My Dilemma

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ozone1979

Active member
Ok, this will be like a puzzle for some (it is for me) and just a simple solution for some of u more experienced videographers.

I have a dvx100a, carrying case, 2 batteries (1 4/5 hr), uv filter, and some mq tapes. I'm wanting to start my first short, and post it for u guys to critique and also prolly to triggerstreet. I have a budget of around $1,500.

I've been looking around at accessories i'm needing:

Lights: something like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43440&item=3834559721

Microphones: something like...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43440&item=3833943484
--I've never heard the AT-897 in action...but i guess it is good.

Stabilizer: DVRig Pro, etc. too many to choose from.

Tripod: Some Bogen brand, don't know which ??? :(

----------------------------
haven't even gotten to the other stuff like telephoto, anamorphic , and wide angel lenses.....sheesh.

Crane: (the cobra crane 2 +)
http://www.promax.com/Products/Detail/28034

Also gonna need.... an lcd screen, extension cables, and zoom controller.

I guess my dilemma is that i want some good quality shots, but stuff is so darn expensive. I'm constantly tellin my makeup guy,
"yeah, i'm gonna be buying my lights soon, i know....but this cam has very good quality, but can get noisy when in dark areas."

I need help....i know some of u had to have started out with low budgets. and some of u should know of some great resources and links to some cheap stabilizers or whatever and also some suggestions as to how the products could be prioritized so that I can still achieve professional appearance with a very minimal budget. I know there's the "do it yourself" manuals, but i'm not too experienced in the art of carpentry.

So pleaze help me out if u can. I'd really appreciate it.
 
Re: My Dilemma

There are three things on your list that will help you get great shots. First, the lighting, overall, that will make the biggest overall impression on your shot. Second, a tripod, and third, shotgun mic, as a good shot with bad sound is really just a . . . well, bad shot.
As far as lights go check out the lighting section of dvxuser.com and look into the britek lights, from what I have read they seem rather goood for the price.
For the tripod, check out ebay. I found a nice combination of 3050 legs and a 3063 fluid head ( a real beast of a tripod, but rock solid in construction) for about $130.
For the shotgun mic I currently use an Azden SGM-2X, which is an excellent sounding shotgun mic, that runs off of 1 AAA battery. For the price ,$199, you really can't go wrong.
 
Re: My Dilemma

If you practice shooting with your BODY, you won't be so dependent on some of the things you mentioned..stabilizers, cranes, tripods. Many shots just take very good full body concentration. I will say that I think a tripod is absolutely necessary, but the rest can be achieved through PRACTICE. You don't need to go out and get a monster of a tripod either. What are you putting on that? Overkill is really easy, with everyone telling you about their $1K plus sticks. I have a few different kinds of tripod heads and price is not always the indicator of how well it can move for you ( though it usually is..:).  There is a limitation..you probably need something good, but not over the top.

You can simulate a crane shot with a long monopod that has a smooth tilting head. My impression of the DVrig is that it's good if you have time to put it on properly and if you are shooting for a long time, with walking being the most impact/pace you are attempting. The Zoom controller is not necessary, again, if you practice, you can get the smooth camera work.

Although I can say I am guilty of it also, but many of us think BUYING something will make you a better videographer/filmmaker. That is not always the case. Now, if you really expect to use this stuff a lot, then I think it can pay off.  I.e. you have many projects where a Zoom controller will always be used..you may save some time and takes by getting something that consistently delivers a smooth zoom. We have a zoom controller because the zoom has to be perfect on the first/only take ( wedding ceremonies).

Of the lenses you mentioned, I think you can stop at a wide angle, if money is tight. If you buy an anamorphic, you don't need the WA.

As for the professional apprearance--to some degree this is true, but if you're work is good, it doesn't matter what you use.

I want to add that good headphones are ESSENTIAL. Audio mistakes are hellish to fix and some are not un-doable. I recently got the sony 7506 and I wonder what I was hearing with my other ones..

don't forget-- editing makes a world of a difference, if you don't have a good system already..where does that fit in your budget?
 
Re: My Dilemma

My answer is: Find more work and earn more money and get a credit card. You should make a list with all of the things you need. Put the price next to each one and rank them by priority. Go cheaper with your lights. Buy two tota lights on Ebay, and then buy a couple of lowel umbrellas. There's your soft light for almost half the price. Get a cheap Sunpak video tripod. Don't get a DVRigPro, sorry but I think that thing is rediculous. Buy a $75 shoulder mount at B&H. Buy a cheaper Microphone. Hell, to save money you could buy the Panasonic shotgun mic for the DVX for $170.

I think part of your problem is that you're just getting started and think that you need everything that the companies make. That's how I was when I first got started (and kinda still that way). I thought that I had to buy everything I saw. I NEEDED it! Nope, 75% of the **** I've bought has turned out to be useless for MY purposes.

Here's my advice: DON'T BUY ANYTHING UNTIL YOU ABSOLUTELY NEED IT!

Heed my words, you will be wasting your money if you buy things that you're not 100% sure that you NEED. I still have to remind myself this daily.

Hope this helps.
 
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