Newbie Advice for Cheap Multimedia Studio Setup

[dartmanx]

My organization is attempting to set up a cheap multimedia studio for in-house video projects. Outsourcing is not an option.

I am looking, generally, at the following items:

- Sony HDR-SR10 Digital Camcorder
- Tripod
- Green Screen for Chroma-Keying
- Lighting
- Sony Vegas/DVD Architect (the person who will be doing the editing is familiar with this package)
- External Hard Drive and External DVD burner

Now, my questions:
1. Am I missing anything?
2. Does anyone have any suggestions regarding the equipment?
3. Which Sony Vegas package should we purchase? (I get confused by Platinum, Pro, etc). I need the DVD architect to have "full" functionality (subtitles, dubbing, chapters, custom menus and scripting, etc).

Thanks for any help.

Jason

[guns1inger]

The Answer to question 3 is Pro if you want to do serious keying, and in fact you might want to consider After Effects CS4 as well

[Soopafresh]

Wide Angle Lens

Microphones (don't expect to use the mic that's built into the camera). Looks like the next model up - the HDR-SR11 has a mic jack. Watch this video: http://www.vimeo.com/1080128

Audio Mixer

So much depends on the dimensions of the room, how many people are going to be in the scenes, etc.

Watch this video as well on lighting: http://www.vimeo.com/789519

[dartmanx]

Soopafresh,

I had forgotten about the mic. I'd actually like to get a wireless mic for some of the people being interviewed (we were lucky on the first video we made, lighting and sound were good). You wouldn't happen to have a trustworthy source for an inexpensive one?

I don't think I'm going to be able to sell the powers that be on a mixer. However, the only room we have available for this is a conference room.

Wide Angle Lens

Microphones (don't expect to use the mic that's built into the camera). Looks like the next model up - the HDR-SR11 has a mic jack. Watch this video: http://www.vimeo.com/1080128

Audio Mixer

So much depends on the dimensions of the room, how many people are going to be in the scenes, etc.

Watch this video as well on lighting: http://www.vimeo.com/789519

[Soopafresh]

Azden WMS-pro wireless lav mic, around $160

Video review
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYlhDGrw_eA

Place to buy
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/3659-REG/Azden_WMS_PRO_WMS_PRO_VHF_Wireless_Lavalier.html

Remember, the HDR-SR10 that you were considering does NOT have a mic jack. You have to upgrade to a HDR-SR11 for that feature. That adds around $200 to the price of the camera.

The mixer I was referring to is something like this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/288127-REG/ART_POWERMIXIII_POWERMIX_III_3_Channe...Miniature.html . This would only be necessary if you were using more than 1 mic.