The Sundance Film Festival has always been a proving ground for both storytelling and cinematography. Each year, the selection of cameras used in Sundance documentaries reflects the evolving landscape of filmmaking technology and trends. Sundance 2025 was no exception, showcasing a mix of cutting-edge cinema cameras, compact mirrorless options, and even smartphones.
Sundance 2025 Documentaries – Camera Chart
This chart is inspired by IndieWire’s comprehensive Sundance 2025 Cinematography Survey, which provides invaluable insights into the cameras and formats used in this year’s festival. We expand on that data, offering deeper analysis and context to understand the evolving landscape of documentary filmmaking. Now let’s explore the Sundance 2025 Documentaries – Camera Chart:
Sony BURANO’s Debut at a Prestige Festival
One of the most significant developments this year was the first appearance of the Sony BURANO in a high-profile festival. Designed to bridge the gap between traditional cinema cameras and more agile documentary-friendly cameras, the BURANO delivers full-frame quality with built-in ND filters and IBIS, making it an ideal choice for documentarians. Its presence at Sundance confirms Sony’s intent to offer a hybrid solution for filmmakers who require both cinematic quality and versatility.
Sony VENICE: The Dominant High-End Cinema Camera
While ARRI cameras have historically dominated major festivals, the Sony VENICE emerged as the leading high-end cinema camera in the documentary lineup. With its full-frame sensor, exceptional dynamic range, and color science, the VENICE was preferred over the ARRI ALEXA 35, which has dominated in the narrative space (as discussed here). The VENICE’s presence signifies a shift in preference among documentarians toward Sony’s high-end offerings over ARRI’s traditional grip on the industry.
Exploring the iPhone and GoPro in Documentary Filmmaking
One of the most exciting aspects of this year’s lineup was the inclusion of the iPhone and GoPro as major cameras in certain documentaries. While these devices have been used as supplementary tools in the past, their increasing adoption signals a new era of accessibility in filmmaking. With advancements in computational cinematography, ProRes recording, and stabilization, mobile and action cameras now provide broadcast-quality footage in the right hands. This raises the question: Are we reaching a point where storytelling truly outweighs technical specs? (A debate that has been ongoing).
Canon C70’s Bold Appearance
The Canon C70 made a bold entrance into Sundance 2025, standing out among compact cinema cameras. Given its Super 35 sensor, DGO technology, and RF mount, the C70 provides an attractive option for documentarians who value Canon’s renowned color science. However, Canon’s Cinema EOS line was surprisingly underrepresented overall. Despite the C70’s strong presence, where were the usual C300 and C500 models that have dominated Sundance in previous years? (We analyzed Canon’s absence here).
The Sony A7 Series: A Mirrorless Powerhouse
Leading the mirrorless camera category at Sundance 2025 was the Sony A7 series, which saw widespread use among independent filmmakers. Its full-frame capabilities, low-light performance, and affordability make it an increasingly popular choice. But why do so many top-tier documentarians choose a mirrorless camera over traditional cinema rigs? Is it the flexibility, cost, or image quality? We invite our readers to weigh in on this ongoing debate.
The Strength of Sony’s Cinema Line: FX9, FX6, and FX3
Sony’s Cinema Line cameras—FX9, FX6, and FX3—were dominant at Sundance, offering filmmakers a range of options from high-end full-frame cameras to compact, run-and-gun solutions. The FX9 provided a balance between VENICE’s high-end features and a more affordable package, while the FX6 and FX3 proved invaluable for smaller crews and handheld shooting. The FX3’s compact design, paired with internal stabilization and strong low-light performance, made it a festival favorite.
Brave Filmmakers Who Shot on Film: ARRI 416
In an era where digital dominates, some bold documentarians opted to shoot on 16mm film using the ARRI 416. This choice brings a tactile, organic quality that digital formats struggle to replicate. Shooting on film requires immense dedication, precision, and higher budgets, but for certain filmmakers, it remains the ultimate way to achieve a timeless look.
Canon’s Unexpected Decline in Sundance Documentaries
For years, the Canon Cinema EOS line—particularly the C300—was a Sundance documentary staple. However, 2025 saw a decline in Canon’s presence in favor of Sony and ARRI. Could this be due to a shift in market strategy, or are indie filmmakers simply gravitating toward more versatile offerings? (We explore this here).
The Diversity of Cameras: From VENICE to iPhone
One of the most fascinating aspects of Sundance 2025 was the wide range of cameras used—from top-tier cinema cameras like the Sony VENICE and ARRI ALEXA to consumer-grade smartphones and action cameras. This underscores the democratization of filmmaking, where the right story, vision, and execution matter more than the price tag of the gear. But is Sundance still a festival for true independent filmmakers? (We discuss this question here). Furthermore, the camera selection at Sundance 2025 highlights the evolution of documentary filmmaking tools. Compared to Sundance 2024, where Sony dominated with its FX series and VENICE lineup, 2025 saw an even greater shift toward Sony’s ecosystem, with the BURANO making its mark. Meanwhile, in Sundance 2023, Canon still had a stronger foothold, particularly with the C300 series, which is now largely absent. The rise of iPhones and GoPros at Sundance 2025 also signals a growing trend in mobile cinematography, something that was not as prevalent in previous years. As we move forward, it will be fascinating to see how these trends continue to shape the landscape of independent filmmaking.
