"I HAVE A DREAM" & need ur HELP - MYSTIFIED: Cameras, lenses, tripods, & gear, oh my!

justmarvin

justmarvin

Well-known member
"I HAVE A DREAM" & need ur HELP - MYSTIFIED: Cameras, lenses, tripods, & gear, oh my!

Hi everyone :)

One of my goals / dreams / passion / whatever you want to call it :) is to seriously get started and make a living in professional video productions. I know there is a lot of work ahead of me, and I am willing to put in the hours for research, study, and practice, dedicating the time and commitment to learning this on my own. I have experience with editing with Avid Xpress Pro. I will also be dedicating time to learn After effects. But, now, the one thing that mystifies me (and one of the most important elements in video production) is all the video gear and equipment out there. I will be exploring more of the dvxuser posts / reviews / etc / but I was wondering if someone can help point me to the right direction for resources as I feel like one can easily get lost in the maze of information out there. Would you recommend a book, video, or some other resource that organizes all the information in one place from introduction to conclusion?

I have money saved up to buy serious video gear and equipment, but I still need to do my "homework" before I start shelling out the $$. But I am confident that with the help of you knowledgeable folk here, I know that my dream to be a professional in video production will be one step closer to reality. :)

I am wanting to learn about the cameras... the different gear.... the lenses... the various tripods (which ones are good, which ones aren't)... the other additional equipment... to have the knowledge to weigh out the different options / choices... to make an informed decision on what to buy for now and for the future... and to keep updated on the changing technology and new gear being made (maybe you have a recommended magazine to subscribe to or a good website that keeps one updated with that)

Also, regarding film school, what are your thoughts on that? I have had almost 3 semesters in a film school, maybe not as prestigious as other film schools out there, but it was film school nonetheless; however, I did not get to finish as I had to go back home due to a personal matter that came up. After being away from film school, I wandered off course for a bit of time leaving this video production goal in the backburner, but I am now on my two feet again and even more determined to walk this path and see this through. I am not closing out the option to go back to film school, but at the same time I am also recognizing the other option -- self-study & experience -- where my $$ would be invested on the equipment and learning resources and with experience as my teacher. But, keeping the film school option still open, do you know of a school that would actually be beneficial in regards to mastering the tools of the trade. Where one would actually increase the skill of handling various worthwhile cameras like the HVX200 or other cameras, video gear, lenses, etc. as I consider increasing ones skill in helping to master the equipment and gear as the MEAT and MAIN COURSE, but my impression of film school is that they do not necessarily feed you the MEAT but instead dabble with the little appetizers like film theory, directing, and various "class projects" shot with lousy equipment and gear. I would like to tackle and master the *real* equipment that is within my reach like the HVX200 -- to master the tools, and thus help me create freely and uninhibited as an artist and professional. So with that said, is there a film school that you believe is worth its expense?

Thanks for reading through this post :) And I am eager to see your recommended resources -- reading materials, videos, websites, links, and even film schools to consider in order to point me to the right direction to help fulfill my dream of being at a professional caliber with video production.

Thanks again!!

JM
 
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By the way, I had, not too long ago, shot my first TV commercial assignment. I still have LOTS to learn. I had a videographer to shoot the footage, and then I had another videographer to finish out the shoot at another day, but I wasn't happy with my 2nd videographers footage (exposure was waaaayy off for the footage for the last half of the commercial & I color corrected it to salvage what I could). But, as you already know from reading my prior post, I want to be THE videographer myself, lol... and wanting to buy my own camera (and, for me, that's a matter of learning what to buy) and then master it so that I can finally be my own videographer.

Take it easy,

JM

edit: removed personal link
 
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After having graduated and spent some time working, post-film-school, I've come to think of it as a waste of resources (I mean, total up four years' tuition, room, board, and fees, and work out what kind of equipment fit and self-produced projects you could do for the money, and learn from the experience...)

Some schools - NYU, USC, UCLA, a few others - may be worthwhile not so much for the quality of instruction, and the experience, but for the connections you'll make, and the fact that the majors talent-hunt there.

I don't regret having gone to undergrad school, but then again starting my professional career four years earlier would have been good. I didn't learn much of anything in school that has specifically contributed to it.
 
Get a job at a video production facility... learn the business, the art and the
tech from people already making a living at it. Stake out on your own once
you have some experience.
 
By now you've probably figured out just what an incredible place this is.

One of the less traveled bywaters is the business/post area. The third sticky there is probably the best advice I've ever seen for someone wanting to make a living at this. It can change your life.

The more I come to know this place, the greater the sense of awe. Good luck & best wishes :beer:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=83958
 
Sad Max said:
After having graduated and spent some time working, post-film-school, I've come to think of it as a waste of resources (I mean, total up four years' tuition, room, board, and fees, and work out what kind of equipment fit and self-produced projects you could do for the money, and learn from the experience...)

Some schools - NYU, USC, UCLA, a few others - may be worthwhile not so much for the quality of instruction, and the experience, but for the connections you'll make, and the fact that the majors talent-hunt there.

I don't regret having gone to undergrad school, but then again starting my professional career four years earlier would have been good. I didn't learn much of anything in school that has specifically contributed to it.
Click to expand...

Hi Max, thanks for your reply! Yeah, I am leaning towards investing on self-study and experience rather than film school. Like you mentioned, I also heard that the right college can provide you with great networking and contacts. But, my priority and goals is more for possessing the skills & know-how rather than the networking. Like you mentioned somewhat, I am thinking more of dedicating my resources / $$ in investing in equipment and projects :)

I am just beginning to work my way through the maze of information out there though, and anyone who has "been there done that" hopefully can help make this process a little less overwhelming :) But, as the old saying goes, you eat an elephant...one bite at a time. That's the best way to go at this I guess :)

Thanks again!

JM
 
pixelated said:
By now you've probably figured out just what an incredible place this is.

One of the less traveled bywaters is the business/post area. The third sticky there is probably the best advice I've ever seen for someone wanting to make a living at this. It can change your life.

The more I come to know this place, the greater the sense of awe. Good luck & best wishes :beer:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=83958
Click to expand...


Yes, I am glad I had found this place! Great place, indeed! :) Thanks man for sharing that, I will give it a read :)

Cheers :beer:

JM
 
Of course, emphasis on skills and know-how will best prepare you for the craft end of things - DP, PD, editorial, writing, that sort of thing. If your aim is to produce, well, the less you know about any technical or creative aspect of production, the farther you are likely to go.
 
Work on your networking skills. Find others nearby, that are of the same mindset as you. You can get great experience working on even a stupid little skit. Network out a little further, finding people who need some video done, whether it is a band, a couple getting married, whatever. If you have learned anything from doing that stupid little skit, and you did the people's video well, they will tell others about you. Hone your skills there, and start networking further out, and find a job.
 
Thanks you guys for your replies.

If someone can give me your thoughts on which camera to invest on, that would be such a big help!

I have the money for an hvx200 cam w/ 2 cards. But, I am not too sure though what are the cons of getting an HVX200.

Would someone plesae let me know why someone would not want to get the HVX200, and would stick with minidv via dvx100b?

And, by the way, is this a good deal for the dvx100b? --> http://cgi.ebay.com/PANASONIC-AG-DV...yZ107937QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
 
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