Help

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andrewcollins

New member
Hey guys, I'm new to filmmaking and was hoping to get advice on a new camera. My friend recommended a NEX camera, but I have no idea what he's talking about, can you please give me some help? thanks.
 
It really depends on your budget. How much do you have to spend?

A NEX camera can be several things: DSLR or a video camera with several different models.

If your budget is in the DSLR range, I would consider a GH2 over say.. a NEX 5. But if you can afford more, then a NEX FS100 or 700 would be good.
 
Just to make sure... you do infact mean "700" not "7000"? 700 isn't really going to get you anywhere. You use the word "filmmaking", what do you really mean with that? Home movies, indie films?

The FS100 starts off at 5000 dollars without a lens.
The Nex-5N (which sounds like to be the one you friend means) starts off at 600 dollars with a 18-55mm lens..... and while it does do HD video, it's not really in the league of filmmaking. Maybe some elementary school plays and so on but nothing "serious"...

If you really mean film making as the good ol' cinema kind, most of the guys here have spend 10s of thousands of dollars gearing up for whatever they are doing.

In short, it's hard giving a tip when the question is not specific. :)
 
I think for $700 your best bet would be a GH2, although I think just for the body it's around $850 or so. Then you need lenses. The kit lens is not good IMO, but if it's all you can afford, then there you go.

You will need a bunch of stuff like Tripods, some sound recording equipment, a Loupe of some sort. It add up quick. Even for the most basic video setup with something like the GH2, it's still at least $2000 for the body, a few lenses, a tripod and some basic stuff.
 
by filmmaking I just mean taking family videos and stuff. No Indie productions. but basically you guys are saying that $700 budget is building Rome on a dime?
 
Probably best to get a consumer camcorder instead of a still camera that does video. Like the Panasonic TM700. Or Canon HG20, or even XA10 if you can increase your budget.
 
andrewcollins said:
thanks for you input guys! I've decided to go with the Panasonic V700MK: here's the link
https://shopping.panasonic.ca/produ...=8cded7a8-e7fc-4bd2-ad68-0e6c5a5ddcfb&lang=en

Tell me what you guys think! Thanks again for your help
Click to expand...

I have that same camera, except without the 16GB built in! Cheaper and easier to deal with SD cards, imo.
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-HCV...=1344283859&sr=8-1&keywords=panasonic+hc-v700

It's a great choice because of the 1/2 pro sensor. Pretty great in low light. Overall, very clean images. One little thing that bothers me is the auto white balance seems to make everything a bit yellow for some reason.

One thing i love is that the field of view is pretty wide for a camcorder. We tried a lot of them for vlogging and this is one of the few you can self shoot just by holding it out in front of you and actually fit two people from the chest up. The only other one i'd consider is the Sony 1/2" sensor one, but i can't remember what that is!

Biggest drawback of the Panasonic is that the battery life is terrible. 1hr 22min is fully charged. Definitely want to get a second smaller battery. Or, a larger one but it will stick way out the back of the camera.
 
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