Student Filmmaker looking into purchasing first set of equipment

[Mike H.R.]

Hello everyone, I am new to the board, and I am currently in the market for purchasing my first set of equipment, everything from a computer to camera to lights to audio. So far I've decided on the HVX200, RedRock M2 adapter, MacBook Pro, Avid w/ MOJO, Lowell lighting, scahtler tripod, and audio-technica sound equipment.

Basically I was wondering if anyone could offer any advice to steer me in the right direction when it comes to equipment.

I am really looking to invest in equipment that I can use for the next 5-10 years.

Some question I have include the following:

What types of comp configuration should I look into? Should go balls out and Max out the MacBook Pro?

What version of Avid would be best to go with? Xpress? Studio? Whats the difference between Mojo and Mojo SDI? Which one would be best for editing HD?

Should I purchase the M2 or just build my own? Which would be least costly and worth it?

Should I just invest in FireStore portable recorder rather than the P2 cards?

Thanks in advance for anyone that can help a young filmmaker out!

Cheers!

 

[grinner]

Hi Mike.
If HD is where you wanna focus, you sho8uld really look long and hard at FCP instead. It's stable and capable with HD where Avid has only one product that is, imo, and it's six figures.
I went with Adrenaine HD an sure wish I had just gone with FCP instead. I have 18 more months at 1200 a pop to pay on a box that is simply embarrassing. It truely cripple my busniess. I went from billing over 300k a year on an old used symphony to juuust over 150k/yr with the adrenaline and business aint pickin' up.
We wont know Avid's new direction with their new CEO for some time yet. I honestly don't expect huge changes. I hope I am wrong but they have sen profit with their new "creative advertising" and I doubt it's gonna change anytime soon.
Back to your needs... build around your needs. What do your clients expect in terms of quality, price and turn around? What is your budget? These two quastions will lead you to what ya need.
I do alot of reality stuff. I have a sony FX1 camera, a lowell light kit and cartoni sticks. I have used the tripod once or twice and have only used the light kit once. I just don't tote em around. I shoot hand-held with available light and do lots of shading in post. Works best for me and I could have saved on support and lighting.... lighting, anyway.