New to Filming, gear tips

[Van Jones]

Hey, I just got a DVX100a and I'm brand new to filming in general.
I'm wondering what kind of basic gear I will need to get going on filming.
I was given the camera, and it's used and doesn't have everything that it comes with new.
Also for transferring from my camera to computer, what things do I need? I was told I have to get a unit that connects between the camera and my computer.
Also, what can you suggest as far as a cheap microphone that has good quality?
Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks!

 

[Joseph Stunzi]

First of all Van, welcome to DVXuser.

The biggest tip of advice everyone here will offer you is to search the boards. Everything you've asked has been answered on here at some point in time. In fact, numerous times. Go to google and type "sitevxuser.com cheap microphone" and go from there.

My most precious piece of advice is to be passionate about the content you make. Get out there and get filming. The rest will fall into place. Start reading things that people post on here and learning as much as you can. Enter the DVXuser festivals. Network with other filmmakers in your area. It's not about the gear, it's about the filmmaker.

I was talking to Kholi, a reputable member here on DVXuser, about some stuff from Endeavor media. It was absolutely beautiful, creative, and artistic. They make the HVX-200 look great standalone. So get out there, experiment, and be passionate.

 

[kenackr]

Van,

Welcome & Greetings!

Hope you enjoy your camera and the entire process.

As far as how to connect to your computer, that would generally be a fire wire cable if your computer has a fire wire input. In the computer you will need a software package called a Non Linear Editor or NLE for short. These are available over a price range from $50 to $1800 or there abouts. Which one you choose will depend on whether you're using a PC or a MAC. Generally, the more you pay the more you get in terms of editing capability.

Whoever told you you need another piece to go from the DVX to the computer may have been referring to a miniDV deck, but just to get started you don't really need it. all you really need is just the cable.

Other than that the thing you really should invest in is "The DVX Book" by Barry Green who's a member here. You can find it under DVXuser shop on the home page of this forum. It's the best book out to tell you how to operate the DVX to it's best advantage and covers material that the owners manual doesn't. If you don't have the owners manual, you can download it off the Panasonic DVX support site. You really should have both of these to intelligently handle and use that great camera.

After those things, you should make sure you have at least 2 batteries and a battery charger and of course you'll need Mini DV video tape to use. Heads up that there are 2 tape types: Wet lube which is Sony and Dry lube which is every one else, including Panasonic. It is recomended to use the Panasonic master quality tape to reduce drop outs, but what ever you choose you should stick with it and do not use anything else.

At some point you will need to clean heads so you might want to pick up either a cleaner tape and / or some isopropyl alcohol & actual head cleaning swabs (try radio Shack).

Depending on the number of hours on the camera, you just might want to send it or bring it in to a Panasonic authorized service center for a "tune up". They'll bring the camera back as close as possible to the new condition.

A tripod is a very good thing to have to reduce or eliminate shaky shots. Don't skimp, get the best you can afford or you'll wind up buying another one down the road.

Since the lens is expensive you should really get a screw on filter to go in front of it to protect it from everything that can come its way. If you're going to do a lot of outside work, getting a polarizing filter or day light filter is a good idea. If the camera does not have a lens cap, you really want to get that for transport protection.

Speaking of transport, you'll definitely want something to carry it in. Some folks go with dedicated camera bags which come in many styles including back packs styles, padding adds to cost but comforts nerves. Others go with hard foam lined cases for rugged travel.

OK, as far as Cheap mics with good quality go, there really aren't any cheap mics that have GOOD quality. Mics are all different and it depends on what you intend to do with your finished product that will dictate what type of mic and what quality level you want.

If you're just going to make family videos and don't care greatly about sound quality then the built in mic just might do well for you.

If your aspirations are greater and you realize that sound quality is HALF the impact for the viewing audience, then you need to decide what kind of shots you are going to make. Getting a wired mic is always better than a wireless, unless you are nutzo about seeing a cable. Best bet for close in work (interviews, etc) is a wired lapel mic like the country man B6. Next best is a shot gun mic that can be on the camera or on a boom pole and held out of the frame. Remember that mics do NOT have infinite range, max range on shotgun is no more than 6 or so feet if you want clearly heard crisp dialog.

If your going to do action shots then you should think in terms of wireless lapel.

I really suggest reading about mics in the AUDIO section of the home page of this forum, there are several very good posts there on it.

That's enough to get you started. Search & read lots of things on this forum. You don't need to go outside to Google to search here, just hit the search link at the top of the page and type in the area you want to know about.

Oh, about the term "filming" while most of us will know what you mean, the common terminology used by those in the know is generally "shooting video". The term "filming" is normally reserved for those who are actually using film like 16 or 35 mm. Video tape is not considered film.

Above and beyond all else, have fun!

Ken

 

[Van Jones]

Hey Ken,
Thanks a lot for taking the time to write that excellent manuscript of advice, it was all very helpful information and I'm glad to know a site like this exists.