With the film industry reviving after a rough couple of years, people have been flocking to cinemas in droves to watch the latest blockbusters. The colossal popularity of movies like Barbie and Oppenheimer in recent months has shown how excited people are about films and turning them into fun events.
However, it’s not just the widely anticipated flicks from notable directors or franchises that are revitalizing the industry; indie films are also getting their moment to shine. Over the years, many have risen in popularity despite the smaller studio names involved. Consider the enormous success of the indie film and award show darling Everything, Everywhere, All at Once; the A24 movie managed to captivate audiences and critics with its unique story despite the limited budget, crew, and resources.
As an indie filmmaker, it can be tough to stay encouraged when looking at how digital tech has been integrated into moviemaking. CGI actors, artificial intelligence, and other high-tech advancements can make the industry hard to navigate with an indie budget. But there, if you’re an aspiring indie filmmaker looking to publish your own movie, know there’s a huge audience waiting for you and your stories. You don’t need the latest tech to make your movie work; finding the right equipment is a great starting point. More specifically, you’re going to use specific cameras to ensure you get the best shots possible. Below are four of these cameras:
Mirrorless Cameras
Because of their features, mirrorless cameras are considered a lighter and cheaper alternative to DSLRs. As the name suggests, these cameras work without an optical reflex mirror. The light instead passes through the lens straight to the sensor, which then shows the image on the camera’s LCD screen or through the electronic viewfinder. This allows you to adjust the settings and preview the image before it is even shot.
Moreover, mirrorless cameras have larger sensors than most camcorders, making them the perfect choice in low-light settings and for creative shallow-focus shots. Many models are available on the market, but new filmmakers can start with a Sony Alpha a7R V or a Canon EOS R7; these provide versatile features and capabilities for both image and video. With a mirrorless camera, you can ensure your story will be told in high quality.
Action Cameras
Perhaps you have already encountered a GoPro or a DJI Pocket 2. Both of these are action cameras. Action cameras are suitable for outdoor filming since they are weather-, water-, and shockproof, earning them the nickname “adventure cameras.” They are durable enough to withstand getting dropped, worn, or thrown. The smaller action cameras also have enormous, protected sensors that can shoot high-resolution videos. Most have built-in stabilization that guarantees good output despite the rough conditions.
Plus, action cameras, in general, are naturally built to be compact and lightweight so that you can bring them to remote shooting locations.
Traditional Film Cameras
Despite advancements in the filmmaking industry, there is a particular flair for using traditional film cameras. They offer a “softer” image and video resolution. These cameras also have a higher dynamic range, making them better at capturing detail in whites and blacks. Film cameras are also a favorite of many indie filmmakers, as they give the film a certain old-school charm that isn’t as evident with modern digital equipment. Up to now, indie movies are still using film cameras despite the advent and accessibility of contemporary tech. Movies like Past Lives and Asteroid City were released in 2023, yet were still shot on film cameras for certain parts of the film.
There’s just one catch, however: because of the limited number of exposures on a roll of film, you need to plan your shoots carefully so you don’t waste a lot of them. If you wish to use one in your movie, the Canon AE-1 35mm Film Camera is an excellent entry-level model to own. Its controls are easy to learn.
Drone Cameras
Finally, if you are looking for a camera that will cater to your aerial filming needs, you will want to add a drone to the list. Some notable drone cameras, like the DJI Mini 2 and Parrot ANAFI, are environment-proof, allowing you to film in unsafe or hard-to-navigate locations like forests. If you are filming overwater scenes, there are waterproof drones, like the Swellpro SplashDrone 4.
However, before operating drone cameras, secure a permit from the Federal Aviation Administration first. You should also check your state’s rules on drone flying, as you may need to submit additional requirements.
As the industry advances, filmmakers need better equipment to produce high-quality movies that produce truly memorable scenes. And it all starts with the right kind of camera.