Markus Jacinto

Nate, who's/what steadicam did you do?

Thanks for the input Pete and Scott. Yeah, the lens adaptor would be a 'down the line' kind of thing. I'm not completely sold on it (mostly because of the cost), but it'll be hard to judge till I actually start shooting and seeing what I need. For now, I don't think I'll use all of my $2500 budget. I'll just save it now, so in a couple years or so I can talk the wife into letting me get something higher end. I will probably buy some lights. Can you guys suggest any less expensive lighting equipment to get started? Also, I'm looking into building a DIY steadicam since I can't justify buying a Merlin just yet. And for sure...for the time being I will immerse myself into learning the fundamentals. (I wouldn't know where to start trying to use filters like a polarizer and ND neutral density grad filter Pete)

Hmmm...yeh Scott, you bring up some interesting points. I was wondering about the whole wide shot scenario. Buying lens kits sounds like it's gonna set me back quite a bit, plus I have a Canon SLR so I can't exactly kill 2 birds with 1 stone. How many lenses would you say one would need? Probably 3 or 4 huh?

Sorry for the late reply...but thanks again for the knowledge Adrian. I've really been deliberating between the DVX and the HV30, but for the sake of cost I think I'm going to go with the HV30. I have been checking out videos on vimeo.com for people using the HV20/HV30 and there's some nice stuff. Also, I am by no means a professional...just a hobbyist. If/when I buy a 35mm DoF adapter, if I'm not mistaken I think I can use it for a higher-end professional HD camera whenever I decide to buy one down the line.

Wow...thanks for the insightful post Adriane. When you spell it out that I'd be spending double for the adapter than the camera, it does sound kind of silly. What you said about DoF is for sure true, but I just wanted the option to be able to have some of it (without having to fake it all in post... heheh). Your suggestion to go SD is probably the wisest thing for me to do...instead of going low-end HD. I saw you mentioned DVX which I imagine you mean this... http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/4068...4p_Mini_DV.html ...this does look pretty sweet and is in my price range. Is there anything else that you would personally suggest?

Thanks for the quick reply Adrian. Lights...yes. That's definitely something I'll have to take into consideration with my budget. As for the Brevis, I want to get a nice DOF for my shots that I don't think I can achieve without getting it. Should I wait and spend more money on a more professional cam? Also, can you shed any light on my lens question?

So I am a total rookie that would like to get more into cinematography. I have about $2500 to spend (that's all the wife will allow). The setup I've come to think I like from browsing this and other forums is this: 1. Canon HV20 - approx $750 2. Brevis35 MP.1 Imaging Bundle (including flip module) - $1,455 3. Step up ring set - 43-72mm - $19 4. Nikon 50mm f1.4 Lens - $300 $750 + $1455 + $19 + $300 = $2524 Is there anything you can see that I'm missing? Also, when it comes to lenses do I buy the same lens you would use on an SLR camera? Like this... http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/9741...ikkor_50mm.html Are there any other lenses you'd suggest to shoot in low-light and maybe 20 yards away? Sorry for the rookie questions. Just want to be sure before blowing my money. Thanks for any insights.

So I am a total rookie that would like to get more into cinematography. I have about $2500 to spend (that's all the wife will allow). The setup I've come to think I like from browsing this and other forums is this: 1. Canon HV20 - approx $750 2. Brevis35 MP.1 Imaging Bundle (including flip module) - $1,455 3. Step up ring set - 43-72mm - $19 4. Nikon 50mm f1.4 Lens - $300 $750 + $1455 + $19 + $300 = $2524 Is there anything you can see that I'm missing? Also, when it comes to lenses do I buy the same lens you would use on an SLR camera? Like this... http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/9741...ikkor_50mm.html Are there any other lenses you'd suggest to shoot in low-light and maybe 20 yards away? Sorry for the rookie questions. Just want to be sure before blowing my money. Thanks for any insights.