The Perfect DVX Starter Package?

Dose

Dose

New member
I have been watching this board over the past few weeks and have finally decided to make the investment in the DVX100a.  I'm realizing that the prices are all over the place, some reputable, some not.  Looks like the basic price is around $3400.00 and a bunch of accessories are optionally available.  
 
My question is this:  What would you folks consider to be the absolutely essential DVX "package" for a first time filmmaker planning on shooting an indie feature with little experience?  
 
I know lenses, lighting, mics, dollies, hardware/hardware, monitors, etc. are all part of the production process, but I'm looking for a bare bones package of essentials to pull off a slick looking, film-like feature.  I'm running a Powerbook G4 w/ FCP4, Shake, AE 6.0, Deck 3.5, Soundtrack, and Final Draft 6.0 to hack out the screenplay.  I also have a small crew of associates (3 thus far) with film/video experience & degrees, all of whom have worked commercial corporate work as well as feature films.  The DVX is news to them!    I myself have been in a few feature films (as a featured extra) as well as an Artisan Entertainment independent film with a speaking role.  I watched the pros do it and immediately got inspired to tell my own story.
 
I'm locked and loaded and ready to shoot!  Any advice on vendors, cost, options, etc. would be greatly appreciated.
 
Thanks in advance,
 
Dose
 
Re: The Perfect DVX Starter Package?

my suggestion would be to divulge your plans for your film to your associates with film/video experience, and have them assist you in select ing a package that would be right for the type of things you are trying to do. the "bare bones" package is going to depend on what you need to do. if your going underwater in the film obviosly you would need some other equipment, or if your shooting at night, or in the day, or indoors or outdoors, or from a car, or on and on. first you need to have a plan in mind, and then you can build the gear to suite the plan. other than that the bare bones essentials would be the camera, a mic system of some kind, and a tripod or other mount system. where you go from there pends on what you need for the scenes you have in mind. if you had some specifics of scenes it would be easier to let you know what youll probably need/want.
 
Re: The Perfect DVX Starter Package?

Thanks, iamloser. Could you elaborate on a mic system that would work well with the DVX100a? I'm projecting that I'll need a wireless system, as well as a boom mic. Also, what kind of quality can I get out of the DVX built-in mic? Or, is there such a thing? Thanks again!

Dose
 
Re: The Perfect DVX Starter Package?

the stock dvx mic gets ok ambiant sound, but thats all i would use it for, unless you want consumer sounding dialog audio. its not too bad, but its just not a nice shotgun mic by any means. for suggestions on what types of shotgun, or wireless systems to go with, you should check out the "hardware" section of this forum, its full of mic info . otherwise you can always use the search function here, and find threads discussing about anything you could imagine.
 
Re: The Perfect DVX Starter Package?

Barebones, The best tripod you can affored, a good shotgun mic, a Hard wired lav mic and a wireless. Some lights and some sort of bounce cards or reflectors.
 
Re: The Perfect DVX Starter Package?

I think Elvis is absolutely right, but I'd modify one thing: get the best fluid head you can afford. In my book I recommend a low cost surveyors tripod (about $70). They work just fine, and it leaves you more money to spend on a good fluid head. I even show how to butch up a surveyors tripod to hold the weight of a 18' crane. You'll need a spreader with this kind of tripod (which I show you how to make as well) and you're good to go! Good luck with your feature!

Dan
www.DVcameraRigs.com
 
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