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Good beginner camera


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Ok Im a beginner and would like to start shooting shorts then move on to some features. What would be a good camera to start out with that would also look good? I would like to stick with mini DV and under $2500. Also what kind of audio equipment would I need?

 

Thanks,

Alex

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$2500 might be a little low...

But you should look for a Panasonic DVX100...or a Canon XL1s...or Sony PD150

 

I'd recommend the DVX100 above the other three...

They're all becoming outdated thanks to the newer cameras coming out

And the newer format coming out--HDV

But you can still get some use out of these things.

 

As for sound you should try and find a good shotgun mic

And maybe a boom pole...

 

I'm almost positive you'll go over $2500...so be prepared for it.

If you're just mostly looking to shoot stuff for fun and experience

These things will help you learn the basics until you can move on.

 

 

 

Good Luck

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Alex wrote: As far as what boom to have, what do you think?

 

There is a pretty big range of options available. This is an often discussed topic.

You use a completely different microphone indoors that you would outdoors.

Microphones start around 400$ for something reasonable up to $1500 for something professional.

 

You can listen to several samples of different types of microphones here:

http://www.dvfreelancer.com/articles/shotgun_shootout.html

 

Some of my favorites are:

AKG Blue Line C300B/CK93 at $400, great dialogue mic for indoors

Sanken CS-1 at $700, good all around mic for outdoors and maybe for indoors in a pinch

 

Those are both excellent sounding microphones and yet are both made by top-quality manufactures.

 

Hope this helps,

brian wells

amarillo texas

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  • 3 weeks later...
Guest Andrea Altgayer

Hi there guys,

 

How much are the Panasonic DVX100 and Sony PD170 and Sony 790 going for in the States?

 

How much is the Sony FX1 going for?

 

I live in South Africa, and am planning to go over there next year.

 

Bye,

 

Andrea

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How much are the Panasonic DVX100, Sony PD170, Sony FX1...?

 

Andrea

 

DVX100a--$3200 US

(You may find it for as low as $2500 on the internet)

 

Sony PD170--$3000 US

(You may find it for as low as $2500 on the internet)

 

Sony FX1--$3500 US

(You may find it for as low $2500 as on the internet)

 

Sony DVW790WS--$50,000 US

 

Do a search on google.com for all these cameras

You'll find many different vendors some reputable some not...

I'd be wary of those who sell the camera at an extremely low price

Because as the saying goes "If it's too good to be true...it probably is..."

 

 

Good Luck

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I have a lot of people ask me what's a good camera to buy. And I always tell them that there is no good one to buy. Every project is unique and has different demands. If you buy a camera you will find that it will be good for some things but mostly very limiting. So I tell people to RENT! For $2,500 you could rent a full camera, lighting, and grip package for at least a week (ample time for a short). And I don't mean miniDV. For that cost you could probably get HD, even 16mm. The only reason to buy a camera would be if you plan to shoot a lot and are not concerned about quality. As in, you want a camera to shoot birthdays, weddings, and other personal events that you don't plan to share with anyone other than your closest friends and family. Check out B&H Photo/Video online, they carry just about everything and you can search by price and other specifications. But $2,500 won't get you very far. Now if you had 100k, you could get yourself a HD package and sell yourself as a DP with gear. This might be fine but most people will higher you for your gear and not your skills. Believe me the Robert Richardsons and Stephen Goldblatts of cinematography do not own their own gear. As a DP you should be hired for your creative contributions. You should be on projects with producers capable of raising the funds to cover the cost of equipment.

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You should be on projects with producers capable of raising the funds

To cover the cost of equipment.

 

Man wouldn't that be great.

 

But the truth is most people start out on projects

That can barely cover the crew's breakfast orders.

 

Reality can be really depressing sometimes.

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