sync sound question

[loselectro]

I'd like to do a short doc this spring on 16mm. I've been around long enough to know the cost and all that, it's something I've wanted to do for a long time.

Experiences shooting sound with the Eclair NPR? I'm planning on hiring a field recorder, using a DAT i assume..would the NPR be quiet enough? Any other suggestions? I don't mind paying for everything that comes with shooting film, but for this first project - I'd like to go cheaper if possible.

[cyclone]

The Eclair NPR is a nice 16mm sync sound camera. It was made (in France) mainly for documentary filmmakers with the goal of quick-change magazines in mind. Literally, by depressing a latch and tipping the film magazine downward, the entire magazine disengages within seconds. The new magazine clips on just as easily. That's the upside. The downside is that, in order to make it a 'quick-change' camera, the noise output is greater than the Arriflex and other competitors. Also, the film loop is easier to slip since the sprockets are never actually, physically engaged when attaching the magazine. I've shot many films with the Eclair - I prefer the Arriflex.

[loselectro]

thanks! the comparable arriflex would be the sr series correct? How loud is the eclair? would wireless lavs pick up the motor if it was at a reasonable distance away?

[cyclone]

Yes, it would be the arri sr, but frankly, even the arriflex bl would be quieter than the eclair. You should be fine using the eclair with a lav. The eclair also has a separate sound barney that helps.