What camera do I really need?

S

southalabamaque

Member
I've finally got the money to start a production business but I dont really know which camera is right for what I wanna do and which are just too much for me right now. I want to record events for people ranging from weddings to concerts to church services and I want it to look very professional. I know I dont need the best of the best for most jobs but I do want a top quality appearance. Oh, I also want to purchase at least 3, is it wise to get 3 of the same kind or switch up so I'll have different ones for different purposes..somebody, anybody..HELP!! PLEASE!!
 
3 is a lot. On all my event shooting, I've only ever needed two cameras.

Now, some may disagree, but I use one dvx, and one canon xl2. I picked up the xl2 for one main reason, the 20x zoom lens. It REALLY helps when you're shooting from the back of the church, or in the balcony. It also has a very professional appearance, which the client always likes.

just my .02

-brown
 
I only want three because I'm gonna be using the same cameras for shooting some short films and other things I was interested in also. Thanks for your help.. I'm gonna look into the xl2..maybe 3 is a bit much...I'm gonna need to save money for the other things I'll need too..lighting, screens, audio, etc..
 
The main decision you will have to make is the sd vs hd question. I can't answer that for you, but if you are new to video and you don't have alot of equipment it might be better to spend less on your cameras and more on all the other stuff you mentioned and a computer and software that can handle your footage.
 
southalabamaque said:
I only want three because I'm gonna be using the same cameras for shooting some short films and other things I was interested in also. Thanks for your help.. I'm gonna look into the xl2..maybe 3 is a bit much...I'm gonna need to save money for the other things I'll need too..lighting, screens, audio, etc..
Click to expand...

Most narrative film shoots use a single camera.
 
I suggest if you're starting out, then three cameras might be a good idea. You could use one on the fly and have the other two in strategic locations for added depth when editing... but mostly as Save Your Ass cameras, in case you forget to press record on your flycam or something.

Just plan it well.
 
Ive found with two decent operators two cameras is enough. Im not trying to get into a camera debate hear

These are my recommendations for two camera setups:

One Pana HVX200 and one HPX500

Canon XH A1 (with PAL upgrade) and a Canon XLH1.

JVCHD110 and JVCHD250

I would investigate the above and see which offers your style/workflow/budget the most. All three give you a PAL option if ever needed. But everything depends on your budget.
 
Thanks everyone, I'm researching the cameras you guys suggested to see exactly how i want to couple them...I want to be able to do as much as possible with the few cameras I do get...
 
1 company i work for started with 7 cameras and now only has 1. What you will end up finding is that most of the camera men you higher out all have their own gear.
 
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