Hello Vid people,
Though I've been using FCP since version 2 or 3, I'm still relatively new to video production, and this is my first post here. I'm comfortable learning software, as I do this often in my IT work for a nonprofit organization. However, concerning the HARDWARE side, I could use some advice. First, though, let me share a bit about myself to put the issue in context:
For the last couple of years, I've been using a little Sony Digital Handycam (TRV 330) to shoot some home video and (believe it or not) some promo DVD material for my organization. As a side job (and labour of love), I've undertaken the publication of my Dad's book, "Chicora Chronicle: Recollections of a Lowcountry Son" about life in SC during the 1920s and 30s. The book is finished, our publishing company establised (Okatie Press), and a printer lined up.
However, I've been toying with the idea of including a CD or, more likely, a DVD with the book to enhance its market value. I intend to shoot/edit some Lowcountry (coastal South Carolina) footage dealing with the degradation of the environment, life in SC in the 1920s & 30s (that's going to be a tough shoot), etc etc. I don't want to do this on my Sony Handycam, because (despite what you're thinking) I don't want the project to have that "Mom & Pop" feel to it. I want a more professional look, and I'm willing to spend some money on a semi-pro camera. (yes, hiring someone goes against my "religion.") My budget is absolutely no more than $6k, and probably more like $3-4K.
I just spent all of last evening reading ALL the posts on the Panasonic HVX200, and though it seems like a paradigm shift and should be an incredible camera come November - one that I could easily love and grow into over the years - buying one initially strikes me a little like buying a Ferrari with a 2-gallon (P2 storage) gas tank. I've done enough IT work to know that storage costs can drop quickly & dramatically, and I don't particularly want to spend another $4000 of my own money over camera costs to subsidize that process.
So while "going tapeless" really appeals to my IT & music sides (I went through this with audio recording), I think that perhaps finding one of you trustworthy folks who are wanting to part with one of your used tape-based cameras (to buy the HVX???), for a reasonable price might be a smarter move.
As mentioned, I need a camera which would shoot well outdoors in the humidity of the South Carolina coast. Though of course I'm not in a position to be buying ANYTHING for a single purpose, this particular project will be going to DVD (possibly 16:9 because of the landscape shot opportunities? High-Def to be cutting edge?). I'm a little short on expericence, admittedly, but I have a good eye for aesthetics, and appreciate good ergonomics in equipment, and even worked briefly in television news a few years ago (so I've seen the inside of an editing bay).
Would any of you :engel017: share any your expertise on specific cameras, tips for buying used, or anything (for that matter) concerning my Book/DVD combo project?
Already Missing Giligan,
Colin Cooler
Editor-in-Chief
Okatie Press
www.okatiepress.com (very rudimentary site at the moment)
ps - Also, if any of you know of any coastal "environmental" footage from individuals/organizations which wish to promote their cause, I'd consider including this on the DVD as well (with proper credit, of course).
Though I've been using FCP since version 2 or 3, I'm still relatively new to video production, and this is my first post here. I'm comfortable learning software, as I do this often in my IT work for a nonprofit organization. However, concerning the HARDWARE side, I could use some advice. First, though, let me share a bit about myself to put the issue in context:
For the last couple of years, I've been using a little Sony Digital Handycam (TRV 330) to shoot some home video and (believe it or not) some promo DVD material for my organization. As a side job (and labour of love), I've undertaken the publication of my Dad's book, "Chicora Chronicle: Recollections of a Lowcountry Son" about life in SC during the 1920s and 30s. The book is finished, our publishing company establised (Okatie Press), and a printer lined up.
However, I've been toying with the idea of including a CD or, more likely, a DVD with the book to enhance its market value. I intend to shoot/edit some Lowcountry (coastal South Carolina) footage dealing with the degradation of the environment, life in SC in the 1920s & 30s (that's going to be a tough shoot), etc etc. I don't want to do this on my Sony Handycam, because (despite what you're thinking) I don't want the project to have that "Mom & Pop" feel to it. I want a more professional look, and I'm willing to spend some money on a semi-pro camera. (yes, hiring someone goes against my "religion.") My budget is absolutely no more than $6k, and probably more like $3-4K.
I just spent all of last evening reading ALL the posts on the Panasonic HVX200, and though it seems like a paradigm shift and should be an incredible camera come November - one that I could easily love and grow into over the years - buying one initially strikes me a little like buying a Ferrari with a 2-gallon (P2 storage) gas tank. I've done enough IT work to know that storage costs can drop quickly & dramatically, and I don't particularly want to spend another $4000 of my own money over camera costs to subsidize that process.
So while "going tapeless" really appeals to my IT & music sides (I went through this with audio recording), I think that perhaps finding one of you trustworthy folks who are wanting to part with one of your used tape-based cameras (to buy the HVX???), for a reasonable price might be a smarter move.
As mentioned, I need a camera which would shoot well outdoors in the humidity of the South Carolina coast. Though of course I'm not in a position to be buying ANYTHING for a single purpose, this particular project will be going to DVD (possibly 16:9 because of the landscape shot opportunities? High-Def to be cutting edge?). I'm a little short on expericence, admittedly, but I have a good eye for aesthetics, and appreciate good ergonomics in equipment, and even worked briefly in television news a few years ago (so I've seen the inside of an editing bay).
Would any of you :engel017: share any your expertise on specific cameras, tips for buying used, or anything (for that matter) concerning my Book/DVD combo project?
Already Missing Giligan,
Colin Cooler
Editor-in-Chief
Okatie Press
www.okatiepress.com (very rudimentary site at the moment)
ps - Also, if any of you know of any coastal "environmental" footage from individuals/organizations which wish to promote their cause, I'd consider including this on the DVD as well (with proper credit, of course).