What to buy?

Q

quaidbrown

New member
I'm looking for recommendations on the camera to buy for around 5K$.

I'm an amateur who has never really filmed anything in my life. I plan to change that, and want a camera that can produce professional quality and won't place any limits on what I can do.

I am studying the effects of depth of field, lighting, sound, etc and want to make sure the camera I buy is capable of taking advantages of these new techniques I am using.

Any suggestions?
 
"I'm an amateur who has never really filmed anything in my life."
Have you ever used a camera before? How do you know you will like it?
DVX100B
 
I don't think he would be studying all that if he didn't have an interest.

quaidbrown, you should get a DVX100b.

EDIT: Or maybe you should look into HD first just to see if its for you.
 
def dvx100b, it leaves you some scratch for the extras you will need-

batteries
case
filters
tape
and an NLE
(suggest Vegas)
 
Every camera has compromises, including the DVX. But it is the best camera to learn on, and the best camera for film-like production and the best camera for you based on your limited set of requirements. Period.
 
Oh yeah, leave about a $1000 for audio equipment, and leave another $500 or more for education. This is not simple....
 
Then another thousand for lighting. So I think including all that the DVX is your no1 choice. And thats relatively cheap.
 
quaidbrown-

Welcome to the forum. If you have a 5K budget, my suggestion would be to get the absolute best camera you can for that money. You COULD get a great cam for a few grand less and buy all sorts of accessories but I think part of the fun of getting accessories is the slow collective process you have to endure to accumulate stuff. There is nothing like doing a LOT of research until you've finally made your definitive decision, with NO doubts, and just have to wait for the package to come in the mail. Trust me, you will get excited over the STUPIDEST sounding purchases. I bought a cool looking on-camera light for weddings (Pag C6) and couldn't wait to get it. Even if at the time, I had no slated day to use the dang thing.

I guess what I am trying to say is that your single most important accessory in all of this is the camera. Followed by a case, then a tripod, then a good microphone. Period. So, invest wisely in the camera.

I would go with a DVX100B. Sure, I am a little biased because I have the 100A and love it. But, in my opinion, this camera gives you EXACTLY what you are looking for: great image quality, stellar performance, and a fantastic balance of automatic and manual settings. Hey, manual settings is going to teach you loads.

Plus, with the additional $1500.00 saved, your accessories will be bought and paid for with the primary expense reserved for the most important tool (second to your skills) the camera.

Rick
PS This fantastic forum is here for a reason. This is a very good camera. So, if you stick with the DVX family, you will have a great resource in the forum to lean on.

Good luck and keep us posted!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top