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Which Digital Video Camera for Amateur Video?

Posted by Cliff on 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."

4 of 294 comments (clear)

  1. Which Digital Video Camera for Amateur Video? by pyrrhonist · · Score: 5, Funny
    Which Digital Video Camera for Amateur Video?

    More importantly, where do you get the actresses for the, uh, amateur videos?

    --
    Show me on the doll where his noodly appendage touched you.
  2. Here's an idea by k4_pacific · · Score: 5, Funny

    If artistic black and white is your thing, consider picking up an old security camera and a video input card. Sure, the focus is terrible, there is no sound, the contrast sucks, and it is real grainy, but this just adds to the consuming intensity of your work. No?

    --
    Unknown host pong.
  3. "Not an ask slashdot"? by Rhesus+Piece · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I've made a fairly obvious realization:
    Every Ask Slashdot has a healthy bunch of comments questioning the validity of the ask slashdot, telling the person to google, and whatnot.

    Maybe it's time to just hardcode that into the Ask Slashdot section to save all these folks their precious time?

    Whoa. I actually can't tell if I'm being sarcastic.

  4. Re:Go 24p by asparagus · · 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