Question about daily rates instructors vs. reality

[chagrin]

I'm taking a business class related to film/ video production. On the rate card the professor has quoted a camera op/ sound person w/gear @ $1250 a day. I work in the DC market and while $650 a day or more is not odd for an SD large format camera and op it sounds a little high for sound. Any input or rate cards would be appreciated. I know there are a million variables but lets say a 2 day PSA shoot/ non government non union. Sticks and shoulder, indoor, minimal hassle. What would you charge? I think my confusion is in the idea (that was expressed in class) that a sound person will draw $650 as well. Maybe I'm off?

 

[Barry_Green]

The typical rate has been around $1200 for a two-person crew. Camera operator, camera package, soundperson and sound gear all together.

Depends on the camera though. You're not likely going to get those rates with a DVX100, but you would with an HPX500.

 

[chagrin]

Yeah I've done some more searching, its sounding like this is about right. I mostly get sent out on corporates lately and do features and docs the rest of the time- I guess the day shooter rates just seemed high compared to doing a 20 day- Thanks for the input.