Best camera under $1000 for this

I'm shooting a documentary style short horror film. We did a test shoot of it last year using a Sony Handycam CX405, which seems to be pretty equivalent to a cell phone video camera.

For version 2.0 of the short, I'm trying to upgrade everything and am considering the Sony Handycam FDR‑AX33. Some things I've read suggest the FDR-AX33 is best for this type of shoot, ie, mainly natural light and the actors holding the camera, but I wanted to see if anyone had any other thoughts or suggestions on the matter. Thank you for any feedback.
 
Look into the blackmagic micro cinema camera. Also, run a cost comparison between a rental for the appropriate amount of time? Hell, check kitsplit! Got an FS7 kit for 100/weekend. 10 weekends aint too bad.
 
I'm shooting a documentary style short horror film. We did a test shoot of it last year using a Sony Handycam CX405, which seems to be pretty equivalent to a cell phone video camera.

For version 2.0 of the short, I'm trying to upgrade everything and am considering the Sony Handycam FDR‑AX33. Some things I've read suggest the FDR-AX33 is best for this type of shoot, ie, mainly natural light and the actors holding the camera, but I wanted to see if anyone had any other thoughts or suggestions on the matter. Thank you for any feedback.

I think you want a camera with image stabilization. Handheld camera shake can make this genre of film almost unwatchable. The best cameras below $1000 for this are:

Small Sensor

Sony AX53 (much better in low light than the AX33) - $898

Here is a handheld, low light example shot with this camera:

https://youtu.be/A-tz1aBdO7w

Large Sensor

Panasonic G85 with the 12-60mm kit lens and a free 64GB SD card - $997.99

Shallower, more "cinematic" depth of field than the AX53, as seen here:

https://youtu.be/aTUWoL4Afpc

and here (shot handheld in natural light with the G85 and GH4):

https://youtu.be/fwYRbDA122s

Hope this is helpful, good luck with your film and best of the holidays to you and yours!
 
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