If you're wondering what filmmakers and photographers are currently using to shoot their work, here's your answer.
It's always good to know the tools of your trade, so if you're a filmmaker, this data from ExploreCams might be of interest to you. The camera gear statistics website searched through more than 11 million online photos to come up with not only the top 50 interchangeable-lens cameras being used by photographers today, but the most popular brands, lenses, camera settings, and camera/lens combinations, as well. Check out these infographics below to learn more:
Top 50 Interchangeable-Lens Digital Cameras
Popular Camera/Lens Combos
Here are the top 10 camera/lens combinations according to ExploreCams, but you can see the full list of 50 here.
Now, technically all of this data reflects what photographers are currently using to shoot photos, so it doesn't entirely reflect what filmmakers are choosing for their workhorse cameras. Of course, filmmakers are no strangers to using DSLRs, like the Canon 5D Mark III, 6D, 70D, or Nikon D7000—I personally cut my teeth on a 5D Mark II—and new(ish)comers like the a7S and a7II and a6000 are there on the list (the a7S made a particularly big splash at NAB a couple of years ago).
What I found particular interesting was ExploreCams information about camera/lens combos, because it seems as though new filmmakers tend to know less about the glass they're using than the camera they're shooting with. So, perhaps this will help make those just starting out make more educated lens choices, or at least give them a good springboard for further research.
Be sure to check out ExploreCams for more interesting camera gear data.
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Your Comment
18 Comments
I'm impressed how few mirrorless cameras are in this list. It's also a little sad since I'm getting the impression most DSLR users couldn't even explain why they've chosen their DSLR over a mirrorless camera.
October 8, 2016 at 3:30PM
Read the title. That's because a DSLR is not a mirrorless camera, you banana.
October 8, 2016 at 11:45PM
Then why are there mirroless cameras in the list numbnuts?
October 9, 2016 at 2:35AM
DSLR digital single lens reflex, means you are viewing through the taking lens as opposed to a twin lens reflex or a rangefinder camera.
You shouldn't post troll driven statements when you have no idea what your talking about NUMBNUTS!
October 9, 2016 at 3:09AM, Edited October 9, 3:09AM
I read a stat from Canon a while back that said only around 10% of 5D users ever use the video function. It's easy to get caught up in a bubble on the internet with A7 this and GH4 that, but us filmmakers really are a small section of the overall market.
October 8, 2016 at 5:10PM, Edited October 8, 5:10PM
...I would be very surprised if 10 percent of 5D users actually use the video functions, as I would expect it to be much less than 1 percent.
I come from a professional photographic studio background, and virtually none of my "photo" contacts are shooting video.
I also know that I would pick different cameras for still-photo and video work ( I rarely do still photo work any more ), where I would pick something like a Panasonic GH4 or Sony A7S II for video work, and a Canon 5D Mk4 or Nikon D810 for still photo work.
October 8, 2016 at 10:02PM
Primarily, I shoot video so I selected the a7Sii. The low light and dynamic range performance of this camera is astounding. It allows me to shoot at night with little to no noise. This feature really came in handy in Hawaii last week as I was videoing the Kīlauea lava flows into the Pacific. The Sony delivered truly stunning images.
October 14, 2016 at 10:05AM, Edited October 14, 10:16AM
Considering how popular the Panasonic GH4 is, I find this list rather suspect. The top 30 cameras are all HD-only? The Nikon D7100 is number 4? This list is rather questionable.
October 8, 2016 at 6:32PM, Edited October 8, 6:34PM
This is a PHOTOGRAPHY list, so it does not surprise me that most of the cameras on the list are Canon or Nikon. ( it is probably quite meaningless for video shooters )
October 8, 2016 at 10:04PM
The title clearly says DSLR, not including mirrorless.
October 8, 2016 at 11:46PM
Again, then why are there mirrorless cameras in the list "you banana"?
October 9, 2016 at 2:38AM
The list is confused by the fact that the Canons various regional names for the same camera are listed as different cameras, like the 700D/t5i. The list would look entirely different, and make more sense, if the figures for these cameras were properly combined!
October 8, 2016 at 7:01PM
Agreed. Combining the scores for the 600D/T3i would bring it up to 4th spot.
October 9, 2016 at 3:30PM, Edited October 9, 3:30PM
This is a PHOTOGRAPHY list, and most likely does NOT represent the cameras that purely video shooters are using.
I don't know of any specific stats when it comes to the percentage of still photo shooters that actually shoot video, but I would expect it to be less than ONE percent of the photo shooters.
October 8, 2016 at 10:06PM
Im really surprised the T2i is still going fairly strong. Glad I kept mine.
October 9, 2016 at 12:17PM
You wonder why Canon doesn't innovate
October 9, 2016 at 10:38PM
Fascinating. I would have thought the Canon 24-70mm would have had more percentage of use with the 5D II and III. If you're interested in those cameras (or many of the cameras and lenses listed in this post) you should check out KitSplit, a company I co-founded.
KitSplit is a marketplace for cameras and related equipment. If you rent equipment, you can search on KitSplit across hundreds of owners including individual filmmakers and artists, rental houses, and production companies and studios. You can find the best option; book and pay online, often saving up to 30% compared to traditional options; and get delivery and insurance...all while supporting other filmmakers and small businesses.
And if you own your own gear, consider listing it on the site so you can make money renting it when you're not using it. We make it easy and safe for you by listing your gear, handling the logistics, vetting every member, and ensuring that your gear is always fully insured. Check us out at www.kitsplit.com
October 11, 2016 at 9:46AM
According to my understanding from you guys is that all these camera lineups are based on still photography so if that is the case why is that the Nikon D750 is way below the Nikon d7100 and the rest because as you all know that that is if you know that d750 is very very good in low light?
October 13, 2016 at 1:15PM