Any camcorder or dslr suggestions for filmmaking only?

Q. I'm a college student and an independent filmmaker in hopes to break into the film industry one day. I sold my old Sony camcorder and am looking to buy a new one. However, I'm not good with knowing which cameras are the best to shoot video and audio for films so any suggestions? Thank you :)

A. Start with a budget. See what fits. You should be looking for lens filter diameter of 50mm or larger, imaging chip 1/3" or larger, a mic jack and manual audio control. The Canon HF S series is a starting place. Include a mic or three (there is no single best mic), some sort of steadying device (tripod, shoulder mount, etc.), and start thinking about lighting. Hopefully your computer has enough horsepower and available hard drive space to deal with video editing. The camera or camcorder is merely one part of a much larger system.

You will not be "shooting film". That would be only if you use a film camera. Camcorders capture video.

Under certain (advanced) applications, some dSLRs capture great video. While entry to this is a llittle less, the lack of commonly expected video items on camcorders are more difficult to use on a dSLR designed to capture still (and video capture is a "convenience feature").

Original Question

Best choice for quality/price for a camcorder?

Q. I'm looking to buy a new camcorder to shoot an independent movie on, so there's a few things I need to know about them, since camcorder's is one area I know practically nothing about. I'm looking for decent video quality (not great, but not vomit worthy either), ease of porting onto a PC for editing, functionality, and, of course, price. Also, I know nothing about the process of moving actual "film" video over to a PC versus digitally recorded (like HDD/SD). I've always liked the somewhat grim and less "popout" look of film, but will it be much harder to edit or more expensive?

Also, after deciding what kind of camera I want to go with, where would be a good place to buy it? I assume probably somewhere online, but I wouldn't even begin to know what places are good for that, outside of whatever a Google search will tell me.

Sorry I need so much help and know so little, I'm completely new to this and I'm trying to learn. So far, all that I really know is some basic film making tips and how to work on my current rough script. Thanks a ton.

A. If I may nitpick on your comment?

"I'm looking for decent video quality (not great, but not vomit worthy either)"

Well, any camcorder today will provide decent video quality. If your looking for the best video quality, I suggest in investing in a MiniDV camcorder - Dont bother with hard drives camcorders, as they are a nightmare to transfer over to computer, and memory card camcorders are expensive and... well, hapless. Did I mention both are expensive, and both offer a compression system? As MiniDV systems are direct to tape, you can ensure the best quality with NO compression involved.

"Porting onto a PC for editing, functionality, and, of course, price" MiniDV is used by professionals and consumers alike, and is the most supported format to day since it's release in the late 90s.

"I know nothing about the process of moving actual "film" video over to a PC versus digitally recorded (like HDD/SD). "

AVOID FILM CAMERAS AT ALL COSTS. Film cameras are hell expensive and you will probably PAY for the camera several times over maintencing it, and the actual price of film is stupendously expensive. If it costs £250,000 to shoot on film, it will cost less than a tenth of that to shoot on video. Video is more durable, editable, and is just... better.

"So far, all that I really know is some basic film making tips and how to work on my current rough script. Thanks a ton."

No worries, I had to resort to Yahoo Answers when I first started out in the filmmaking buisness. If I may help you further, it might be worth your while if you look up books on filmmaking and consider looking at undeveloped scripts on the internet. :) Good luck!

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Looking for a new camcorder for independent filmmaking.?

Q. I need to find a camera that has Manual zoom ( at least 10X), manual focus and white balance possible. Also either Mini DV or Hard drive. Optional: Be able to film in 16:9 widescreen, and be able to film in 24p. Hd an added plus if possible. i can spend anywhere from a grand to MAYBE a grand and a half if the camera is really good. appreciate any suggestions.

A. The Canon HV20 is a compact camcorder with HDV (high-def miniDV), 10X zoom, manual focus and white balance (via menus and dials), 16:9 and 24p, for around $700. It is very popular among budget indie filmmakers now. While it does give you manual control over most things, it is a little awkward and time-consuming to adjust such settings via its menus and tiny buttons.

More professional cameras use dedicated physical controls like rings and switches so that these functions can be quickly easily adjusted while shooting, but obviously these cost a lot more. The cheapest camera with good manual controls would be something like a Canon GL2 at around $2000 new. It is a miniDV camera, not high definition, and it is not native 16:9 or 24p. The Canon XH-A1 has all of those things (and more) in high definition at around $3500.

Don't forget that a good camera is only one tiny part of making good films. Good actors, a script, directing, lighting, blocking, sets, costumes/makeup, and good sound and music are all often overlooked by newcomers, but are far more important than the image quality of the camera.

Original Question

Top best consumer HD camcorders for indie/independent filmmaking?

Q. im new to filmmaking, i do have experience with cameras, i made decent videos for school projects, homemades, what not.Now im thinking of making several short films this year if possible. so give me a camera worth buying, meaning that it could give be a good quality to replicate some what of a theatrical look..my budget is under $1000.

Oh and also, it would be even better if i get answers from ppl with experience in this field and know their equipment very well.

Thank you!
let me point out that the Canon HV40 and the Canon Vixia HV40 are different. The HV40 is a prosumers cam and goes way over $1,000 and the Vixia $689 at Amazon.

A. Canon HV40 or HF S200.

Mic jack and manual audio control and high definition video.

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Film making camera that is not to expensive?

Q. im planning on getting into film making, so I've been looking for a great camera to help me out. Preferably, a professional camera but not anything that's going to pull my arm off and not to expensive. It will be used for independent filmmaking so I want it to have a great picture.

A. Any camcorder - if used within the camcorders specifications - can provide good results.

Use the camcorder outside its specs and you will get poor results.

As well, someone with experience can use any camcorder and get compelling content. Someone with no experience can get the most expensive camcorder made and produce poor results.

That said, there are things common to prosumer and professional grade camcorders...

1) Mic jack. This lets you connect a microphone so the camcorder can be further away that the built-in mics can deal with. Consumer and prosumer use 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo jacks. Pro grade uses XLR connectors.

2) Manual audio control. Loud audio will overwhelm the auto-mic gain. An external mic alone will not fix this - You need to be able to control the level of the audio going in to the camcorder. Most consumer cams do not have manual audio control - those that do control the audio level from their menu. Prosumer and prograde have control on the outside of the camcorder - easy to get to and use.

3) Big lenses and imaging chips. Since you never know when you need to capture video, you need to be able to handle as many different lighting conditions as possible. Capturing video under good lighting conditions, any camcorder can do that. Low light conditions means big lenses to allow the lighting in and big imaging chips to capture that light. A starting point for prosumer lenses is 72mm diameter.

4) Cheap storage and video archive capability.

In the consumer camcorder environment, the closest you can get is the Canon HV40. The lenses and imaging chips are small like any other consumer cam, it is the least expensive camcorder with manual audio control. But it does DV and HDV and 24p and has a mic jack and uses miniDV tape.

In $ order: Canon GL2, Panasonic AG-DVX100b, Sony HDR-FX7, HDR-FX1000, Canon XHA1, Panasonic AG-HVX200, Sony HVR-Z5, Canon GY-HM100, HVR-Z1, HVR-Z7... and they go up from here.

Original Question

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

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Film making camera that is not to expensive?

Q. im planning on getting into film making, so I've been looking for a great camera to help me out. Preferably, a professional camera but not anything that's going to pull my arm off and not to expensive. It will be used for independent filmmaking so I want it to have a great picture.

A. Any camcorder - if used within the camcorders specifications - can provide good results.

Use the camcorder outside its specs and you will get poor results.

As well, someone with experience can use any camcorder and get compelling content. Someone with no experience can get the most expensive camcorder made and produce poor results.

That said, there are things common to prosumer and professional grade camcorders...

1) Mic jack. This lets you connect a microphone so the camcorder can be further away that the built-in mics can deal with. Consumer and prosumer use 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo jacks. Pro grade uses XLR connectors.

2) Manual audio control. Loud audio will overwhelm the auto-mic gain. An external mic alone will not fix this - You need to be able to control the level of the audio going in to the camcorder. Most consumer cams do not have manual audio control - those that do control the audio level from their menu. Prosumer and prograde have control on the outside of the camcorder - easy to get to and use.

3) Big lenses and imaging chips. Since you never know when you need to capture video, you need to be able to handle as many different lighting conditions as possible. Capturing video under good lighting conditions, any camcorder can do that. Low light conditions means big lenses to allow the lighting in and big imaging chips to capture that light. A starting point for prosumer lenses is 72mm diameter.

4) Cheap storage and video archive capability.

In the consumer camcorder environment, the closest you can get is the Canon HV40. The lenses and imaging chips are small like any other consumer cam, it is the least expensive camcorder with manual audio control. But it does DV and HDV and 24p and has a mic jack and uses miniDV tape.

In $ order: Canon GL2, Panasonic AG-DVX100b, Sony HDR-FX7, HDR-FX1000, Canon XHA1, Panasonic AG-HVX200, Sony HVR-Z5, Canon GY-HM100, HVR-Z1, HVR-Z7... and they go up from here.

Original Question

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

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What's a good cheap camera for independent filmmaking?

Q. I've been making short films with my old JVC mini dv camcorder for awhile, but I would like to start entering contests. The visual and audio quality is just terrible and I'd be embarrassed to enter anything made with that camera.

So my question is... what is a good, relatively cheap, camera with good visual quality?

and as a bonus question: Are there any programs similar to Final Cut Pro that are cheaper?

A. perhaps a cannon hv20?

Has a similar 24p setting, it is HDV based.

Original Question

Is the Black Magic Cinema Camera good for independent filmmaking?

Q. I'm considering the black magic cinema camera as my choice to shoot my low budget horror movie. But i need to find out from some professionals in here if it is good in low light environments and if it can capture the speed and movement of a car chase and a fight scene. Also, are 35 mm lenses the way to go when shooting with a high end camcorder? ...thanks in advance.
My film budget for my movie is $15,000 dollars. I'm wondering if adding a 35mm lenses to the black magic cinema camera is the answer to getting both that "film look" and shooting in low light environments. I saw somewhere about a possible issue with blurring...I assume that means something that occurs trying to capture fast scenes like chases or fights. I'm open to suggestions.
My film budget for my movie is $15,000 dollars. I'm wondering if adding a 35mm lenses to the black magic cinema camera is the answer to getting both that "film look" and shooting in low light environments. I saw somewhere about a possible issue with blurring...I assume that means something that occurs trying to capture fast scenes like chases or fights. I'm open to suggestions.
My film budget for my movie is $15,000 dollars. I'm wondering if adding a 35mm lenses to the black magic cinema camera is the answer to getting both that "film look" and shooting in low light environments. I saw somewhere about a possible issue with blurring...I assume that means something that occurs trying to capture fast scenes like chases or fights. I'm open to suggestions.

A. What's your budget? You need a lot more than the black magic camera body to shoot a film. Depending on your budget there are many options for shooting. If you are going with a DSLR, I think Nikon has the best low light capabilities.

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Film making camera that is not to expensive?

Q. im planning on getting into film making, so I've been looking for a great camera to help me out. Preferably, a professional camera but not anything that's going to pull my arm off and not to expensive. It will be used for independent filmmaking so I want it to have a great picture.

A. Any camcorder - if used within the camcorders specifications - can provide good results.

Use the camcorder outside its specs and you will get poor results.

As well, someone with experience can use any camcorder and get compelling content. Someone with no experience can get the most expensive camcorder made and produce poor results.

That said, there are things common to prosumer and professional grade camcorders...

1) Mic jack. This lets you connect a microphone so the camcorder can be further away that the built-in mics can deal with. Consumer and prosumer use 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo jacks. Pro grade uses XLR connectors.

2) Manual audio control. Loud audio will overwhelm the auto-mic gain. An external mic alone will not fix this - You need to be able to control the level of the audio going in to the camcorder. Most consumer cams do not have manual audio control - those that do control the audio level from their menu. Prosumer and prograde have control on the outside of the camcorder - easy to get to and use.

3) Big lenses and imaging chips. Since you never know when you need to capture video, you need to be able to handle as many different lighting conditions as possible. Capturing video under good lighting conditions, any camcorder can do that. Low light conditions means big lenses to allow the lighting in and big imaging chips to capture that light. A starting point for prosumer lenses is 72mm diameter.

4) Cheap storage and video archive capability.

In the consumer camcorder environment, the closest you can get is the Canon HV40. The lenses and imaging chips are small like any other consumer cam, it is the least expensive camcorder with manual audio control. But it does DV and HDV and 24p and has a mic jack and uses miniDV tape.

In $ order: Canon GL2, Panasonic AG-DVX100b, Sony HDR-FX7, HDR-FX1000, Canon XHA1, Panasonic AG-HVX200, Sony HVR-Z5, Canon GY-HM100, HVR-Z1, HVR-Z7... and they go up from here.

Original Question

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

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

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

Original Question

What are some good blogs or websites for independent filmmaking?

Q. I want to learn how to make a film so I want to do my own research but I'm not sure what are reliable sources of information. Cinematography, Sound, lighting, etc. Also some good articles that could give me advice on what type of camcorder I should get that wouldn't be too expensive but still produce quality video.

A. Do a search for film shed

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What are some good blogs or websites for independent filmmaking?

Q. I want to learn how to make a film so I want to do my own research but I'm not sure what are reliable sources of information. Cinematography, Sound, lighting, etc. Also some good articles that could give me advice on what type of camcorder I should get that wouldn't be too expensive but still produce quality video.

A. Do a search for film shed

Original Question

What's a good cheap camera for independent filmmaking?

Q. I've been making short films with my old JVC mini dv camcorder for awhile, but I would like to start entering contests. The visual and audio quality is just terrible and I'd be embarrassed to enter anything made with that camera.

So my question is... what is a good, relatively cheap, camera with good visual quality?

and as a bonus question: Are there any programs similar to Final Cut Pro that are cheaper?

A. perhaps a cannon hv20?

Has a similar 24p setting, it is HDV based.

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Can someone help me with information on prosumer camcorders?

Q. I'm looking for a good quality HD camcorder to use in independent feature-length filmmaking. Several action shots/scenes appear in my screenplay so I need a camcorder that will capture the fast pace of the movie. Would like some advice from people who are in the business and have professional experience with cinema-like production quality cameras.

A. To begin with, a prosumer camcorder will not be a "cinema-like production quality camera".

A "cinema-like production quality camera" would be in the Panavision, CineAlta or Arriflex environment or maybe drop to a Red One or Silicon Imaging camera...

For action shots in the prosumer environment stick with least compression. Most likely HDV, but better with XDCAM, HDCAM or DVCPRO HD formats.

So... prosumer HDV points you to the Sony HDR-FX1000. Above this gets you to pro, below this is consumer.

Original Question

Can someone help me with information on prosumer camcorders?

Q. Can someone help me with information on prosumer camcorders?
I'm looking for a good quality HD camcorder to use in independent feature-length filmmaking. Several action shots/scenes appear in my screenplay so I need a camcorder that will capture the fast pace of the movie. Would like some advice from people who are in the business and have professional experience with cinema-like production quality cameras.

A. Canon's XH A1S is excellent camcorder for entry-level professionals and independent filmmakers $3,399.00, http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001JQLKRG?ie=UTF8&tag=digitsy-marina-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001JQLKRG or
AG-HVX200 P2 HD Camcorder, $4,295.00
High definition recording formats - 1080/60i, 1080/24p, 1080/24p, 1080/30p, 720p
CineSwitch technology for variable frame rates in 720p mode - 12, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 30, 32, 36, 48, 60fps 16 - 9 native high-sensitivity progressive 3-CCD with 1080/60p scanning; DSP with 14-bit A/D conversion and 19-bit internal processing for unprecedented accuracy; 16 - 9 4 - 3 switchable for standard definition recording, 16 - 9 native for HD http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018C72E6?ie=UTF8&tag=digitsy-marina-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0018C72E6

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What are some good blogs or websites for independent filmmaking?

Q. I want to learn how to make a film so I want to do my own research but I'm not sure what are reliable sources of information. Cinematography, Sound, lighting, etc. Also some good articles that could give me advice on what type of camcorder I should get that wouldn't be too expensive but still produce quality video.

A. Do a search for film shed

Original Question

What's a good cheap camera for independent filmmaking?

Q. I've been making short films with my old JVC mini dv camcorder for awhile, but I would like to start entering contests. The visual and audio quality is just terrible and I'd be embarrassed to enter anything made with that camera.

So my question is... what is a good, relatively cheap, camera with good visual quality?

and as a bonus question: Are there any programs similar to Final Cut Pro that are cheaper?

A. perhaps a cannon hv20?

Has a similar 24p setting, it is HDV based.

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers