema Camera
Built around a Super-35 sized Dual Gain Output borrowed from cameras higher up the product chain, the Canon EOS C70 was designed to capture high-fidelity, cinematic footage while shooting on the go. It boasts built-in image stabilization and 10 stops of ND for run-and-gun filming in any setting or environment. For volunteer-driven streaming or filmmaking ministries the C70’s industry standard face-tracking auto focus performance could prove to be a godsend. It also includes HDMI video output with a dedicated SDI port for timecode in and out for multi-camera productions.
Street Price: $5,499
Panasonic AU-EVA1 Compact 5.7K Super 35mm Cinema Camera
The Panasonic AU-EVA1 is a flexible camera built around a cinema-style 5.7K sensor that down-samples internally to clean, high-quality 4K footage. It records to broadcast standard 10-bit 4:2:2 files and features Dual Native ISO settings for easy switching between filming in standard or lower-light settings. The EVA1 includes both HDMI and SDI professional video outputs along with dual XLR audio inputs for using external microphone systems. Churches looking to use the camera as a handheld option in live broadcast settings will also appreciate the camera’s built-in timecode functionality.
Street Price: $6,495
HIGHER-END SELECTIONS
Sony PXW-FX9 XDCAM 6K Full-Frame Camera System
Designed around a full-frame sized 6K cinema sensor, the Sony PXW-FX9 produces film-quality, super-sampled 4K video. It records broadcast-quality flies at 10-bit 4:2:2 color sampling in Sony's new S-Cinetone color profile, which was borrowed directly from their Hollywood-standard VENICE camera. The FX9 also features a broad array of on-body camera settings controls, allowing for crucial image perimeter adjustments in real time. It also boasts multiple SDI output ports for 4K, HD or genlock functionality, making the FX9 equally as home in a broadcast setting as it would be on a film set.
Street Price: $10,998
Canon EOS C300 Mark III Digital Cinema Camera
The Canon EOS C300 Mark III features a Super 35-sized cinema that captured high dynamic range footage using Canon’s Dual Gain Output technology. The camera also boasts internal RAW recording and image stabilization for optimal filmmaking results. The C300 Mark III incorporates a modular design, allowing users to adapt the camera for smaller documentary filmmaking, or to build it out for larger studio-centric work. With built-in SDI 4K video, timecode, genlock outputs, the camera is perfectly designed to create film content all week, then seamlessly shift into broadcast or streaming setup for weekend worship.
Street Price: $10,999
Hitachi Z-HD5000 Broadcast/Production Camera
The Z-HD5000 is Hitachi’s most economical, high-performance Studio and Field HDTV production camera. This is a proven, full featured production camera that uses three high-resolution, low noise 2/3-inch IT-CCDs. Its lightweight, two-piece dockable camera body offers maximum re-configuration ability. A compact digital fiber transmission system or Hitachi’s patented digital Triax enables smaller production facilities to lower their overall system costs.
Street Price: $21,437
