What would you buy with $15k?

dillont

dillont

Well-known member
SHORT VERSION (see longer version below):

Right now, I'm editing on a NewTek VT2, and am borrowing DVX/HVX from my work. I'm ready for a major upgrade.

With $15k cash, My priorities are (in order)
1. New computer (I hate Mac, never owned one, but am now considering one for FC Studio) + storage
2. Upgraded edit software (i'm switching) - FCP or Avid Studio? (leaning to FCP)
3. Kona or Blackmagic card for I/O (for SD and HD?)
4. Brevis35 (i'd get this before I get the camera because I can use my work's camera)
5. Camera (DVX or HVX?)
6. Storage for camera (if I go HD).
7. HDTV Set (I'm eyeing the Samsung 50" 1080p DLP HDTV.

Any suggestions as to what to get?

Thanks.







THE LONGER VERSION:
Alright, I guess its my turn to ask the question that gets asked from time to time .... what would you buy with X amount of dollars?

I'm a life long film maker, and have a lot of background in graphics as well. I grew up using the PC and hating the Mac.

I've fallen in love with the DVX (my work bought 2, and an HVX because of me), and am starting to fall for Final Cut Studio (ugh!).

I hate the mac, but I figure - I can buy into hardware obsolecense with a Mac, or I can buy into hardware obsolecense with Avid. In my opinion, that's basically my choice. I've got a lot of tech background, (built my own computers), and really despise that I'd have to buy into a computer that I can't get into and upgrade components at will. But I digress:

With 15k cash, My priorities are (in order)
1. New computer
2. Upgraded edit system (i'm switching)
3. Kona or Blackmagic card for I/O (for SD and HD?)
4. Brevis35 (i'd get this before I get the camera because I can use my work's camera)
5. Camera
6. Storage for camera (if I go HD).
7. HDTV set.

Ultimately, I'd like to stretch my dollars as far as they can go - On paper I appear to have assembled a very nice setup (without a deck) for about 17k (?), including a 50" Samsung DLP HDTV (1080p) to show work to clients.

I do run a freelance business (in addition to a full time job which is in the film arts), but i'm not actively seeking clients so business comes and goes by word of mouth. So I can't really justify purchasing all this stuff for an active/thriving business, other than to give myself a huge upgrade. I know I could drum up business quite easily (weddings, etc). I'm also beginning to establish connections through my work.

Upgrading from NewTek's VT (2), and a Sony VX-1000.

Thanks for any advice you are willing to give.



Dillon
 
hahahaha. go mac. you wont regret it. sure, more expensive and not as modifiable, but everything is so much more robust and amazing compared to those P'sOS. you wont want to go back. ever.
 
Color said:
hahahaha. go mac. you wont regret it. sure, more expensive and not as modifiable, but everything is so much more robust and amazing compared to those P'sOS. you wont want to go back. ever.
Click to expand...

ditto
 
I know if I had $15k to start with I'd be thinking about a light kit (such as a great Arri kit for about $2k) and a good wireless mic (can be used in tons of event videography) and a boom mic setup (mic or 2, pole, cables and good headphones). For a starting setup I'd nix the Kona (you have firewire, which means you don't need a capture card) and the Brevis35. Those are great, but they're just toys next to the necessity of a good light kit and audio capabilities.

Also, you need to budget for a good quality tripod with fluid head, a good rain cover (unless you never want to take the camera outdoors).

Unless you intend on doing nothing but stock footage or hiring a pro audio guy every time you do something, throw some of those funds towards audio.
 
First I would sit down on my $15k heated seat toilet and ask myself, what can I rent, what would improve production value the most for me.
 
dillont said:
I've got a lot of tech background, (built my own computers), and really despise that I'd have to buy into a computer that I can't get into and upgrade components at will. But I digress
Click to expand...
I've heard it's possible to upgrade the CPU in the Intel Mac's. Also: Hard Drive, RAM, etc. Video card depends on whether it is built in to the motherboard or not, just like a PC. What else is there to upgrade? I'm curious,
 
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You dont need 15K to get the stuff your talking about.
I have a dvx + final cut pro system with FCP Studio, a boom pole, wireless mic's and so forth and I have no where near 15K invested....yet ;)

Id suggest starting with a FCP system, the industry uses them, with an AVID system you really need a high end system to make it worthwhile for biz applications. Ive seen production companys with FCP systems, never the AVID xpress systems though--- Maybe a Used G5 from apple refurb,--you can see dual 3's in the 2,000 range. Then DVX100b's can be had for 3,000 or less. a's for 2400 used, 100's for 2,000. Boom pole-250/used, wireless mic setup--Id suggest dropping coin there- at least 500+ Light Kits- 2,000.

Releastically if you shop around for your stuff, you can make your dreams a reality for closer to 10K. Buy in pieces, then let your equip make you money back. Get a FCP system, learn to use it, then edit something for money ---- do with every piece of equipment...etc.

As for me...what would I buy with 15K? Id use it for a down payment on more investment property.....and/or two chicks ;)
 
Invest in Amazon stock before it becomes too expensive. Also invest in J&J
stock. Then I'd buy equipment, but hey, that's me.
 
I'd buy a Rock River Arms Elite CAR A4 with tactical stock (3 or 4 of them)

A Remington 700 action sniper rifle in a McMillian A5 stock (2 of them)

A Barret .50 sniper rifle

A truckload of surplus ammo

More Glocks


Oh wait, you mean't $15K on camera stuff? :)

Run for the hills, the russians are coming! WOLVERINES!!!!!!!!
 
I'd almost be able to buy a long lens and a wide lens for my HD100, and still have almost enough to buy the remote focus control. Really quite sad, isn't it?
 
Thank you for the suggestions!

I should have emphasized that I intend to grow my freelance video production business, so I'm leaning towards gear that directly support the business.

The Brevis35 is an artistic necessity for my personal artistic projects.

I do appreciate your input. I'm still stuck on buying a DVX or HVX or getting by with what I can borrow from work.


Thanks again,

Dillon


PS:
Some of your suggestions have crossed my mind more than once ;). ...
 
kai said:
I'd buy a Rock River Arms Elite CAR A4 with tactical stock (3 or 4 of them)

A Remington 700 action sniper rifle in a McMillian A5 stock (2 of them)

A Barret .50 sniper rifle

A truckload of surplus ammo

More Glocks


Oh wait, you mean't $15K on camera stuff? :)

Run for the hills, the russians are coming! WOLVERINES!!!!!!!!
Click to expand...

Hey with all those arms you could get all the camera equipment you would ever need. Just make sure to invest in a good ski mask. And possibly a good lawyer. And a bunker.
 
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