Best Doc/Cable TV/Shorts Camera

[fireballjenp]

Hi. I am new on here. I have been working in production for years and I am finally starting to make my own stuff. Stuff I care about. I am pretty green as a director/camera op. I am about to complete my first doc short. I have squeezed by with favors and rentals, but I really need to get my own camera now. I only have $1500. I have been reading lots of posts and I can't decide between a Sony or Panasonic. I like the HVX200a. I am fairly comfortable with it, but it is bulky and heavy. I am looking to make documentaries and magazine style cable TV, such as Travel Channel, Nat Geo, BBC. I know I need HD. Is the HVX my only option in this price range?

How do you feel about the d90, 7d or 5d?

I also want to start making commercial and film shorts/specs so I pretty much need audio inputs, HD, good light... the whole package.

I wish I had $5-7k, but all I've got for the first one is $1500. I am fine with buying used from a reputable source. Any suggestions?

 

[ggrantly]

You didn't say if you have all the other stuff you need for production like lights, tripod and audio, so I'll keep my comments to the cam.

$1500 is going to leave you short for most anything HD. A HVX200a is a good cam, but you probably won't get one for that price, and note you need P2 memory for HD aquisition. A used HVX200a and a couple of 16gig P2 cards, which is pretty minimal, will probably run at least $2500 - $3000. Note that a HVX200 is an older model and might be found for a little less.

A DSLR with some lenses will run you over your budget also.

In the Panasonic world, you might want to look at the HMC150. It isn't less expensive, but the SD card memory is much less expensive than P2.

You will probably need a step up in cams to produce for Discovery, NG, and BBC, unless you have some pretty unusual and incredible content. Most of their productions are made with high end cams and full crews.

I'm not trying to pitch cold water on your ambitions, but you do need to be realistic regarding the cost of professional level gear.

Grant

 

[Garion]

Hi there and welcome to the forums here, i know where youre coming from and ill give you another thing to think of.

A lot of the shows i watch now on sky tv are being shot on sony ex1's and even sony hdv camcorders. these are often fly on the wall docs like the police chase series etc and they look great. Heres my "extra" thing to think of....camera size.

I went from a dvx100 to hmc150 (great cams) to a panny hpx371 shoulder mount cam. When i was using the smaller cams i could easily film in tight areas, inside cars with ease as the cams were not only small but had nice wide angle lenses. The big cam is a pain in the ass as im always hitting head restraints lol.

Theres another thing if you want to do docs, a smaller cam is a lot less intrusive and doesnt get in the way. big cam is like sticking a flag on your head and says "im here!!"

I would def recommend searching the second hand section of dealers like CVP,H preston etc or even the marketplace forum here on the board..

to get any idea of whats achievable maybe try looking in at some of the sub forums and many have sections showing videos and films made with a whole range of cameras.
If you see a look you like then maybe it will help you narrow down your search a little mate

cheers

Andy

 

[e-steve]

If you are looking at a DSLR you should probably be looking at a hackable GH1 or a new GH2 with off camera audio, meaning a H4n ($250). A nikon adapter + the 50mm 1.8 probably is a good start for low light situations and that will run you another $150.

There will be a few people selling their GH1s in the in near future in order to upgrade to the GH2 in November, so you might keep a lookout for them. I suspect a lot will hang on to their GH1's however.

With budget constraints you will just have to make do and create great stories. It's best to learn on a smaller budget anyhow because it will give you more skills when you have better equipment... not to mention prices are always coming down on technology.

If you want to see a great film that didn't have to use big budget cameras to make a great story, go see the documentary Catfish (in theaters now).

For $1500 you can probably get a GH1 body, H4n, Nikon 50mm 1.8... maybe squeeze in an inexpensive tripod. You'll just need to grow into a good mic (maybe lav if you're doing docs), lighting, etc.

The D90 is in your price range as well but not as good for what you're wanting to do. If you're looking for a video camera, you can take a look at the Canon HV or HF series, and you'll need to add a Beachtek device or a Rhode mic for better sound. That route should easily fit within your budget.

After that you'll need to consider your post production workflow and how you're going to acquire and edit the video itself.

Hope that helps.