real new - camera questions

[Nevada]

i just returned to school (UNLV) and decided to do my BA in film. i need a camera and had a few questions.

1. film or digital? digital sounds like it would be easier to transfer to the pc.
2. what kind of camera should i be looking for? hard question i know but i guess i need something that will work for projects for the next two years or so.
3. ebay has several film cameras. if i go this route what mm should i look at? how costly is developing?
4. what would be considered basic need-to-have equipment besides a camera?
4. is there anything i should be asking because i am not sure what to ask LOL.

thx!

 

[Lazlo]

Well I wouldn't recommend investing in a film camera of any kind for the simple reason that it is realllly expensive. Both 16mm, and 35mm are extremely expensive and rather inconveniant mediums (this is all very general). That is, you'd have to get it developed, then transfered to an editing machine. I am not exactly clear myself on the entire process, but you can be sure that it will be a costly one.

Contrary to Mr. Mullins comments, I think it is good to own a camera as opposed to renting. That is not to say owning a 30,000 camera, but a camera in the 1,500 dollar range is a good investment. It will allow you to experiment and learn the craft, and will also just let you figure out what's what. I have owned my Ag-dvc30 for about a year now, and have shot frequently on it. Many times without any script just to learn something new, or see if something works. Owning lets you experiment. And digital is the way to go if you want to own. The tapes are inexpensive, and reusable. And transfer to computer couldn't be easier.

Don't buy expensive things on ebay.... Just don't buy your camera on ebay. Its just not a 100% thing, and if I am shelling out a lot of money for something that is going to be a key component of my life, I would rather pay slightly more on BH video, or Willoughby's, or Butterfly Photo for that 100% guarentee that A) it will work and B) it will in fact arrive.

 

[Nevada]

thx

thx

ok thx for the info. i will also need adobe premier pro as well for editing. i have some time so i can do some research and chat with the department.

thx!

 

[David Mullen ASC]

I've never objected to owning a camera to learn on -- I used a Super-8 camera for that when I was younger.

My objection is when people think that in order to shoot a feature, they first have to go out and buy a camera.

 

[Zack Zrull]

Contrary to Mr. Mullins comments, I think it is good to own a camera as opposed to renting. That is not to say owning a 30,000 camera, but a camera in the 1,500 dollar range is a good investment. It will allow you to experiment and learn the craft, and will also just let you figure out what's what. I have owned my Ag-dvc30 for about a year now, and have shot frequently on it. Many times without any script just to learn something new, or see if something works. Owning lets you experiment. And digital is the way to go if you want to own. The tapes are inexpensive, and reusable. And transfer to computer couldn't be easier.

I agree, it would be a good idea to get a digital, if you wanted to get into any creative aspect of film (which is why I'm imagining you're going to film school). I also agree that a camera in the 1500 range is a good idea, which would mean the ag-dvc30, sony dsr-pdx10, canon gl...I personally like the sound of the ag-dvc30, but the higher-end panasonics sound great too (ag-dvx100). Lazlo mentions that tapes are reusable, and while they are, be careful about reusing tapes for important projects! Some sony cameras are nice because they have dvcam capability, which is a more robust recordning process. minidv is perfectly fine for this type of work, but buying good tapes and being mindful of the use and handling of those tapes are important in ensuring that you'll have good footage.

 

[Lazlo]

David Mullen ASC
PostPosted: Sat May 20, 2006 12:26 am Post subject:
I've never objected to owning a camera to learn on -- I used a Super-8 camera for that when I was younger.

My objection is when people think that in order to shoot a feature, they first have to go out and buy a camera.

I apologize for the mistaken information.

 

[Nevada]

24p

24p

what would you recommend for a good camera to start out with for under 2 bills? should i hold out for a 24p capable model?

 

[Dan Selakovich]

Re: 24p

Re: 24p

what would you recommend for a good camera to start out with for under 2 bills? should i hold out for a 24p capable model?

In the end, I think it depends on how serious you are. A $2000 camera is great to learn on, but if you want the ability to shoot a feature and transfer it to film, and still have it look half way decent, I'd certainly get a 24 frame rate model. To take it a bit further, I'd look into the the new Panasonic HD camera that uses P2 cards, since HD is where the world is headed--like it or not. (I used to be a film editor, and hated the Avid. Now you can't even find a moviola. I've had to embraced digital, and I'm not looking back!) The downside is the price: $6,000. Plus the price of the P2 cards, which will drop pretty quickly in price, I suspect. But if you can possibly swing it, you'll be set. To spend 2 or 3 grand now, then spend an additional 6 grand later on an HD camera seem like throwing good money after bad. Personally, I think owning a camera is better than renting. I can't imagine the short films I would NOT have made if I didn't have a camera at the ready. This is especially true in school where you have actors willing and ready at the drop of a hat to improve a film. To not have to plan sometimes really gets the creative juices flowing, and you can come up with some amazing stuff (and awful stuff too, but that's what the process is all about, isn't it?).

Best,

Dan

 

[Nevada]

budget

budget

it would be nice but my budget will be around 2 bills. i have been looking over the AGDVX100B and it looks like it is in that price range and offers 24p. HD would be nice as well but cost wise is out of my range i think.

 

[Dan Selakovich]

It's a fine camera, especially for the price. I certainly understand the $6000 for the Panasonic. I've been tucking away cash in a jar; By the time I can afford it, I'm sure there will be a new model out. As someone mentioned, make sure you get it from a reputal place like b&H. There is also a big pro video store in Vegas that I can't remember the name of (it's driving me nuts! I hate it when that happens.) that is really great. I wish you the best of luck on your new life. Be warned: once the bug hits, there's no turning back!

Best,

Dan

 

[Nevada]

thx!

thx!

ok thx Dan! this whol camera thing is driving me nuts. i think living in vegas causes one to search and search for the "deal" that does not exist as far as price goes. a bad habit of mine. i remeber going down to san diego several years ago. we decided to get some fast food to eat. the mcDonalds down by mission beach was closed at 5pm. i am trult spoiled. do you live in vegas?

 

[Dan Selakovich]

I live in Los Angeles, and only make it to vegas about once a year for the NAB convention. Why not take that $2000 to the craps table and turn it into $6000? ;=)

dan

 

[Filmosity]

I almost bought from one of those shady places, and it was lucky I didn't because about 3 months later, they were shut down by some irate customers (I was one of them). The company was Price Rite Photo. Yeah, you'll pay a little more, but not much, and it's very much worth it.

I bought a DVX100A from B&H, and what do you know, they come out with the 100B about 2 months later. It's a crap shoot, but if you don't do it at some point, you'll always be waiting.

 

[Nevada]

thx

thx

thx for the info! you are right about doing it or you will just wait fo the next deal to come along. as far as taking the cash to the craps table - i have no clue how to play craps. my old man tried to teach me one time while he was playing and i still dont have a clue. i am not much of a gambler anyway. the only games you really have a chance at are poker and 21 in that order LOL.

thx!

 

[Nevada]

ok

ok

ok will do. thx!

 

[Alessandro Machi]

super-8 cameras can be found very inexpensively. http://www.spectrafilmandvideo.com in North Hollywood, California tries to keep a few working super-8 cameras in stock at a very reasonable price for those that want to experience shooting film once or twice. They also offer film packages where you choose how much film to buy and the price you pay includes film, processing and transfer to video.[/url]

 

[Kim Welch]

What kind of camera did you get

What kind of camera did you get

How did school go? are you working in the industry now? What kind of camera did you get?