DVX100A Essential Hardware Kit...What would you include?

L

Looch

New member
Hey guys,

I've been more of a voyeur than an actual contributor to the site since I've been bouncing back and forth between whether I want to purchase the XL2 or the DVX100. I've worked on films using the dvx100 and was blown away, but i've always just worked on set and never ran the whole show.

I'm looking to go back to school this semester for film, but before I do I had planned on purchasing a dvx. So the question I pose to you guys is this. If I were going to buy a dvx and start shooting some shorts, what other hardware would you guys think would be essential while still keeping the price down.

In other words, if you couldn't just blow 1000's upon 1000's of dollars, but were going to spend around $3500 or so (that includes the cost of the camera...i'm hoping to get a 100a to save money), what would you guys deem absolutely necessary...what lights, mic, etc would you get?

Thanks for any input/feedback. This community is amazing.
 
Depends what you are planning, if you are just doing the occasional short, it might make sense to rent audio gear, but I would start off with the following:

Tripod, in the sub $1000 range, I would spend this much for this item because it is essential for good shots.

I would say $1900-1600 for the dvx (if its used) depending on the hours, if its an a or b and what else is included, $1000 or so for the tripod, that leaves you with a minimum of $600 for lights and if you decide some mics.
 
$1000 for the tripod...hmmm didn't expect it to be that high. As for what i'm planning...I really like to plan ahead, so although i'm not planning anything extravagant now, i'd really like to be able to expand on what i purchase rather than replace what i buy now.

What sort of light kit would you put together for the $600? Doesn't seem like there is much left over for lighting, $600 doesn't seem to go far with lights, but i guess when you're on a budget you're on a budget :) Anyway, thanks for the feedback, i'm grateful for any i get.
 
Edit-xtreem is right. Your camera sits on that tripod. Don't skimp on it. Forget about lights. For $600 you're not going to to be able to get anything useful. Swing by the audio section, read the stickies and spend that money on a starter audio kit.
 
Looch said:
$1000 for the tripod...hmmm didn't expect it to be that high. As for what i'm planning...I really like to plan ahead, so although i'm not planning anything extravagant now, i'd really like to be able to expand on what i purchase rather than replace what i buy now.

What sort of light kit would you put together for the $600? Doesn't seem like there is much left over for lighting, $600 doesn't seem to go far with lights, but i guess when you're on a budget you're on a budget :) Anyway, thanks for the feedback, i'm grateful for any i get.
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Well, its not really worth picking up a $600 tripod, if your going to plan for the future. Since there are so many types/styles of lights and mics, your best bet might be to rent depending on the shot and what you need.

Thats just my 2 cents.
 
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