I Need a Camera...

[Leo]

Hi Student Film Makers!
I Need a camera!
I want to film a house renovation with a host speaking about this house project. This could be either a quality family documentation or a made for T.V. project. I want to buy a camera for this project and I would like to buy it new or used from a reputable dealer. I will need it for about six to nine months for part-time use. I need it to be light weight with good sound pick-up as well. I will be filming a person talking about this house project with either inside or outside lighting. I may want to edit this project as well. I want to buy a new or used camera from a reputable dealer and under $2,000. I then want to sell this camera after the project is over. So…what camera would you say I need to buy for this project and best for resale as well? Maybe resale to you? Leo

 

[element80]

IF you have no intentions on keeping the camera afterwards, you might be better off renting.

 

[Joseph Boyd]

Definitely, rent a camera. Your local film school or non-profit film center often has very good digital cameras they'll rent out to the public. Depending on your location, you most likely have a rental house nearby as well (though the prices will probably be higher). Our local school rents out DVX100's for $75/day. You'll also need to rent/buy a good microphone, figure the total cost of the rental to be about $100/day (figuring camera+mic+extra battery). If you only need it for maybe 60 out of the 90 days, you've saved a hell of a lot of money for what it'd cost you to buy. Money you can use to edit it and if you're looking to sell it to tv, get a decent copy made.