New Camera?

andythefilmer

andythefilmer

Veteran
Well I learned a very tough lesson today. This morning I got off a cruise that I had decided to bring my DVX on. I also brought my lens cleaning kit... It was a Mexican cruise so as I exited the ship back into the US, we had extended bag searches. They had K-9 dogs sniffing bags checking for suspicious material, and then they got to my camera backpack...

I had nothing to hide, just my camera, mic, light and laptop. The dog started barking ferociously and then peed on my bad. Apparently the lens fluid upset the dog. Then they took me to a room for questioning... I demanded replacement for all the damaged items but they said no and kicked me off the ship.

I am only 14 years old, and I don't have much of a budget for a new package. Should I try to find a deal on another DVX or should I look at a JVC HD10 or Sony VX2100? I like the idea of flash recording vs. tape and it would be nice to shoot HD, but I am doing short films and you just can't beat the look of the DVX.

I also need a computer. I own FCS 2 so it would be nice to have another mac, but I might have to wait on that for a bit. The mic and light can definitely wait, but I need a camera to finish a project. I can probably spend up to $1500 with some money I have saved up. Any other camera suggestions?

They completely tossed my camera backpack I just got with EVERYTHING in it.. I shoot for ABC news so I need a good image and manual controls, but HD is not required for it. Just a widescreen image. I would like the film look and 24p for short films and docs. I have heard good reviews on the FX1, but it doesn't shoot 24p and has no XLR compatibility. I was also considering converting to DSLR shooting. Are there any video DSLRs in my price range?

Now you know to leave your lens fluid at home!!!
 
that sucks! so when u say tossed...they tossed it off the ship into the water??
is it possible for ABC to help fund a new camera?

Dslr's are kinda a pain to shoot with i hear. alot of workarounds but very good image. the gh1 maybe in ur price range...just bearly. I guess itt all depends on what ur shooting...dslr wont be good for ENG stuff for abc...but i duno what u shoot for abc.

Gh1 ia good for film...u say u'll be shooting short films. I duno how people are capturing sound with it though...i havent really delved into the specs much. check it out.

i def like fuller (cuz the dvx isnt really full sized) cameras though like my 100b. just feels better...and all the manual controls.
 
Well I am going to call ABC later, but I do on location reports for them. I also do stuff like skate videos so with a DSLR with shallow DOF, I will need autofocus for video, but I don't know if you can do that. It would be a cheaper way of shallow DOF for docs and shorts though.

I was also thinking about the PD-150/170
 
i'd say dvx or go hd. but thats just me. u def dont want a dslr for on location reports so u need something that will cover ur both needs. dvx does that well. for shallow DOF just get creative... if the story is good and cinematgraphy and production level is good then that will be the least anyway.
 
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how about you sue the company? They should definitely replace your camera if they ruined it. Wtf!

oh and what did your parents say about the situation?
 
yah you were wronged.. you need to have your stuff replaced... dont let them bully you because you ar 14. I would consider writing a letter to the company, stating what happend and about the camera being your means of earning a living, etc. Be a pro about it and see if they will replace it for you, if they dont, take them to court. I dont think they'd want to bother going to court for a few grand.
 
Well I emailed them and unfortunately, ABC will not cover the cost. I also sent an email to carnival cruise lines and it said I will get a response within 1-3 days. I will let you know what happens. But if I have to just buy a new one, what would you guys recommend? I have really only used cameras that are higher end. I have used the JVC HD100 at cinegear and I liked it a lot. I may also be interested in the VX2100 package but I will not be able to pay $2500.
 
You know how that guy made a catchy music video about United breaking guitars? I think it might be time for you to jump on the trend - "Carnival Urinates on Cameras".
 
I may consider that! My grandpa gave me a temporary super 8mm camera and a bunch of film so I could make a short like that for fun.
 
What say ur parents in all this? I agree...sue 'em. Let ur parents help u out to show them ur serious.

They can't go around damaging people's expensive gear and it ends there.

Ps. ABC sucks. U mean to tell me they can't buy a measly dvx, even used and let u work it off?
 
jambredz said:
What say ur parents in all this? I agree...sue 'em. Let ur parents help u out to show them ur serious.

They can't go around damaging people's expensive gear and it ends there.

Ps. ABC sucks. U mean to tell me they can't buy a measly dvx, even used and let u work it off?
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They treat interns like crap over there. My parents are furious and don't want to deal with court but will go if necessary. We are waiting to hear back from the company before we take any legal action. I might be able to convince ABC to at least get me a VX2100 or something a little cheaper but they said they will only give me a shoulder rig and a a microwave wireless transmitter.
 
andythefilmer said:
They treat interns like crap over there. My parents are furious and don't want to deal with court but will go if necessary. We are waiting to hear back from the company before we take any legal action. I might be able to convince ABC to at least get me a VX2100 or something a little cheaper but they said they will only give me a shoulder rig and a a microwave wireless transmitter.
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microwave wireless transmitter? is that for like "live on location broadcasting"? haha

that would be awesome

you could also email a site called www.consumerist.com and let them know what happened and they might help you out
 
You say your budget is around 1500, you want DOF and maybe HD.

Why not go with the Letus Mini for around 1,000 and then you can buy a HD video camera off craigslist for 300-500 used.

I've also seen a DVX100 on here for sale for 1,000 too but the Letus will actually get you the shallow DOF your seeking.
 
Well shallow DOF would be great and a 35mm adapter would be great but right now I just need a camera. I got am email response from carnival. They said they were sorry for that and they need to talk with their legal division......
 
Andy- you're saying it was a Carnival dog, not US Customs, right?
I live in Miami and have shot for cruise lines. I'm guessing you might have come through the Port of Miami?

If it was Carnival's K-9, tell them you're prepared to go to your hometown media, and also (even worse for them) Miami media with your story and you're also prepared to go to Small Claims Court, but (because you're such a nice guy) you're willing to settle- for full price replacement of a new DVX (or equivalent) and support gear.

Tell them your education, creative advancement and wallet are suffering, and you would appreciate a timely settlement.

:Drogar-Love(DBG): It's a made for TV story-
"Tonight- A 14 y.o. filmmaker and broadcast intern loses his camera to an overeager inspector who marks the camera with the Yellow Badge of Disapproval!"

Call their Media or Public Relations dept, tell them you're ready to talk to Ch 4, 6, 7 and 10 and the Miami Herald (the Herald could do a story with you based on a phone interview).

Get your facts and story straight (and correct) before you talk to a reporter.
If it was a Customs dog, well... you can try, but they're not QUITE as PR sensitive.

Keep us posted and good luck.
 
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Accept nothing less than the full value of your equipment, and additional compensation.

Camerawise, I'd go DVX100a/b with good support.
 
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