I am a total newbie. I have shot some video on a Kodak Zi8 and edited it in PowerDirector but that's it. Did one of my daughter's wedding that came out kind of cool. I want to take it to the next level (as if there were defined levels). I would be making training videos for my company, promotional videos for my company and family videos.
I would like to get a DSLR so I can do both stills and video. My budget is flexible but I am thinking of spending about $1000 for the camera and lens.
I have been looking at the Sony A65 and the CANON EOS 60D. Someone put together a head-to-head comparison at the site http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon_EOS_60D-vs-Sony-A65. Problem is, I don't know how important each of the advantages are (eg. shutter speed, focus points, auto focus, stabilization, etc.). From what I can guess about the significant advantages, it looks like the Sony should be the winner but the site gives the nod to the Canon.
Am I going down the wrong path? Any advice would be appreciated.
Hello there, I am new on this forum as well, but have had quite a bit of experience in film making and feel I can offer you some advice to help you get started in making your videos.
First off, I hate to say it but I deffiantly do not think a SonyA65 is going to do your videos any good. Although they maybe fine with just simple home videos to host on youtube for the whole family to see, what you mainly want is a basic camcorder that shoots in MiniDV. Its a great, simple way to start and almost everyone in my generation started off with tiny miniDV tapes and a silver camcorder. Here is a good, cheap example of a camcorder I would reccomend:
If all you want to make is promotional videos and training videos, you don't really -have- to worry about a lot of the finer details in cinematography such as depth of field, filters, f & t stops but I would recommend learning all about the lenses you purchase and consider picking up a few books here and there. It all depends on how serious you want to take it.
But my main recommendation is purchase a separate camcorder and digital camera, and play with it, A LOT. Really explore every option and feature in your camera, read the manual frontwards and backwards, and...well...pick it up and start shooting. Shoot everything interesting. Be able to work your camera with your eyes closed. And most importantly, have fun with it!
The problem I see with those kinds of head-to-head comparison
is the problem you see; what does all that mean in relation to what
YOU need?
In order to get a DSLR up to production specs you need several
accessories. Mostly you will need a mic and an audio recorder.
While the DSLR can offer excellent images, the audio is terrible.
Even when using a camcorder you need to consider audio. At the
very minimum you need to get a mic and a boom pole.
In the $1,000 range you might want to consider the Panasonic
AG-DVC20, the Sony HDR-CX550V and the Canon HF S30
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
