Advice for a new filmmaker

O

oxband

Well-known member
I'm a PhD student who's a budding visual anthropologist/documentary filmmaking. I've saved up money for a camera, and I'd love some advice.

I've saved close to 10k for a camera. That being said, I won't be doing the bulk of my shooting for my dissertation for another 2-3 years. I'm tempted to spend around 2k for a camera now, save my money, and make the big splurge in 2-3 years time. I figure the technology will be better for the price if I wait.

Should I do that, what is a good camera in the 2k range? I'd love something with two audio inputs and something gives me multiple options for fps and something with a detachable lens. I'm guessing a 2/3rds chip is insanely greedy given my price range, although if it wasn't too much more or if people thought it was that much better, I'd think about it.

Any thoughts? I've been making movies for a year, so the world is still new to me, but I'm trying to learn as much as I can so any word of advice would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance....
 
Is that your entire budget, or just your camera budget? You need a lot more than the camera to make it work. And we would need to know what kind of work you're doing a bit more specifically. For what you're asking for, the HPX and similar are a great choice. I definitely recommend people take a look at HDSLR's to see if they might be right for them, they're a big deal.
 
No - the 2k is just for the camera. I plan on buying a fluid head tripod, 2 wireless lavaliers, and a shotgun mic too. I don't mind buying those at full price and quality now though cause that technology isn't getting better at the same rate as cameras - unless Im mistaken.

I'm doing documentary work, primarily in the Ozarks. I imagine not having too much stuff at a high speed - like sports - although the ability to shot in different fps would be nice if I was in such a thing. What other information would be useful?

thanks!
 
Solo documentary filmmaking is tough. You should find a team, sell them on the project, then split the cost. Maybe they'll donate work hours in exchange for your monetary investment in the equipment. Everybody wins, Mr. Executive Producer/ Director, PhD.
 
i imagine that, come time, much of the shooting will be done with a team, but i also want a camera so I can be constantly working at my own shooting skills, even if I'm working on a smaller project for class.
 
Yeah, that was 50% a joke. I'm sure you can find a used HVX-200A for the price you're looking for. Heck, shoot a few wedding videos and the camera will pay for itself. Plus, you'll force yourself to master the camera and think on-the-spot to troubleshoot issues.
 
used?

used?

I had one friend who has pretty strongly advised me against buying used equipment. Have you done that for a camera and been satisfied? If so, what sites/stores have you used?
 
Most of what I purchase comes used. Just look for 'like new' or 'lightly used' on Ebay. And HVX's are workhorses, so they don't wear out too easy. Make sure the description specifically states no problems, and check it thoroughly on receipt.
 
oxband said:
I had one friend who has pretty strongly advised me against buying used equipment. Have you done that for a camera and been satisfied? If so, what sites/stores have you used?
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Yeah a lot of people buy things brand new and never use them. I always see HVX's for sale with like 22/24/25 hours of runtime on them.

You can save $1,000 dollars by buying used and pretty much get a brand new camera. I bought mine off of craigslist with 22 hours on it and it was 4 months old. I got it for 2/3's the price AND got a $1600 tripod and p2 card thrown in for free. And a carrying bag.
 
If you are new to filmmaking, then I wouldn't recommend an HD-DSLR. They can be a challenge and are a lot different than a prosumer/professional camcorder. I would look at a used XH-A1 to get started with. Great camera for many uses and used it can easily be picked up for under $2K.
 
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