Finding the right camera can be tricky, but getting that camera ready to shoot is a whole different story. We found three different camera packages that will get you out of the box and shooting in no time. Whether you have all the money in the world or just what you found in your couch cushion, we have an option that will fit your needs. 

While the world of RED has moved onto the next generation of cameras, its older models are still workhorses ready to tackle any project. 

This  RED Dragon-X Camera Kit  includes the Dragon-X brain and the minimum gear you need to make a functional shooting package. With an industry-standard Super35 sensor, you can shoot and record at 6K uncropped up to 75 fps. The kit also includes the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art Lens and an aluminum Canon EF mount with electrical contacts that pass metadata and allow for electronic control of EF mount lenses. The included V-lock expander module allows you to power the camera and provides HDMI and SDI outputs, as well as other interfaces. While this kit is a bit more expensive than the others on this list, RED's color science and propriety RAW format is the go-to for many indie and Hollywood filmmakers. 

As we step down in our budget, we come to Canon and the EOS C200. The camera features a built-in EVF, 4" LCD screen, top handle, Super 35mm CMOS sensor, and Dual-Pixel Autofocus, which is superb. The EF lens mount on the EOS C200 offers compatibility not only with Canon's existing broad range of DSLR lenses but also with their line of EF Mount CN-E cinema prime and zoom lenses. The Super 35mm sensor is paired with Canon's Dual DIGIC DV 6 image processor, allowing it to capture and record up to DCI 4K resolution. The included lenses consist of a Canon L-Series 24, 50, and 85mm lens. All three lenses have super fast apertures and feature USM technology for fast autofocus.

While not as production-ready as the RED Dragon-X, the C200 can also record Canon's Cinema Raw Light internally via its single CFast card slot.

Now we get to the budget-friendly area of the list. If you're ready to start your filmmaking career and need a full-featured kit to shoot your first production,  the  Blackmagic Design Film/Music Video Production Starter Kit has everything you need to produce your indie film, music video, or fledgling TV series.

This expansive kit includes the Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K, an HDMI/Ethernet cable, the 5" Atomos Shinobi 4K HDMI/SDI Pro Monitor, an Atomos power and accessory kit, a ball head monitor mount, a shoe mount adapter, a Rokinon EF-mount cinema four-lens set, a SanDisk 128GB SDXC card, a Manfrotto aluminum tripod with 502AH tripod head, and an Azden mini-XLR compact shotgun microphone. And all for only  $4,999. The BMPCC 6K captures gorgeous footage in either ProRes or BRAW, making it a great solution for any project.      

Check out weekly specials, deals, and rebates: Pro Video Gear, Pro Audio Gear, Lighting

Get your FREE copy of the eBook called "astonishingly detailed and useful" by Filmmaker Magazine! It's 100+ pages on what you need to know to make beautiful, inexpensive movies using a DSLR. Subscribe to receive the free PDF!