Leslie Farquharson

I always wanted to know what Ewan MacGregor and Ashley Judd were doing in Eye of the Beholder. That movie just did NOT work, IMO. It felt like it was an editing issue, but I really don't know...and KD Lang's bit...what? I sat through that movie wondering if its just a big dice roll for actors who take the time to learn their lines and get out there thinking that magic is happening...

Thanks for the words of encouragement, man. Am currently in the process of checking out a slightly used GL2. The owner is letting me take if for a test drive before handing over the cheddar. Am very excited. Will make sure to be mindful of which tapes I use.

Thanks for the info. Glad to know somebody's had a good experience with the camera. Am shocked that you chose it over the Panny. I was under the impression that the DVX100 was superior to the GL2 with the exception of a funky focus ring. In response to the idea of looking at cameras that shoot in 24p, I would LOVE to get a miniDV with that capability, but the difference in price between the Canon XLs/Panny DVX100 and the GL2 is kinda big for me now. I checked with the school (LACC) and the 24p feature isn't required for classes calling for miniDV shorts.

Hi, Am shopping around for miniDV camcorders as I am starting film school in the Fall. A wise member of this site reminded me that I would be concentrating on learning basic composition and storytelling technique first year, and while I agree, I still don't want to get a TOTALLY cheap camera. I thought I would shop around and find a good price for a 'prosumer' level camera. I had pretty much settled on the Canon GL2 after much deliberation, but the horror stories of 'eject cassette' warnings flashing on the LCD screen after a few months of use are all over the web. I would hate to spend any amount of money on something that is sure to fail on me after a short while. Does anyone know if Canon has corrected or addressed this issue? Does anyone own a GL2 or work with one regularly that can testify to its quality and reliability? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks so much.

Thanks for the advice and words of encouragement, timshim. You're totally right about focusing on the story and learning from mistakes (the only way I seem to learn). I'll definitely keep it in mind as I shop so as to reign in the money-spending beast that lies dormant within. :D By the way, dude...nice avitar.

Thanks so much for all of your sage advice, everyone. I will check out the models mentioned here. As far as the school's supply, they said they had a collection of Canon ZR100s for students to use before we move on to 16mm. However, they strongly encouraged us to get our own miniDV due to the low ratio of cameras to students and the fact that we are required to use miniDV in several other courses throughout the program. Do you really think that the GL2 or the XL1/2s will be hopelessly out of date and repugnant by the time I get out of school (2 years). :unsure:

ICELAND! Wow! I live in LA, and can't recommend any schools in Europe, but I did see a website for The International Film School Paris. I think the website is www.eicar-international.com . France gave birth to Godard so maybe a school there would be a good idea. I don't know. Worth checking out though. Good luck to you, man. later. :)

Hi, Am a new film student who is serious about specializing in cinematography. I am racking my brain over which miniDV camcorder is the best to purchase. The school faculty advised that I should get the cheapest miniDV I could find, but I would rather save and invest more money on something substantial that I can use for school projects and personal short film projects. I want something that I will use for some time after school. I was hoping to not spend more than 1500 to 2000 US. I guess this would put me in the 'prosumer' equipment category. I was looking at the Canon GL2, but all of the reviews referring to 'eject cassette' problems has scared me off of the Canon line. Can someone give me some sound advice? Sony, maybe? Thanks so much.

Thanks for the reply, Mr. Mullen.

Hello. I'm registered to attend Los Angeles City College's Cinema Program starting in the Fall of 2006. I'd like to specialize in cinematography. My question is: How does one pay the rent? Is it possible to find steady work in the film industry when you have to climb the camera crew ladder? I have the feeling that I will have to live a 'double life' as a English teacher (current job) and find film work on the side. How can one transition to full-time film work? Is it even possible?