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A basic stop motion animation video can be created using something as handy as your phone camera and a lego puppet.
However, if you use cameras with automatic exposure/focus, you will end up having these issues:
-Light flickering.
-Frame movement.
-Change in focus.
Cameras with no manual exposure are usually the ones to blame for the issues listed above.
I am mainly referring to webcams, phones, and compact cameras.
Even though they are much cheaper and often picked by beginners, the truth is they are not really up to the standard.
If you use an automatic camera it will try to automatically compensate for the light available every time your character moves. Therefore every one of your frames will have inconsistent lighting and will change focus automatically.
Watch the example below:
Head to my article on “ 7 stop motion beginner’s mistakes and how to avoid them” to know more.
This is not a huge deal but can be really annoying if you want your stop motion animation to look professional.
If you don’t want to get any of the errors listed above a DSLR camera is all you need.
These offer dual automatic and manual exposure and can be used for professional photography as well as video.
Although it might require a bigger investment I can assure you it will be much worth it!
A: Because you won’t lose your time and money on a cheaper and not fully functional camera.
B: Because it’s high quality functions will allow you to also use it as a photography and video camera.
Before settling for a specific camera think about your budget and stop motion objectives and needs.
You can still make your stop motion video with something as simple as a phone, however, having some equipment will always make your animation look better.
Not sure about which camera will suit your stop motion best?
Let’s have a look at all the options available.
Webcams
If you are not too bothered by light flicker+ change of focus and you are on a tight budget a webcam is all you need to make your stop motion work.
You can also give it a personal use and set it up within seconds.
These are our top three totally affordable high quality webcams you can get via Amazon:
Comes with privacy cover and tripod
Easy to set up and plug.
Compatible with multisystem
Versatile 1080p Webcam
Autofocus
Auto Low Light Correction
60 FPS 1080p Webcam
Fold and Go Tripod
Works with most major software
Autofocal lens
Logitech products are top of the game. Amongst them this is one of the best webcam versions, allowing you to shoot with manual autofocus for close-up photos.
Full HD 1080p video calling (upto 1920 x 1080 pixels) with the latest version of Skype for Windows; Webcam with 5 foot cable
Video compression, Built in dual stereo mics with automatic noise reduction; Automatic low light correction, Tripod ready universal clip fits laptops, LCD or monitors
Compatible with: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 or later; Works in USB Video Device Class (UVC) mode: Mac OS 10.10 or later (HD 720p on FaceTime for Mac or other supported video calling clients; Full HD 1080p video recording with QuickTime Player) Chrome OS,Android v 5.0 or above (with supported video calling clients),USB port,Internet connection
720p HD video calling (upto 1280 x 720 pixels) with supported clients; Full HD video recording (upto 1920 x 1080 pixels). Max Resolution: 1080p/30fps 720p/30fps
GoPros and Sport Cameras
GoPros are still limited by their automatic lens and are likely to give you the same issues through your stop motion shoot.
However, they are very good small compact cameras that you can also use for other purposes such as trips and outdoor sports.
Here are some different prices and options.
Sports camera with wifi and hdmi
2 rechargeable batteries
Remote control wristband and 19 accessories kit
4k/24fps
Intuitive touch screens
Voice control
4k video
USB adapter
5k video resolution
Time-Lapse
Fish Eye
20mp photo
Live Streaming
Truth be told: If you have no interest in using one of these cameras for other purposes other than stop motion, I think buying a DSLR would be a much more profitable investment.
Best budget DSLR cameras for stop motion
So at this point, you might be asking yourself, why are DSLR’s the best cameras for stop motion?
The answer is very simple.
Although they are not cameras specifically designed to make stop motion animation (there’s no such thing in the current market), they have a required feature none of the cameras listed above have.
This is the so-called manual exposure and focus option, which will pretty much avoid the fact that your camera automatically compensates for the light in each frame and changes its focus.
Automatic focus and exposure cause flicker, so getting a camera that doesn’t have a manual shutter exposure will make your stop motion animation look cheap.
Getting one of these cameras will give your stop motion animation the professional look it deserves.
I have gathered a few budget options for you to have a look at.
All of these have a dual manual and automatic exposure and are great options for beginners and more experienced users.
PS: I have chosen a few Canon models because they have a wide range of lenses available and they are compatible with all stop motion software.
Without further ado, I’ll show you to my top 3 affordable favorites:
This is one of the most affordable DSLR’s available and it’s been my main stop motion camera for years.
First time DSLR buyers love this camera for a few reasons:
Key specifications:
Review Price: $200-$300
12.2-megapixels
DIGIC 4 image processor
9-point AF system
ISO 100 – 6400
1280 x 720 HD movies at 30fps
PROS
High Image quality
Cheapest Entry point Canon DSLR system
Compatible with all stop motion software
CONS
Plastic finish
Contrast-detect live AF is slow
A bit outdated
Conclusion
Even though the camera was launched in 2008 its overall image quality is no different from its predecessors.
The EOS 1100D is a very competent entry-level DSLR that still today offers the cheapest way into the Canon DSLR system.
As you might have noticed this camera is even cheaper than some of the GoPro’s listed above.
You definitely don’t need to have a huge budget in order to get your first DSLR.
If you are a first time DSLR buyer and are wanting to invest in some equipment for your stop motion animation, this camera would be an excellent pick.
It’s been 7 years since I first bought it and I still don’t regret investing in it.
The Canon 4000D could be considered as one of the Canon 1100D’s successor.
The EOS 4000D’s knockdown price makes it one of the best cheap DSLR cameras you can buy.
Review Price: $300-$400
18-megapixels
DIGIC 4+ image processor
9-point AF system
ISO 100 – 6400
Full HD video recording
PROS
Great value for money
Comes in a 15pc bundle
Compatible with all stop motion software
Massive range of compatible lenses
CONS
Slow live view AF
18mp- Low number of megapixels compared to others
A bit outdated
Conclusion
The Canon’s 4000D controls are basic but effective.
Although the camera is still a bit outdated it works with a higher number of megapixels (18mp instead of 12mp of the Canon 1100D).
Performs really well as an introduction to DSLR photography and it comes with a 15 piece bundle that will equip you with almost everything you need to make your stop motion animation.
Buying this camera requires a slightly bigger budget but its bonus in quality will make it worth your while.
Definitely the greatest option for stop motion newcomers and more experienced DSLR users on a budget.
With its 24 megapixel sensor, the Canon Rebel T7 beats the image quality of the Canon 1100d and 4000d by far.
However, its price is still affordable, and will be able to create magical stop motion videos with it!
Key specifications:
Review Price: $400-$500
24.1 megapixels
DIGIC 4+ image processor
9-point AF system
ISO 100 – 6400
1920 x 1080 p – 29.97 fps
PROS
Basic and advanced features
Great image quality
Affordable
Easy to use
Compatible with all stop motion software
CONS
No touch screen
Stationery LCD
Conclusion
The combination of professional features, price, and image quality make the Canon Rebel T7 one of the best budget cameras for people who want to take stop motion seriously.
Both DSLR newbies and more experienced users would be able to make the most out of this reflex.
Although it doesn’t have all the features of some of the more expensive Canon models like touch screen and articulated LCD, it is an affordable and super capable camera that will make your animation process smooth and easy.
It also works pretty well with low shutter speeds and will allow you to sharply focus your pictures even if there’s low light available.
Overall this is the best deal you could get if you are looking to invest in a cheap-ish camera for your stop motion project.
Not only because it’s very user friendly but because it is a great DSLR for people who are eager to gain more knowledge and enjoy all of its amazing features.
Best mirrorless cameras for stop motion
If you are willing to put together a larger budget to invest in your stop motion camera and you are eager to get the best of the best you are in the right place.
These are the best stop motion cameras out in the market, but it doesn’t end there.
Get one of these and you will also have an exceptional photography and video camera.
These cameras are widely used by both photography and film professionals.
Their possibilities and features are endless.
Fujifilm definitely unites the best of both the film and the digital world.
The colors and tones that this still camera is able to capture remind us of a glimpse of the past when everything was captured in film.
The Fujifilm X-14, however, offers all of these benefits in a digital mirrorless camera.
This is “la creme de la creme” of still cameras, not only for stop motion but for professional photography and video.
The X-T4 features a new Film Simulation mode, “ETERNA Bleach Bypass,” to give both film and stills a more artistic look.
Key features:
26MP BSI CMOS sensor
In-body image stabilization (up to 6.5EV correction)
20 fps shooting with AF (15 with new mechanical shutter)
4K video (DCI or UHD) at up to 60p
1080 video at up to 240 fps, output as 4-10x slow-motion footage
Fully articulated rear touchscreen
3.68M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder (up to 100 fps refresh rate)
New NP-W235 battery rated to give 500 shots per charge
Dual UHS-II card slots
USB-C type connector allowing USB PD charging
12 Film Simulation modes, including Eterna Bleach Bypass
PROS
Outstanding image quality
Film Simulation modes
Great battery life
4K video
Compatible with stop motion software
CONS
Very similar to Fujfilm X-T3 (X-T4 has a higher video quality)
Not suitable for tight budgets
Complex burst and video fps options.
Conclusion
The Fujifilm X-T4 is such a perfect camera it’s hard to think of any fault of it at all.
It’s fast, quiet, and long-lasting shutter mechanism and great film looks outshine any other DSLR and mirrorless camera out there.
Its sensors strongly optimize colors and contrasts providing smooth skin tones and soft contrast.
If you are looking for a camera different from all others the Fujifilm X-T4 is definitely the one you are looking for.
The Sony Alpha 7 iii gives pictures a unique and vivid look.
Your landscapes and objects will have a life of its own, while your people’s or puppets’ pictures will look sharp, crisp, and clean.
Key Features:
24MP full frame BSI CMOS sensor
93% autofocus coverage (693 phase detection points, 425 for contrast detection)
Oversampled 4K/24p video taken from full width 6K (cropped-in 5K for 30p)
In-body image stabilization
10 fps continuous shooting
2.36M-dot OLED viewfinder, 0.78x magnification
AF joystick
Touchscreen
Larger, ‘Z-type’ battery (CIPA rated to 710 shots)
Dual SD memory card slots
USB 3.1 Type C
PROS
Excellent image quality
Dual memory card slots
Tilting touch LCD
Silent shooting available
4K video
Compatible with stop motion software
CONS
No in-body flash
Complex menu system
Buffer clearing can be slow
Conclusion
The Sony Alpha 7 iii offers such a wide arrange of professional possibilities that will fit any photographic, video or stop motion project.
The performance, quality and features of this mirrorless camera are excellent and will surprise you every time you shoot with it.
The Sony Alpha 7 iii is one of the smallest, most powerful cameras you could get.
Any photography and video enthusiast would feel lucky to have it.
This full-frame mirrorless camera it’s almost identical to its predecessor the Canon EOS-R
The difference?
The Canon EOS RP is much cheaper and presents a lighter camera body.
It was also designed for advanced and amateur photographers, comprising user-friendly features and making it easier to handle.
Key features:
26.2MP Dual Pixel CMOS sensor
4K/24p (from 1.7x crop region)
4 fps continuous shooting with continuous AF (5 without)
Pupil detection AF in continuous/Servo AF mode
AF rated to -5EV (with an F1.2 lens)
Digic 8 processor
2.36M dot OLED viewfinder
Fully-articulated 1.04M dot touchscreen
Twin command dials
CIPA rated to 250 shots per charge
PROS
Lightweight body compared to other Canon’s
Articulated screen
Designed for every user
4K video
Compatible with stop motion software
CONS
Not great battery life
Body feels small for big lenses
Conclusion:
Although this camera might be hard to carry around and handle when having a big lens attached to it, it is still the least expensive full-frame camera at launch, ever.
Canon is always a great option for both still photography newbies and more experienced people.
The brand’s great quality and camera features make it very easy to work around with them.
You will also be able to find a wide array of affordable lenses in the future.
The Canon EOS RP lightweight design might present drawbacks but is definitely an improvement compared with the oldest cameras.
If you think lightweight is a must for you and you would like to start your stop motion journey with a Canon camera, I wouldn’t be able to think of a better option.
Accessories
You might have already picked your dream camera, but your equipment investment shouldn’t end there.
If you still don’t have these 3 accessories for your stop motion equipment, you will need to get them ASAP.
Here’s why:
Tripods
Keeping your camera steady while shooting your frames is essential!
A tripod prevents the camera from shaking and moving all over the place.
If you don’t want your stop motion animation to shake around like crazy, consider getting a tripod.
The heavier the tripod, the steadier your stop motion animation would be.
Neewer and Manfrotto offer the best professional heavy duty tripods for still photography and stop motion.
But if you would like to purchase something cheaper, there are models starting from $20 on Amazon.
Remote control shutter release and battery adapter power cable
A shutter release works as a remote control that allows you to press your camera shutter from a far distance without actually touching it.
You can get a wireless one or the ones that connect to your camera.
If you work without one of these, your animation will shake every time you touch your camera shutter.
The same goes for the battery adapter power cable. You never know how long you might need to animate your stop motion so connecting your camera batteries to the light is a must if you don’t want to run out of batteries while you are in the middle of a scene.
DSLR camera set up and stop motion tips
If you already have or are about to get your stop motion camera and would like to know more about how to set it up, feel free to check my post on “top 5 tips for making stop motion-DSLR camera set up”
For lighting enthusiast I also wrote an article on “Stop motion lighting- How to get the best lighting setup for stop motion animation”
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