george kosmas

Hey guys, I'm in the middle of planning my first small-time independent feature and walking away with the best camera for the job has us all confused . Suffice to say, I had considered a 16mm arriflex camera kit but the price alone would have maimed the budget - not to mention the costs of film stock and processing, editor's fees, etc. A HDV camera seemed the better road to take . Choosing the right unit has left me with two options: Sony's HVR-V1U and the DVX-100B from Panasonic . Ideally, my main priority here is finding a system that will create as close a 'film look' as can be achieved by video . Producing a good aspect ratio - preferably 16:9 (2:35) - would be a bonus . So which of the two does the better job? Considering this is a Sony HD forum, what specifications does the HVR display that are missing in the DVX model? Any suggestions would be much appreciated . Cheers, George

I appreciate all the posts guys . At this point, the camera options I have available to me include an arriflex 16 S model, a 16 ST and a 16 BS series . Of course if a 16 BL comes along I'll pounce on it - and I've found a retailer here in Melbourne who specialises in Super 16 concersion for a theatrical release etc. Theres also a matter of finding any good dolly's or cranes for a good price but I suppose we can substitute if there's nothing out there for sale within reason. So final thoughts?

In a recent thread about which was the most popular 35mm camera in the industry the answers in regards to Arri were: Arricam ST and LT 435 SR3 I really appreciate all the help guys . In answer to someone's question earlier, this is a low budget feature, and what we're relying on (crew-wise) is a number of friends and family who want to be a part of the film in some way . Actors have been arranged for a script finalised in eye of a Nov-April 2009 shoot . The options that we have in Australia are not so limited that I won't be able to get good film stock or get it processed . So, that said, the camera options that I've got lined up are as follows: An arriflex BL film camera An arriflex (S) 16mm camera an arriflex 16mm SB - this is one im looking into, its only 800 ??? and finally an arriflex 16mm ST camera and kit set At its base, this is an amateur production ; we're all studying film at the moment, and Im off to the NYFA in Los Angeles in 2 yrs ... the problem is there are so many choices and so many pros and cons for each that its hard to find a good camera at a low price, u kno? any feedback will be greatly appreciated, thx so much guys ...

i really appreciate this ... First off, I'm in a small town in Melbourne, Australia and the only hiring houses in the area concern themselves with a few old video cameras but thats about it . I've looked into a hiring firm in the city but they only hire out for big productions - and in any case I'm told their camera fees alone are in excess of AUS $2000 . So the only option left was eBay . At this point, I've had an interested seller who's offering a 16mm BL (and I know that the 35mm IIC is not a silent camera so that's that) . Ive got a really good price for it and the man has agreed to upload a test screening but my main concern is, yeah, that it might break down or otherwise produce a poor image . At the end of the day, Im looking for a good camera, that gives sync sound and is reliable ... which arriflex model is the best?

:unsure: I know this question may have become a bit redundant in other posts but i'll ask all the same ... I'm directing my first feature come November and eBay is offering a range of arriflex cameras, from a 16mm SB design to 35mm IIC . The short films I've done in the past have relied on an old Bolex camera which has fallen into disrepair . Im looking for a good silent camera (sync sound) ; the script has a lot of dialogue and there are a few minor action scenes which require pretty good focus and a steady shot (apparently the arri's have a registration pin which is perfect) . So which is the best camera? 16mm or 35mm? And which design of each? 35mm BL or 35IIC, or the old 16mm 'square' models? Pros and Cons? I'm at a loss guys lol

I know this question may have become a bit redundant in other posts but i'll ask all the same ... I'm directing my first feature come November and eBay is offering a range of arriflex cameras, from a 16mm SB design to 35mm IIC . The short films I've done in the past have relied on an old Bolex camera which has fallen into disrepair . Im looking for a good silent camera (sync sound) ; the script has a lot of dialogue and there are a few minor action scenes which require pretty good focus and a steady shot (apparently the arri's have a registration pin which is perfect) . So which is the best camera? 16mm or 35mm? And which design of each? 35mm BL or 35IIC, or the old 16mm 'square' models? I'm at a loss guys lol