beginner - Canon HV40

[roboko]

As a beginner filmmaker should I get the HV40 and start, or is it worth saving up for something substantial like the 5D or something? I've seen footage shot with the HV40 and a 35 mm adaptor and it doesn't look that bad, but I wouldn't know if it's considered good enough for serious filmmaking

[Soopafresh]

Canon 550D/T2I. Around the same price as the HV40. You'll get the short depth of field without the need for one of those clumsy lens adapters. It also will accept lenses from other 35mm cameras (with the correct rings). You'll need more PC processing power to work on the footage of the 550D compared to the HV40.

Good luck. Oh man, you've got so much to learn regardless of which camcorder you buy. One big issue is the need to keep your shots steady. Tripods/Steadicams etc will be part of your leaning curve.

Have a look:

http://www.vimeo.com/groups/eos550d/videos

http://vimeo.com/groups/eos550d/videos/9327798

[roboko]

Thank you, it sounds great

Ah, tripods/camera dolly/jibs and all that right? Yeah it seems a bit fiddly, but I'm more worried about all these lenses and lighting since there are so many variations