Q. I'm interested in film making, and I want to create a horror movie and send it out to film festivals. I already created a script and have the actors, however the camcorder I have isn't entry level. I'm only 16, so money is an issue. I have about $800 for a new camcorder that would be good in low light situations and film in HD. What would be a good camcorder for my budget?
A. Before you decide on which camcorder - or we make suggestions - we need to know if that $800 budget includes mics, lighting, cables, power, tripods or other steadying devices, computer upgrade for video editing, editing application and a few other things.
If the $800 is for the camcorder only because the other items are already budgeted elsewhere, then get the largest lens diameter and imaging chip you can afford. Most likely in the Canon HF M series.
If the $800 is for the camcorder plus everything else, then you really need to save more.
The *best* camcorders with good low light behavior are those with LARGE lens diameter (70mm or larger) PLUS large imaging chip (3CCD or 3CMOS). The closest I can get you is the Sony HDR-FX1000 which is about 3x more than your budget.
If you can't increase your camcorder budget, then learn to shoot "day for night".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MaC44MU4iw
This way you will not need a camcorder that has to be good in low light conditions... YOU control the lighting, don't let the camcorder control you.
What is a good inexpensive camcorder for independent filmmakers?
Q. I'm looking for a camcorder to buy, something that will not give me the whole 'home movie' effect and feel to it. I will also need a tripod so it won't be shakey and all that but could you just tell me some good inexpensive camcorders that will give me what i'm looking for. I don't know much about camcorders and lenses but i'm looking into it. If anyone can help me with brands and prices of camcorders to look into I will be very thankful.
-M
A. By "something that will not give me the whole 'home movie' effect and feel," I think your talking about the film-look. It can be replicated, through either software or in-camera. However, both these options are pretty expensive, and it doesn't sound like you have that much money right now. I'll get to that later, but for now I'm going to talk about cameras.
I dont know your budget, but from what you said, Im guessing you want a camera probably $800 or below (correct me if I'm wrong, and I'll re write this). In that price range, I cant recommend any particular camera, but follow these rules and you should have a pretty good beginner filmmaking camera:
1. Get miniDV- pretty obvious isn't it?
2. Look for a lot of manual functions- every cam has auto functions, but look for the ability to switch to manual focus, iris, shutter, etc.
3. 3ccds are better than 1
4. The newest isnt always the greatest- not really a rule but basically dont go and get the newest thing that just came out
Other plusses are mic ports, headphone ports, hot shoes, and optical image stabilizer.
If you get a tripod, get one with a fluid head. I'm not recommending a particular one, but look around on google. To tell you the truth, Im not exactly a pro on tripods. But a useful trick that you can do with your tripod is screw on your camera, and instead of opening up the legs, hold the legs together and walk with it. If you do it right, the tripod will absorb the shake from your hands giving you a very cheap steadicam effect.
I hope this helped, and I'm a filmmaker as well, and I always like meeting other filmmakers so feel free to contact me at evilgenius4930@yahoo.com
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