What would you guys spend $10,000 on?

avp

avp

Well-known member
Ok, I know we all have this problem...too much money and nowhere to spend it.:Drogar-Evil(DBG):
Seriously, next year I will have about 10k to upgrade equipment. I have a great edit system(should handle HD no prob), Libec LS55 tripod, Rode NTG2, boom pole, Lectro wireless system, Oktava MK012, and a JVC GY DV500 + various cables and goodies.

Need basic light kit (although I have access to lots of lighting and grip gear, I have to borrow it)
I will buy an HD camera..(I like what I hear and read about the Sony EX1).
Love the shallow depth of field (filmic) look with adapters and 35mm lenses so possibly adapter/lenses (which ones?), rail system etc. will be purchased.
Probably should get a good HD monitor for field and edit work.
Peripherals for my edit system (Audio card, capture card, etc.)


I can hear some of you saying, "What type of shooting will you be doing?"

So I will answer...

Whatever pays...but not weddings. Some run-and-gun type stuff.
I mostly do local shoots for individual organizations and government, some music video shoots but I (and my business partner, a seasoned veteran) would like to produce programming to shop around to various networks.

This isn't one of those hypothetical, "What would you do with a million dollars" questions. I will be spending next year and want to make some good decisions with regard to gear that will pay off handsomely. :thumbsup:

So thanks for reading my post...great bunch of folks here! ! !

Be well, all...Jeffro
 
I, personally, would modify my car to look like the batmobile. It'll really impress potential clients.
 
First off - be patient.
Don't 'bump' your post after only an hour.
You're spending the money next year, right?
Why the hurry?
:)

avp said:
Need basic light kit (although I have access to lots of lighting and grip gear, I have to borrow it)
I will buy an HD camera..(I like what I hear and read about the Sony EX1).
Love the shallow depth of field (filmic) look with adapters and 35mm lenses so possibly adapter/lenses (which ones?), rail system etc. will be purchased.
Probably should get a good HD monitor for field and edit work.
Peripherals for my edit system (Audio card, capture card, etc.)
Click to expand...


Are you just looking for specific suggestions in those categories - because you'll need more than 10K to get everything in that list.

Sony EX1 = 6,700 at B&H right now (and that's not even adding in the cost of media)
A 35mm adapter will cost you around $1200 (Letus, Brevis, RR, roughly all around the same price).
Then you'll need rails for that - which will run you anywhere from $500 - 2000+ depending how high end you want to go.

With JUST those items you're already at roughly $9K
Which leaves you about 1K for a basic light kit, HD monitor, and peripherals for your edit system.


I don't think you're going to be able to have it all for 10K.
So what's most important to you?
Prioritize your list - that'll make it easier to help you figure out what would work best for you.
 
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Sounds like you already have ideas...
$2500 - quality ARRI kit
$1200 - Plasma TV for HD editing
$1000 - AJA or BM card stuffs
$1000 - another set of sticks
$???? - Camera????

I might even suggest going with an HPX over the EX-1 if your used to the shoulder form factor of cameras.
 
Most important to me is the camera. I am used to on-the-shoulder cameras...my business partner says the bigger cams instill more confidence in clients...but the image quality is more important to me...and of course the cost. The 35mm adapters, rails, etc. falls into the "wish list" and not the must haves.
Arges, I'll look at the Aja and Bm products...thanks for the suggestion.

And thoughts on the "confidence factor" of the larger cameras (ie:and the shoulder).

Jeffro
 
arges03 said:
I might even suggest going with an HPX over the EX-1 if your used to the shoulder form factor of cameras.
Click to expand...

The HPX by itself is over 10K (his budget).
And if he could scrape together a little extra to get it - he wouldn't be getting anything else (batteries, P2 cards, etc etc)
 
I've always found the size of the camera to be a moot point.
Yes, there are clients that care - but personally, I don't care about those clients.
Clients should have confidence in YOU, not in the gear.
If it was only about the gear - most of us wouldn't be getting hired because there is always someone else with a better camera.
If you happen to run across a client that really cares - then you rent (or find a new client).
Just my 2 cents.

Again - if you only have 10K... I would recommend figuring out which camera suits your needs best, and going from there. Honestly, you aren't going to be getting alot of extra stuff once you get the camera and the media and needed batteries/accessories (UV & Pola filters maybe?)

You can easily spend 8K alone on an HVX with cards, same goes for the Sony EX if you go that route.


Do you have sticks?
If not then you'll probably spend most of that 2K on sticks.
Leaving you with 500 or 1K to get a couple of lights.
 
With 10k you could rent out alot of different equipment to test it out on your current projects or do high quality spec work and use your reel and boast about all the equipment you are experienced with to get higher budgeted projects from that that will cover the costs of renting any equipment necessary for that project.
 
Its not what can you get for $10K. Its what can you get for $100K. If you can't leverage at least ten bucks from every dollar you have on hand then forget trying to turn production into any kind of business.
 
I have the sticks...Libec LS55...
As for lights...I have access to 3 Briteks, a softbox, Kineflo, a couple redheads, various flags, scrims, diffusors, gels, etc and quite a bit of grip gear...I just have to drive for an hour one way to borrow. It's nice to have SOME light gear on a grab and go basis.
I have been following the HVX/EX1 debate for awhile now so I won't ask which one is better. I am leaning toward the EX1.
Along those lines, do you reckon that the SxS cards will come down in price in the next 3 - 6 months? Perhaps the EX1 as well? Historically, doesn't technology pricing tend to drop over time? Does this hold true for professional video cameras?

Thanks...and sorry about the quick bump, Luis...instant gratification, I suppose.

Thanks for weighing in everyone.

Jeffro
 
Its not a question of whether or not pricing will go down...it always does...
but 3-6 months is a pretty short time window, and Sony historically is in no hurry to lower their pricing.

If you asked about a year or more, I'd say probably - but 3-6 months for something so new - it's iffy I think.
 
craigbowman said:
Its not what can you get for $10K. Its what can you get for $100K. If you can't leverage at least ten bucks from every dollar you have on hand then forget trying to turn production into any kind of business.
Click to expand...


Could you elaborate, craig? Are you saying that I must invest 100k or that my 10k should be factored as 100k (ie: $10 for every $1 I spend)

Pricing in my market is always a challenge. People will balk at $60.00 per hour for myself, camera, lights, audio gear, etc.
But...they want a professional product. There's plenty of vidiots (guys with a camcorder and computer that call themselves "videographers" or "editors") in my area, but not many know what "professional" means.

All the best...Jeffro
 
What I was saying is that your $10k should allow you to finance (leverage)$100K worth of stuff.

The $10K is used as a down payment towards the repayment. More appealing to the lender for better monthly terms or a higher amount loaned. Watch what happens to leasing deals when down payments go up as opposed to nada down.
 
craigbowman said:
Its not what can you get for $10K. Its what can you get for $100K. If you can't leverage at least ten bucks from every dollar you have on hand then forget trying to turn production into any kind of business.
Click to expand...

I disagree. If you aren't in a rush, you might want to avoid six figures in debt. If you are patient and buy good used gear you can get 20K worth of gear for 10K.

IMHO, start with the basics (some of which you have) and rent what you need, but don't have. You don't need to buy something if you are only going to use it once a year.

A good camera, editing system, sticks, basic lights, a monitor, and some good audio options (Lavs, shotguns) are a good start. Grow as you go.

Three years ago I started out with a DVX, used (and heavy) sticks, an ATR 55, a 13"TV to monitor on set, worklights and a G4. I now have considerably more, and it's all been paid for by clients.
 
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Jim Brennan said:
I disagree. If you aren't in a rush, you might want to avoid six figures in debt. If you are patient and buy good used gear you can get 20K worth of gear for 10K.

IMHO, start with the basics (some of which you have) and rent what you need, but don't have. You don't need to buy something if you are only going to use it once a year.

A good camera, editing system, sticks, basic lights, a monitor, and some good audio options (Lavs, shotguns) are a good start. Grow as you go.

Three years ago I started out with a DVX, used (and heavy) sticks, an ATR 55, a 13"TV to monitor on set, worklights and a G4. I now have considerably more, and it's all been paid for by clients.
Click to expand...

Jim is absolutely correct, and if you follow his advice I expect you will have similiar results.
 
EX1 (1 8GB card included + 1 8GB free rebate)-$6500. That's nearly an hour of recording time in 1080p and should get you started.
Letus Extreme $1200, but possibly $1500 by the time you buy
Rail system $300 (cinnevate looks good and Letus is coming out with their own system)
Ikan V8000HD monitor $750 or the Carrion monitor for $1200
Lenses, whatever is left.
 
Don't listen to any of those knowledgeable professionals, avp. There's only 4 things you need and and you'll still have plenty of money left-over to make movies and eat (in that order).


#1) HD is all hype and, as we already learned, it won't guarantee you an Oscar. So when the digital bubble bursts film will once again be King. More importantly, film cameras will be the only things operational if/when terrorists set-off an EMP (electro-magnetic pulse). Price: $59

krasnogorsk.jpg



#2) A computer for editing. It's not fast but it can handle a good beating from disgruntled editors. Price: $100... I mean $180. Make that - 2 for $400

olpc-game-jam.jpg



3) While waiting hours for your computer to render simple edits, you'll want a comfortable chair. (So your back doesn't kill you.) Price: $1,000

elechair.jpg



Finally, something that will let everyone know that you're the best! Price: $3.99

Spirit_18foamhand.jpg
 
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