Which camera should I buy?

[Cracker Funk]

I'm not purchasing a camera. But remember when we used to get a new thread, with this at the title, practically on a daily basis?

For those who might be considering their first camera purchase, what's the current advice? Are we still recommending mid-level DSLR or EVIL cameras? Or is Black Magic the new hot shit?

I haven't done a ton of research, but if I were in the market, I'd first look into the pros/cons of the Black Magic Pocket cam. Agree/Disagree?

Personally, because I don't aspire to be a camera operator or cinematographer, I'm perfectly happy with my Samsung Galaxy S7. Every time I record video on it, I'm floored by the quality achieved by a fucking smartphone.

But what if I were a trust-fund baby who wanted an actual camera? What if I were an aspiring DP? What are my first options?

 

[Stich]

I dare you. Be the first filmmaker to shoot a feature film with a Etch-a-sketch.

I'm sure Stan Brakhage already did that.

 

[WalterB]

I'm sure Stan Brakhage already did that.

No, he scratched and painted filmstrips. (And mutulated it with chemicals)
The Etch-a-Sketch is the toy version of that

 

[MissFlick]

I'm still shooting on VHS, nobody ever returns my calls. This sucks.

Lol!

 

[Stich]

No, he scratched and painted filmstrips. (And mutulated it with chemicals)
The Etch-a-Sketch is the toy version of that

Indeed. If only he had looked at the progression of his scratches on each film frame and guided them into some sort of animation, then it would have actually been interesting. I sat through about a dozen of those scratch films some years ago in Austin, TX. He was in attendance. I think half the audience walked out by the time the lights went up. It was at least amusing to see one short scene with Burroughs letting a balloon fly away.