Quick answer: For short films, YouTube and beginner cinematography in India in 2026, the Sony ZV-E10 II (about ₹88,000 body) is the best camera under ₹1 lakh. The Sony A6700 (₹1,25,990) is the best under ₹1.3 lakh if you shoot handheld. The Nikon Z5IIC (₹1,39,995 MRP) is the cheapest full-frame camera with internal RAW video. The Sony FX30 (about ₹1.57–1.65 lakh) remains the budget cinema camera for long takes. Stretch picks are the Nikon ZR and Sony ZV-E1.
Eight of the 100 viewer questions we collected from The New Camera’s monthly buying guides were from filmmakers and YouTubers: “FX30 or A6700 for documentary?”, “Z5 II vs FX30?”, “80k max, film-making student”, “an all-rounder that shoots 4K without crop and without a gimbal”. Here is the 2026 shortlist with Indian prices.
Key Takeaways
- Under ₹1 lakh: Sony ZV-E10 II (₹87,990 body / ₹93,990 kit) or Canon EOS R50 V kit (₹62,990–67,990).
- ₹1.25–1.4 lakh: Sony A6700 (IBIS, 4K 120p) or Nikon Z5IIC (full-frame, N-RAW, no EVF).
- ₹1.55–1.9 lakh: Sony FX30 (cooling fan, Cinema Line), Nikon ZR (6K RAW, 4-inch screen) or Sony ZV-E1 (full-frame vlog).
- Rumour: FX30 II talk exists, but nothing is confirmed.
Viewer Questions, Updated
| Original question | October 2026 version |
|---|---|
| “Sir FX30 and A6700, which is better? Purpose is documentary filmmaking.” | The same pair is still relevant: A6700 at ₹1.26 lakh vs FX30 at about ₹1.57–1.65 lakh. |
| “Nikon Z5 II vs Sony FX30, which is best?” | For video-only buyers, the Z5IIC (₹1.40 lakh MRP) now sits between them. |
| “80k max, film-making student, thinking R10.” | ₹80–95k in 2026: ZV-E10 II body or kit (10-bit) rather than an 8-bit-only older body. |
| “All-rounder that shoots 4K without cropping, without a gimbal, good photos too.” | Needs IBIS plus uncropped 4K: A6700 (APS-C) or Z5 II / Z5IIC (4K 30p uncropped). |
| “Cinematography ke liye konsa camera sahi rahega under 1 lakh?” | ZV-E10 II, or a Z50 II with a gimbal. |
Video Camera Prices in India (October 2026)
| Camera | Price seen | Sensor | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EOS R50 V + 14-30mm | ₹62,990–67,990 (MRP ₹79,995) | APS-C | Smartprix |
| Sony ZV-E10 II | ₹87,990 body / ₹93,990 kit | APS-C | Smartprix |
| Sony A6700 | ₹1,25,990 body | APS-C | Smartprix |
| Nikon Z5IIC | ₹1,39,995 MRP | Full-frame | CameraCrux |
| Sony FX30 | About ₹1,56,890–1,64,990 | Super 35 (APS-C) | GP Pro, PixelsPerfect |
| Nikon ZR | ₹1,69,799–1,79,990 (MRP ₹1,86,995) | Full-frame | Amazon.in, Nikon India |
| Sony ZV-E1 | ₹1,79,990 body | Full-frame | FoneArena (Sony festive offers) |
Under ₹1 Lakh: Sony ZV-E10 II
It has a 26MP sensor, 10-bit 4K (S-Log3 and S-Cinetone) and the big NP-FZ100 battery, and it works with a huge range of affordable E-mount primes from Sigma, Viltrox and others. Its weaknesses for filmmaking are no IBIS (use a gimbal or tripod) and no EVF. The Canon R50 V is the cheaper alternative for vlog-style shooting.
₹1.25–1.4 Lakh: Sony A6700 or Nikon Z5IIC
A6700: it uses the same 26MP sensor family as the FX30 and adds IBIS, an EVF and 4K 120p. It is the best one-camera solution if you also shoot photos and handheld travel films.
Nikon Z5IIC: a Z5 II without the EVF and second slot. It is full-frame with N-Log and internal N-RAW, and 4K 30p is uncropped (60p is cropped 1.5x). Read our Z5IIC review. It is the cheapest route to full-frame RAW video in India right now.
₹1.55–1.9 Lakh: FX30, ZR or ZV-E1
- Sony FX30: part of Sony’s Cinema Line, with a built-in cooling fan for long takes, Cine EI/dual base ISO and an optional XLR handle bundle. It is the classic answer to “FX30 vs A6700”: the FX30 suits long interviews, events and documentaries, and the A6700 suits run-and-gun with photos.
- Nikon ZR: a full-frame cinema body with 6K RAW, a large 4-inch screen and 32-bit float audio (per Nikon’s listing). It is a serious step up for short-film makers.
- Sony ZV-E1: a 12MP full-frame vlog camera with excellent low light. It is popular with solo creators, but its photo resolution is limited.
Rumour watch: Sony Alpha Rumors reports a possible 26MP stacked APS-C sensor that could go into an “FX30 II” or a new A6000-series flagship. Nothing is announced (source).
Pros and Cons
APS-C (ZV-E10 II, A6700, FX30)
- Pro: cheaper lenses, lighter rigs, easy focus
- Con: weaker low light than full-frame
Full-frame (Z5IIC, ZR, ZV-E1)
- Pro: low light, shallow depth of field, RAW on Nikon
- Con: costlier lenses, RAW needs a powerful editing PC
As one viewer pointed out, the Nikon ZR’s 6K RAW footage needs a capable computer, so budget for storage and editing hardware too.
Verdict
Students and beginners: ZV-E10 II. Hybrid filmmakers: A6700. Full-frame on a budget: Z5IIC. Long-take documentary and event work: FX30. Ambitious short films: Nikon ZR.
FAQ: Real Viewer Questions
Sony FX30 or A6700 for filmmaking?
The FX30 for long recordings and cinema workflow (fan, Cinema Line features). The A6700 if you also need photos, an EVF and a lower price.
Which is the best camera for short films under ₹1 lakh?
The Sony ZV-E10 II (₹87,990 body). Add a fast prime and a gimbal.
Can I shoot 4K without crop and without a gimbal?
You need IBIS plus uncropped 4K. The A6700, Z5 II or Z5IIC (4K 30p) do this. The ZV-E10 II relies on digital stabilisation, which crops the frame.
Is the Nikon ZR good for beginners?
It is excellent for film-style work, but RAW footage needs a fast PC and lots of storage. Beginners may be better off starting with an A6700 or Z5IIC.
Is an FX30 II coming?
Only rumours so far. There is no announcement, date or price.
Prices checked 23 October 2026 at the linked stores. They change frequently.