What HD Camera would you buy?

Christopher Arata · February 28, 2008

Hello all.

I was recently asked the question, of all the HD cameras out there which one would I buy?

My answer was, it depends on what you plan on shooting. I was then told everything from interviews to feature productions.

Then I was stumped, there are so many choices.

So what HD camera would you invest in?

John Sprung · February 29, 2008

It's a trick question.

The right answer is not to buy, but to rent. The rental companies eat the depreciation and take the risk on obsolescence. They also maintain stuff and store it when you don't need it. Come to think of it, most of the time you don't need it. That's a big chunk of cash sitting there not earning interest, taking up space, and at risk of being stolen. All the major studios rent, and for excellent reasons.

Buying makes sense if it's pro-sumer gear and not too expensive, or if you're going to be shooting stock footage in the remote wilderness for months at a time, or stuff like that.

-- J.S.

Chris Keth · February 29, 2008

I wouldn't.

If I wanted to pick up some gear to use and rent on jobs with me, it would be lenses, support, or filters. That stuff doesn't go obsolete.

Christopher Arata · February 29, 2008

Thanks and I agree with both of you!

However I need some advice, so here are the details.

The thing is, my friend works for Children United nations. They basically want him to put together a complete crew and package that can travel where ever they need them to and already have everything they need in place and with them & bring in support as is necessary.

With this info, do you still think renting would be the best?

Scott Bryant · February 29, 2008

How about an Eclair NPR? You know film is HD. ;) ok ok i know that's not what you meant sorry.

David Mullen ASC · February 29, 2008

Is money no object? What if I recommended cameras like the F900R or HPX3000? Are those even in your price range?

Christopher Arata · February 29, 2008

I suggested those. Then I thought about how much those cost, my guess is they have no more than 50k to spend on a complete camera package.

Thanks.

Adrian Sierkowski · February 29, 2008

Have to say it. .. red one?

If not, maybe look into getting a used Varicam?

Christopher Arata · February 29, 2008

Yes the Red One was also in my mind and probably a good choice since I think they want it to be an all digital work flow and not have to mess around with tapes.

Adrian Sierkowski · February 29, 2008

You know, I have to say; the tapeless workflow scared the hell out of me. Working as tech-support for a day-job with an editing room, i've seen so many hard drives die. . . I pray my Lacie holds out for a bit longer!

Bill Totolo · February 29, 2008

I'd inquire into their post flow to see what they can handle.

Christopher Arata · February 29, 2008

Thanks Bill.

I took your advice this morning and found out they have a basic MAC pro setup, with a couple external Hard Drives, and was told that they are upgrading to Final Cut Studio 2. They currently do not have any Tape Decks.