Need a camera for short films. Got a budget though

[deanj]

Hi,

I used to make films as a kid and want to make a couple of shorts' this summer. Could anyone recommend any cameras that, if well lit, would look semi pro for around £1500 ($2100)? I know its an ask, but would like to get the most for the money. If anyone had any pointers regarding mikes, booms or editing software they have faith in, I'd appreciate that too.

Any comments would be welcome.

Cheers!

[MJA]

edDV got a a nice expansive taste when it comes to cameras.

Sony HDR-FX7 looks very attractive

[Soopafresh]

Get a steadicam type device for your moving shots

http://www.b-hague.co.uk/Camcorder%20Stabilizer%20HCS3.htm

See how steady the camera footage is?

http://www.vimeo.com/3530815


Your PC is a bit low end for editing. Bump the RAM up to 1GB or 2 and increase the disk space, as you'll certainly need it.

A good editing package is Vegas Movie Studio Platinum . It's inexpensive as well.

The HV20 and HV30 create MPEG2 footage which is easier for slower computers to edit.

Canon HV20
Canon HV30
Canon HF11
Canon HG20

[JohnnyMalaria]

Get a steadicam type device for your moving shots

Being the tightwad that I am, I made one for $0. I put the camcorder on my usual tripod, kept the legs folded and strapped a couple of my scuba diving weights around the feet. Worked like a charm.

[edDV]

Get a steadicam type device for your moving shots

http://www.b-hague.co.uk/Camcorder%20Stabilizer%20HCS3.htm

See how steady the camera footage is?

http://www.vimeo.com/3530815


Your PC is a bit low end for editing. Bump the RAM up to 1GB or 2 and increase the disk space, as you'll certainly need it.

A good editing package is Vegas Movie Studio Platinum . It's inexpensive as well.

The HV20 and HV30 create MPEG2 footage which is easier for slower computers to edit.

Canon HV20
Canon HV30
Canon HF11
Canon HG20

If your budget is $2000 you are lucky that quality camcorder prices have dropped dramatically in the past two years. Still you have fixed costs other than the camcorder that will absorb almost half your budget

1. Tripod and/or Steady Device.
2. Wide lens adapter
3. Audio enhancement (depends on project)
4. Lighting or reflectors
5. Luggage containers
6. Editing computer
7. Editing software
8. DVD authoring software

For camera selection you first need to decide if HD is a requirement. If not new or used prosumer grade MiniDV models are possible in your price range (e.g. Sony VX-2000/2100, or PD150/170).

For HD the Canon and Sony models mentioned above are good. Don't buy anything that lacks manual exposure and manual audio control.

[minidv2dvd]

Get a steadicam type device for your moving shots

Being the tightwad that I am, I made one for $0. I put the camcorder on my usual tripod, kept the legs folded and strapped a couple of my scuba diving weights around the feet. Worked like a charm.

ouch. do you work out in the gym 3 or 4 times a week pumping iron? you're making me feel a bit aged, without a body support structure i couldn't do it for more than 5 minutes.

[deanj]

Cheers for thadvice guys - Johnnymalaria's steadtcam's a classic! Def trying that.I'll prob try and get hd but I'm aware I'll need more cash for the editing soft/hardware. Only need the one kidney though! I'll flog the other on ebay...bidders?

[JohnnyMalaria]

Get a steadicam type device for your moving shots

Being the tightwad that I am, I made one for $0. I put the camcorder on my usual tripod, kept the legs folded and strapped a couple of my scuba diving weights around the feet. Worked like a charm.

ouch. do you work out in the gym 3 or 4 times a week pumping iron? you're making me feel a bit aged, without a body support structure i couldn't do it for more than 5 minutes.

If only!

I used a couple of 2lb lead weights. More than that made my rather feeble arms ache too soon. Somewhere I have test footage - I'll try to dig it out or just make some more if I get a chance.

[hiptune]

Get a steadicam type device for your moving shots

Your PC is a bit low end for editing. Bump the RAM up to 1GB or 2 and increase the disk space, as you'll certainly need it.

A good editing package is Vegas Movie Studio Platinum . It's inexpensive as well.

The HV20 and HV30 create MPEG2 footage which is easier for slower computers to edit.

Canon HV20
Canon HV30
Canon HF11
Canon HG20

Good suggestions, and I like the HV20/30 line for price, size and quality.

But...HDV - mpeg2 footage is not easy to edit on slower computers from my experiences. In fact, I could not even do much with it in that format even on faster computers, and have more recently converted to Apple Prores 422 as a habit.

But nothing like a couple of rams installed to makes things happen regardless.

[zoobie]

LANC

What most don't know is that, at least here in the States, you can simply go to your local public access station and use their equipment for free as long as the station gets a copy...this includes using their editors, tripods, cameras, lighting, etc... ...maybe you've an access station someplace near over there?

[hiptune]

What most don't really know is that you can simply go to your local public access station and use their equipment for free as long as the station gets a copy...this includes using their editors, tripods, cameras, lighting, etc

LANC

Really, wow. I need to get that action rolling. But will they let you check out equipment and take it on loan?

[zoobie]

yep...that's the whole idea...they usually just require you to live in their city

[edDV]

What most don't really know is that you can simply go to your local public access station and use their equipment for free as long as the station gets a copy...this includes using their editors, tripods, cameras, lighting, etc

LANC

Really, wow. I need to get that action rolling. But will they let you check out equipment and take it on loan?

Local access has requirements for production, must be non-commercial, must qualify as local producer etc.

Easier to qualify your program for playback. For here (Comcast provider) each program needs a qualified local producer to take responsibility for terms and conditions.

[hiptune]

Local access has requirements for production, must be non-commercial, must qualify as local producer etc.

Just about everything is non-commercial - until it is. So that part is easy.

[edDV]

Local access has requirements for production, must be non-commercial, must qualify as local producer etc.

Just about everything is non-commercial - until it is. So that part is easy.

Comcast run local producer classes here twice a year. Otherwise you need to sign one up before you can check out equipment. They become responsible.

[gadgetguy]

Our local access station offers classes that you must pass before using their equipment, and you have to assist someone else on their shoot before you can sign it out for your own. The station used to put whatever was produced on the air without prescreening, but there was an incident of full frontal male nudity that put an end to that.