Robert Fearon

I don't know much about all this equipment...it's a bit complicated for me!! But thanks for the advice guys. I really appreciate it. I think I'll just go with the shotgun mic plugged into the camera idea. Just to save cashola. So I need a shotgun mic, lots of cables, suspension, and a windshield, right? I have a Rode mic (don't know what model number), and it has some form of suspension, but when I used it the suspension made heaps of noise! I think I know where to get the mic and the windshield. But where can I find the cables? eBay? I think I'll invest in a good boom pole too. You mentioned that the DVX100B has xlr-inputs, the preamps and converters. I don't know what they are. Could you explain that? Again, thanks for the help!!! Rob.

Hey guys, I just had a question about audio in general when shooting a movie. In the films I've made so far, the audio has always been dissappointing. I've tried different approaches each time, and nothing really seems to work that well, so I need some advice. I used a boom mic on my movies once, and that probably gave the best sound quality, but the wires were connected directly to the camera - so the boom operator was always in the way, and he also couldn't go too far off. Also if the wires moved even just the slightest amount, there would always be clicks and cracks over the top of the audio - the equipment was pretty crappy...in fact the boom pole was hand-made lol. I worked on a film set recently, and saw that the boom operator's boom mic wasn't connected to anything so that he could move freely all over the place. I assume that's standard for professional crews. But are these systems affordable at a consumer level? What sort of equipment do you recommend I buy for my next production - or what's the minimum amount of stuff I need to get? I really don't want crap sound this time, and I need my boom operator out of the way lol! Don't know if this is relevant - but I'm planning to shoot the movie on a Panasonic DVX100B...if that helps. Thanks a bunch!! Rob.

Hmm...well I too am a tight-budget student. I haven't heard of the DVX100B before. Is it any good? I should look into it before I make any decisions re the XL2. Thanks for the advice, Dan. Rob.

Awesome! Thanks for the info Jeff. Really appreciate it. Rob.

Of the Canon XL1, XL1S, and XL2, which is better? And how much can I expect to pay for each of them these days??? Thanks for your help! Rob.

Awesome! Thanks so much for the great advice. That's really helpful. Thanks again! Rob.

Hi there, While I'm not really a first time filmmaker, I am new to cinematography, which is why I'm starting this topic because I get confused by a lot of the technical terms used in the other stuff I've read. I also realise that this will have been asked a thousand times before, but please don't hurt me! I've got an Everio G MG-505 camera, and I want to achieve a 'film-look' with it (but seriously, who doesn't?). My main concern is with the depth of field. The camera, like most of the consumer level ones, keeps everything in focus, which to me is really ugly. I want the background out of focus, my subject in focus etc etc, you know the drill. I've heard a bit about different lenses you can buy to attach to the camera which will give you a shallower depth of field, but I'm not an expert, so I need some advice. Unfortunately, I'm not rolling in cash either, so I doubt I'll be able to spend any more that about $500 (Australian dollars) on whatever I need to strap to the camera to achieve 'the look' - in other words, what can I get cheaply that will give good results? What would you recommend? I'd really appreciate your help. Thanks so much! Robert.