What would you do?

jinks

jinks

Well-known member
I'm trying to acquire some more equipment and do have a little cash at hand but not so sure what will give me the most bang for my money. I have one hvx200 with the Brevis and a bunch of Nikon lenses, and a Canon 5D Mark II with a bunch of Canon L glass to go with. I have about $5K to spend and I'm torn between another HVX200/HPX170 or another 5D Mark II. I'm just trying to build up my company which currently only does small freelance work while I mantain my day job:thumbsup:
Give me some suggestions please. I already have all the other gear like lights, mics and the like.
Thanks in advance!!
 
How's your audio package? Bucks spent there retain their value far longer than other gear and nothing will destroy a vid faster than bad sound.
 
Good questions guys, I have a descent audio package but there's always room for improvement. As for marketing... I need to have enough gear first, then fully go into marketing once I have all the necessary gear.
Keep them coming!
 
well, i'm not a professional video producer, but... why buy another camera if you already have two?

why not a jib/crane, dolly, underwater casings, mmm... specialty lenses (i.e. macro lens for product photo/video, tilt-shift lens for architecture photo/video, fisheye)?

or, a dedicated 'sub-contracting' budget (in case you need to hire someone else to help you on a shoot)

i don't know the nature of your work, that could help give you more specific suggestions.
 
I believe that buying additional gear too soon is a common mistake. I like to buy when I truly need something and considering renting when you're not sure what you will need in the long run. Depends what type of work you do and where you're located. There are basics that go a long way before you need to own 3 cameras (IMO). Consider extra batteries and/or chargers, P2 cards, hard drives, all purpose lights (not anything huge). Centain items are better to own while plenty of others are easier and more cost effective to rent. just my 2 cents.... ;-)
 
I would absolutely spend some money on a good tripod!! For the cameras you are using I would imagine that would cost you $1500 - $2000. Money well spent!
 
without a detailed list of what gear you have and the kind of work you do. it would be nearly impossible to wisely advise you on what else you should buy.

so. please tell us more...
 
Fahad said:
well, i'm not a professional video producer, but... why buy another camera if you already have two?
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You can't do a two camera shoot with a HVX and a dslr. They will looks too different. I do plenty of event recording with two or more HVXs. At least with one static wide and the other for close ups. If you don't have matching cameras it can get really messy in post.
 
Thanks so much everyone for your contributions and suggestions. I have a descent audio package all sennheiser mics boths lavs and shotguns, some lights like fresnels and soft boxes. A Kessler jib, glidecam pro 4ooo, a cheap dolly... it's not so good but gets the job done for now:) For the lenses, I have all Canon L series lenses from a 180mm macro, 16-35, 24-105, 400mm 2.8 and an 85mm. As for the HVX/Brevis I have all nikon lenses AI lenses from a 24mm to 300mm and almost everything in between. Right now I have only worked on small projects like corp training dvd's, a few weddings not my preference but will do for the dough. But I'm mostly hired by other producers to shoot small car dealer specs and use me as a supplementary/backup camera man. I live in the Chicagoland area, but willing to travel where there's work. I know it's hard question to answer as to what to buy but I think Jester hit it on the head. I should narrow this question to what camera would you buy? I think it makes most sense to have two matching cameras, I have shot both on the HVX and 5D but seperately and never had to match the footage in post so I don't know how they would match. I'm still a little confused as to what camera to buy, I love my good ol' Hvx200 but the footage from the 5d is simply superb. From a "creative" and a commercial stand point... what camera would you buy?
 
Personally, the HVX is more flexible and in reality the only "video camera" you have. The 5D is a great camera, but at the end of the day it's just a DSR with a video recording option. I think you'd get more work with a second HVX. I can't think of a situation where you might need two 5Ds and 1 HVX. I can think of plenty for one that calls for two HVXs and a 5D. You can use the Pannys for main footage and interject 5D shots for specialty or alternate shots.
 
JesterJJZ said:
Personally, the HVX is more flexible and in reality the only "video camera" you have. The 5D is a great camera, but at the end of the day it's just a DSR with a video recording option. I think you'd get more work with a second HVX. I can't think of a situation where you might need two 5Ds and 1 HVX. I can think of plenty for one that calls for two HVXs and a 5D. You can use the Pannys for main footage and interject 5D shots for specialty or alternate shots.
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Really? I thought DSLR's were catching up and many producers/videographers were making the switch to dslr's. Personally I like the flexibility and full control of the HVX but the 5D negates the need for a 35mm adapter plus a massive budget for light kits in low light situations. This is particulary handy for one man crews like myself where portability is a must. Keep your suggestions coming, I really learn a lot from you guys.
Thank you!
 
What's the recording limit on the 5D? Is it the same of like 12 minutes like with the 7D? We'll there goes any shot doing event work. Also only one card slot. 35mm lenses are also very hard to deal with in ENG scenarios.

Basically, if the ONLY thing you plan on doing is film/narrative/music videos/etc. you might be ok with a DSLR. Anything more than that and you need a real video camera. Live shows, concerts, events, weddings...all a ***** to shoot with a DSLR. Don't forget the mass of accessories you need with those to use them properly.
 
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