Already have a killer setup for watching movies? Here's the gear you need to make those masterpieces.—Grayson Schaffer

Smaller, lighter, and, yes, cheaper than Canon's workhorse models, the T3i is geared specifically toward budding filmmakers. It gathers full-size 1080p HD video at 30 frames per second with its 18-megapixel CMOS sensor and lets you monitor the action on a camcorder-style tilt/swivel screen. Canon has loaded the Rebel with user-friendly presets, but there's enough manual control to dial in every shot.

WIRED Plays nice with all Canon SLR lenses.

TIRED Lots of plastic here. Mic quality not fit for mass consumption. 30 fps is too slow for capturing sports. $899, Canon

Rating: 6 out of 10

Photo: Greg Broom