new in this game, appreciate some help

O

ollie

New member
So im thinking about buying a camera, i dont really know what im looking for but im seriously interested in getting out there and filming. I have little experince, but have lots of passion and creativity. Does any one reccomend a good camera to start out with, and what do i really need to start looking for and what do i really need to know,

thanks

Ollie:thumbup:
 
you are posting this in the wrong place. But quickly, do your research. It took me months to figure out the DVX100a was the best for me. I am partial to Panasonic because I know them. first, how much do you want to spend? What type of projects; corporate, narrative, documentary, wedding, videos, etc. will you be working on? Which NLE do you have? If I Had to pick one camera within in a working man's budget I would pick the HPX170 or the HVX200a. I say buy the best and learn as you go. but you will need a lot more than just the camera.
 
ollie said:
So im thinking about buying a camera, i dont really know what im looking for but im seriously interested in getting out there and filming. I have little experince, but have lots of passion and creativity. Does any one reccomend a good camera to start out with, and what do i really need to start looking for and what do i really need to know
Click to expand...
Hello Ollie,

If you have passion and creativity then you could probably make good use of just about any camera out there, depending on the intent and application.
Although...
I'd still suggest you need to take your time and research, don't be afraid to ask questions along the way. Forums such as this one can be very resourceful if you have specific questions related to specific issues.

Considering you're new, the initial response to your camera question would be to go with a simple but effective tool, like the Canon HV20/30. A lot of people can attest to seeing great things come from that camera with very little time and money invested. However, the HV20/30 is tape-based, and tape-based cameras are in the later stages of their existence. Camcorders that use Flash Memory storage are the current trend. Among these types of cameras, there are other variables to consider.

Here are just a few:
1. What type of flash memory? SDHC (predominant), P2, SxS, CF, Memory Stick Pro...
2. What kind of video? HDV, AVCHD, RAW, DVCProHD, 720p, 1080p, 2K, 3K, 4K...etc.
3. What kind of form and functionality? Progressive Adjustable frame rates, Pro Audio control, Fixed lens, removable lens, CCD, CMOS, 1/3" 1/2", 2/3", 4/3 (Panasonic G1), S35 (RED1, Nikon D90), VistaVistion35 (5DMkII)...

Getting into those answers and how they relate to what you want to do will help you establish what you may or may not need now and into the future, and it'll take time.

The argument could be made that you should determine what you need based the project you're doing.
However, If you don't know what you'll be doing, then just pick something that places the least amount of strain/limitations on you.
Any camera with manual control and flexibility are considered paramount, regardless of expenses.
 
Take your time. Think of this site as going to school. Read through the different sections until you have an idea of what to search for, then search out those posts. Read the sticky's. Check out the User Films section and see what others have done. See what camera they use. Remember you'll have to invest in Lighting and Audio as well.

Good luck!
 
Ok... first of all, for a start, buy the cheapest camcorder you can find (possibly minidv, avoid miniDVD), learn all its functions and possibilities. Use it to capture your imagination through its lens ... don't bother trying to achieve something you've seen before or "the film look" (just don't... you'd waste your time, because...well it's irrelevant)... review your work, if you're not satisfied don't blame the camera... write something new and go out and shoot...

When you'll be satisfied with the results, think about getting a better camera, better gear but don't lose focus on the stories you're telling, and remember that we never stop learning, the more projects we work on, the more we gain in terms of experience and skills.

Best regards
Ric.
 
Agree with vincent

Practise for a year with a cheap camera, learn how lighting effects the PQ.

Learn how to edit the footage and learn to frame.


Just shoot and edit alot.


After a year, you will have lerned so much things that when you buy your first procam, you will get alot more out of it.
 
I say try to buy the HXP170 and give yourself a month long crash course on shooting properly and learning the technical aspects of it. THEN, go nuts learning how to capture what your passion demands.
 
Read this site. Read this site. Read this site.

This alone will save you time and money.

What kind of budget do you have to work with?
You give me a price on how much you can spend on the camera and what you want to film and I will give you a few of your options.

Good luck to you.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top