As we wish everyone a Happy New Year and start looking ahead into 2026, we thought we’d take the opportunity to look back at some of our most popular camera rentals from 2025 and put together a little guide on how to select the right camera for your next shoot.

Here are some of the cameras we found suited a range of markets and uses through 2025, and how we believe each one fits in, with shoot requirements and output quality being the biggest onservations.

A practical guide to choosing the best cinema camera for your production

Camera choice has a huge influence on the look, workflow and pace of any shoot. But with so many systems now widely available – from full-frame Sony bodies to ARRI cinema cameras, Blackmagic RAW systems and compact action cameras – the right option depends on what you’re trying to achieve and how you like to work on set.

At Media Dog, we support productions across commercial, broadcast, documentary, online content and independent film. This guide takes a more practical, real-world approach: not a spec sheet comparison, but a breakdown of how different cameras behave on set, and where each one proves its value.

Think in terms of shooting environment, not just specifications

Rather than starting with brand names, it’s more useful to begin with the environment the camera needs to operate in:

Controlled sets with lighting and crew support
Fast-moving locations where mobility matters
Mixed lighting or low-light situations
Large-format or high-resolution workflows
Action-heavy sequences
Documentary and unpredictable real-world coverage

Once you understand the environment, the right camera family becomes very clear.

1. Controlled, cinematic productions → ARRI / URSA 12K

High-end commercial or narrative work generally calls for cameras that deliver the maximum image latitude.

ARRI

ARRI systems (such as the current flagship Arri Alexa 35) remain the reference point for natural colour reproduction, highlight roll-off and a distinctly filmic image. Crews appreciate them for how well they integrate with lighting setups and how forgiving the footage is in post.

Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K

While it produces a very different look, the URSA 12K is another strong option for controlled environments. The enormous resolution and RAW flexibility make it ideal for VFX, punchy commercial visuals or projects where reframing options are valuable.

These are cameras that shine when you have a crew and time to shape the image properly.

2. Fast-paced commercial, documentary and event work → Sony FX9 / FX6 / FX3

Sony’s cinema line is designed for shoots where conditions change quickly and the camera needs to react just as fast.

FX9 is a favourite for broadcast, documentary and commercial teams wanting rock-solid autofocus, internal ND filters and excellent low-light performance.
FX6 offers similar capability in a lighter body.
FX3/A7S III are extremely mobile, perfect for handheld, gimbal and mixed-format shooting.

Sony excels when the priority is coverage, mobility and reliability over long shooting days.

3. Interviews, lifestyle content and hybrid stills/video work → Canon

Canon’s colour science — particularly skin tones — continues to make its cameras strong candidates for interview-led productions and branded lifestyle content. The Canon EOS C300 Mk II remains a strong contender for this reason, despite being an older model now.

They’re approachable systems for operators of varying levels and with options such as the 1DX Mk II they are also a smart choice when stills and video need to be captured on the same shoot.

4. Indie filmmaking, creative grading and compact setups → Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera

The BMPCC (Pocket Cinema Camera) delivers impressive dynamic range and RAW formats in a lightweight body. Filmmakers who want maximum creative control in post often gravitate toward it.

It’s also a good option for:

handheld visual storytelling
small crews
multi-camera indie setups
tight budgets without compromising image quality

5. Action, POV and specialist rigging → GoPro

For anything involving movement, unusual angles or environments that aren’t camera-friendly, GoPro remains the most practical option.

Vehicle rigs, stunt sequences, underwater environments, helmets, tight spaces — it does the job cleanly and reliably.

It’s rarely a main camera, but often the one that captures the shot no other camera can.

How to decide: recapping by production type

Rather than a table, here’s a clearer way to think about it:

Drama / premium commercial: ARRI or URSA 12K
Documentary / factual / corporate: FX9 or FX6
Mobile branded content / social-first: FX3 or A7S III
Interviews / lifestyle: Canon cinema or mirrorless
Indie / stylised work: BMPCC
Action / specialist: GoPro

No single camera is “best”. The right tool is the one that fits your workflow, your lighting and your operating style.

Camera hire across the UK

Media Dog supplies a full range of cinema cameras, accessories and production kit for shoots nationwide. If you’re unsure which system suits your project, our team can recommend and build a kit that fits your brief, crew size and shooting conditions.