First of all, let me say this:
Yes, this is one of "those threads" where an inexperienced shooter asks questions.
If you are too busy to help, I understand! No need to face palm and get aggressive. Before anyone suggests it, I want to make it clear:I have sought the answers to these questions by searching through this and other forums/sites for years. No exaggeration. Also, Barry Green's DVDs. I have them. I've taken notes on them. I enjoyed them. No need to suggest I purchase them.
If you're still with me, thank you!
I'll cut right to the chase:
I am 24. I promised myself at the age of 10 that I would shoot a feature film. I pursued a medical career with the dual purpose of funding such endeavors as well as my love of healing/helping etc.
I'm at the point in my life where I need to take a stab at a feature, so I'm here asking some opinions about particulars; everything from specific equipment questions to workflow. The film is a comedy, to be shot in my hometown of Wichita, KS. It will largely involve indoor shots with as many scenes occurring outside at local landmarks as I can muster. This is my dream, and I want to say thank you for any help in advance. It means a lot.
First off, I own an Af100. Shooting in 1080p seems like plenty of resolution for my needs, and I believe that the pictures this machine makes will be more than adequate for what I want it for. I have no delusions of hollywood; my ultimate goal is to host a screening at a local historic theatre among some friends. A digital projection of a 1080p film should be fine.
That said, would my money be most effectively used by utilizing this camera, or a rental? If so, would my money be most effectively used by purchasing an external recorder? I know that AVCHD is a lossy codec, so would the difference an external recorder makes be worth it? The VFX work should be fairly light, but I understand capturing externally could aid the final product after color correction/stylizing.
I do not currently own an external recorder, and am interested in purchasing a combination recorder/monitor, as I'm currently using the AF100 LCD/EVF to shoot. Products like the Samurai Blade by Atmos (http://www.atomos.com/samurai-blade/) are very appealing to me, because they would cover two major functions in single device, which helps the form-factor of my camera a lot. Will this or a similar device be an effective use of funds? How about upgradeability? Will I be glad I bought these products in the future, when my camera is upgraded (assuming to another compatible camera)?
Another question I have is regarding audio. My specific question is this: If the vast majority of my shots are close 1-2s/ conversations, should I bother acquiring a more expensive shotgun microphone, or try to get away with just a condenser? I currently have a RODE NTG2 and Oktava mk 012 at my disposal. Will the little Oktava give me a sound quality that will fit my needs, or will purchasing a better condenser be the most effective use of funds?
I know the above is scattered and long, and I want to thank anyone who has read this far. I have millions of other questions, but before I type them all out I'd like to hear from other shooters regarding the above (this forum has slowed down considerably as the af100 has aged, which is to be expected). I know a lot of these questions aren't "right way, wrong way" issues, but I am specifically asking for opinions. I have e-stalked* some of the users here, and I really enjoy their work. I respect these opinions.
Thanks again!
-Drew
*
Yes, this is one of "those threads" where an inexperienced shooter asks questions.
If you are too busy to help, I understand! No need to face palm and get aggressive. Before anyone suggests it, I want to make it clear:I have sought the answers to these questions by searching through this and other forums/sites for years. No exaggeration. Also, Barry Green's DVDs. I have them. I've taken notes on them. I enjoyed them. No need to suggest I purchase them.
If you're still with me, thank you!
I'll cut right to the chase:
I am 24. I promised myself at the age of 10 that I would shoot a feature film. I pursued a medical career with the dual purpose of funding such endeavors as well as my love of healing/helping etc.
I'm at the point in my life where I need to take a stab at a feature, so I'm here asking some opinions about particulars; everything from specific equipment questions to workflow. The film is a comedy, to be shot in my hometown of Wichita, KS. It will largely involve indoor shots with as many scenes occurring outside at local landmarks as I can muster. This is my dream, and I want to say thank you for any help in advance. It means a lot.
First off, I own an Af100. Shooting in 1080p seems like plenty of resolution for my needs, and I believe that the pictures this machine makes will be more than adequate for what I want it for. I have no delusions of hollywood; my ultimate goal is to host a screening at a local historic theatre among some friends. A digital projection of a 1080p film should be fine.
That said, would my money be most effectively used by utilizing this camera, or a rental? If so, would my money be most effectively used by purchasing an external recorder? I know that AVCHD is a lossy codec, so would the difference an external recorder makes be worth it? The VFX work should be fairly light, but I understand capturing externally could aid the final product after color correction/stylizing.
I do not currently own an external recorder, and am interested in purchasing a combination recorder/monitor, as I'm currently using the AF100 LCD/EVF to shoot. Products like the Samurai Blade by Atmos (http://www.atomos.com/samurai-blade/) are very appealing to me, because they would cover two major functions in single device, which helps the form-factor of my camera a lot. Will this or a similar device be an effective use of funds? How about upgradeability? Will I be glad I bought these products in the future, when my camera is upgraded (assuming to another compatible camera)?
Another question I have is regarding audio. My specific question is this: If the vast majority of my shots are close 1-2s/ conversations, should I bother acquiring a more expensive shotgun microphone, or try to get away with just a condenser? I currently have a RODE NTG2 and Oktava mk 012 at my disposal. Will the little Oktava give me a sound quality that will fit my needs, or will purchasing a better condenser be the most effective use of funds?
I know the above is scattered and long, and I want to thank anyone who has read this far. I have millions of other questions, but before I type them all out I'd like to hear from other shooters regarding the above (this forum has slowed down considerably as the af100 has aged, which is to be expected). I know a lot of these questions aren't "right way, wrong way" issues, but I am specifically asking for opinions. I have e-stalked* some of the users here, and I really enjoy their work. I respect these opinions.
Thanks again!
-Drew
*
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