10K commercial (which camera)?

W

workaholic

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I'm being offered $10,000 to shoot a commercial with no sound for a hospital. There will only be a two man crew on set. I own all the equipment needed EXCEPT for the camera. Currently, I only have a DVX and that will not work for this.

Which camera does this budget warrant? They don't really need HD since it's only for local broadcast.

Any camera suggestions? HVX? SDX? HD100?
 
Well... I have been generally using the DVX for my $2,000-$4,000 commercials. Since this budget is twice that, I'd like to increase the quality gap between my larger commercials and my smaller ones. I could probably use the DVX just fine but I'd like to step it up a notch for this particular client.
 
Workaholic, I can sort of see your point but I think many people woudl argue that the problem is not the camera it is your perception that since you have used it for smaller projects its not up to the task of a larger project. Sorts of like saying the spatula used at McDonalds couldnt possibly be used at Spago's.. Now that being said. If you have this one contract at $10k why blow all your cash buying a "nicer" camera. Im sure you can find one to rent someplace or even rent a guy with the camera. Ive worked with guys on national TV shows that have used the DVX and i've worked with guys that used other "professional" cameras. Any of those guys can be rented for 750-1500 a day with camera. Im a big fan of outsourcing. Id direct it for 10k and pay my camera guy 1500 and keep the remaining 8500. but thats me.... capitalist pig!
 
I was never thinking of buying a nicer camera. I was only thinking of renting. I should of been more clear on that.

That being said... which camera do you think this budget should warrant?
 
I would go with the SDX900 in a flash. It has all the resolution you would ever need for an SD final product, and it also gives you the options for 24p, 30p, and 60i. The camera also boasts a very nice cinegamma system, which DP's have worshipped. Also, the DVCPRO formats (i've heard) are really clean, and simple to work with in post. You can generally get it for around $500 a day, so depending on your shooting schedule, you will get a premium product for your client, and a premium amount of cash in your pocket.
 
Why not spend some of it on a dolly or jib? More lights, better crew, etc...a good camera is key, but a $10,000 budget would allow you a few extra "toys" that would make the final product much better and wouldn't eat into your profits much...
 
It seems like he is already very good with what he does in regards to making commercials and has the rest of everything covered. Not to diss you or anything rightfrog I just think that sometimes people will give an answer that doesn't keep on track with the question. He never told us that he didn't have a dolly, jib and all kinds of other goodies on his production but stated what camera should he get. It seems clear that he might not have used the HVX ,SDX or HD100 and that's why he's asking as oppose to trying to get a magical solution to make his product better.
 
I agree on the SDX - it is a remarkable SD camera that can be had with operator for about $1k per day. Having an experienced operator will allow you to concentrate on your shot list.

Conversely, you could bring in an HVX and take advantage of the DVCPro50 with solid-state captureless recording. Taking batch time down a bit might be nice on a low-budget spot like this.

e
 
INVISION is right. Hands down, SDX900.
Although, you can't argue with the workflow of the HVX...
On the basest of levels....people who don't know cameras, and are only used to seeing shoulder mount"news " cameras with 40 pound tripods, are SOMETIMES of the mindset that"Boy, that camera is small, I think I got my son or daughter one of those for Christmas". Unfortunately, you have to remind them that like Cat Scan machines and NMR (Nuclear magnetic Resonance ) imaging, the HVX is cutting edge technology.
Let me remind you, that this is not my opinion, but I have run into it in the past from outsiders.
 
I'd go with the HVX, mainly because of the option of renting all the other excelent gear done for cameras with this weight- A steadicam, a dolly, tripods, etc... Everything in the HVX/dvx weight is cheap in comparison to SDX900 weight equipment... The production value would certainly seem higher with good support equipment compared to the marginal optical advantage of the sdx (towards the HVX)
 
I shoot all kinds of higher end commercials with my DVX and I think you'll be fine with that. I wouldn't rent any other camera not unless I had enough time to learn how to use it properly. I would shoot with what you have and know. You gotta love those local big budget commercials. Good luck!
 
yes, if you won't hire an expereinced operator as well, you should first take the time to learn a new camera.
the HVX would be able to give you real good slow-motion though (def. better than the dvx). Since it's a hospital comm you might need some of those slow-mo emotional shots:)


Andrea
 
SPZ said:
I'd go with the HVX, mainly because of the option of renting all the other excelent gear done for cameras with this weight- A steadicam, a dolly, tripods, etc... Everything in the HVX/dvx weight is cheap in comparison to SDX900 weight equipment... The production value would certainly seem higher with good support equipment compared to the marginal optical advantage of the sdx (towards the HVX)
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Marginal optical advantage? That's a joke right?(lol) But as for the question, I would say stick with what you know. I own the SDX and it is an incredible camera, but renting it would also require renting some other gear as well. It would most likely be expensive to use anyone with this gear as well. I would not recommend using it yourself unless your familiar with it. One option however, would be to find a rental outlet that could set up a look for you and be willing to spend some time going over the camera with you. My suggestion ... Use your dvx, push yourself and do some great lighting and by the time the local tv station loads the spot in their system it will look like Sh*t anyway. Just kidding. Good luck.
 
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