Which Digital Video Camera for Amateur Video?

Posted by Cliff on Monday July 19, 2004 @01:54PM from the suggestions-for-budding-filmmakers dept.

Maznafein asks: "I'm about to leave the IT world, after just finishing a degree in audio engineering, and I'd like to start doing some A/V work on the side as I attempt to make the transition to a new career. I want to make a my first short film either in the late fall, or early spring. I want to do everything in the digital domain as I currently use Logic and Ableton Live on my power book. I have all the gear I need to use up to eight microphones and I can easily pick up some shot gun mics. I don't really know which [video camera] to go with. Like every geek I want the best resolution available other than that the only thing I know I'll need is it to be water resistant/proof, or be able to purchase a housing, for up to a 15 minute scene in the short film I am adapting. What should I go with?" "I've always been a firm believer that to make it in any field you have to show that you want to do it. I currently write my own tracks (bangin' german techno) and engineer/mix down local artists (rock, pop and hip hop) on the side already. I just have yet to get into the nitty gritty of doing film production."

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Re:Go 24p by asparagus · 2004-07-19 14:10 · Score: 5, Informative

Yeah, get FCP. The AG-100 is a good cam, as are Canon's GL2 and Sony's PD-150's. All can be had for around $2-3k, and are worth the upgrade over single CCD cams, esp. for short filmmaking. Remember to blow another $500-$1k on some long-life batteries, a car charger, a good fluid-head tripod, plenty of tapes, a boom pole + mike, a set of basic filters, and a sturdy case to carry everything around in.

Good luck ;-)
-Brett