Need help starting from scratch- filmmaking equip.

crzyns

crzyns

Active member
Student filmmaker alert! (please do not run)
Okay, I'm VERY AMATUER at filmmaking compared to you guys. Heck, I'm probably not even classed as a filmmaker... yet.
So anyway, I'm looking at buying all of my equipment...
*shot gun mic (see here: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=146181)
*Dolly
*Tripod
*Camera
*Mac

Okay, questions about the camera. Well, firstly, I have been using Digital cameras and the video mode & cheap-as camcorders until now, so I'm looking to start buying all of my stuff. (Don't want to rent).
So, with the camera, I want an older one (still movie-quality footage) that's pretty cheap. Under $1000? (I have no job, and am just fundraising at the moment). Any suggestions? Also, what other stuff would I need? (I can make a mattebox etc probably)

Also, what would I need to get it to my pc?? (Software, cable etc.... I mean, the cam would be a tape one right?)

Please help! I'll probably have more questions further on down the track, so stay tuned!!!
Thank you!

Ps.
As you can see I am AMATUER. Please don't get frustrated with me....
 
A Canon HV30 can be had for around $1100 new. It's HDV, so tapes are cheap, has Firewire, so you can plug it straight into most PCs and record in edit software, and has auto and manual controls.

http://www.canon.com.au/products/visual/digital_video_cameras/home/hv30.aspx

For a small, cheap HDV camera it has pretty good image quality, with reasonable adjustability. Good for starters, and should keep you fairly happy once you learn some more.

I'd look around for a second hand tripod. There's always a few Manfrotto's around, just test them to make sure they are smooth panning, etc. Harrass some camera shops.

You can build a pipe dolly for the tripod. Pretty cheap.

http://www.rockfordimages.com/dollydm.htm

There's a Sennhiser MKE-300 on Ebay now, open bid of $49AU. You might get lucky. It should plug right into the HV30.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/MKE-300-Senn...ryZ53700QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Not a Mac fan. I use a PC with Edius Broadcast to edit. HP have some cheap laptops out now, I just got a DV5-1050TX from Rick Hart for $1225. Would be perfect for you I'd think.
 
Also, I was thinking about a Canon HV20- they're older and a heck of a lot cheaper. What can a HV30 do that a -20 can't? How more advanced is it?
 
They are almost the same.

The HV30 adds 30p to the list of available frame rates (24p and 60i).
The zoom rocker toggle is larger than the one on the HV20.
The LCD screen is brighter with a better viewing angle than the HV20.
The HV30 will fully charge the high-capacity battery in one cycle.
The Advanced Accessory Shoe cover is tethered to the camera.
The body colour is black; the HV20 was silver.

The HV20 is discontinued. The price is about $1000, vs $1100 for the HV30. Better to buy cameras new usually, for full warranty. Make sure you get Australian warranty too. Maybe you can haggle on the HV20 by claiming it's superseded.
 
Okay, thanks for that. The price difference is very much, might as well get the HV30, eh?
 
Just remember to shop around, don't jump the first salesman you see. It can be hard when you have the cash, and are so keen to go. Take your time!
 
yes, I know... I have been looking for a few weeks, trying to find cheapest and best stuff to suit my needs.
 
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