I'm sure there are tons of topics asking what cameras a filmmaker should or shouldn't get. And since I'm making another one, I apologize. However, I'm not entirely sure who to ask or where to ask, so I figured I'd take a shot.
I have a 97 page horror script that I'd like to shoot in the late summer. My budget (for a camera alone) is between $800 - $1,000. Anywhere between there, perhaps a bit over a thousand, I can afford. So, the simple question is - what should I look at? Any recommendations? I don't desire an AMAZING camera with absolute professional quality - I can maybe acheive that, or something good enough, in post-production. So basically, I want a good camera, but it doesn't have to be the best at all. Any suggestions?
Again, sorry if this is redundant. Thanks.
I think you should try and pickup a second hand Canon XL1 or a Sony PD150. Good starters for the money your have. Don't forget to you'll need a decent mic, boom and xlr cable to capture sound.
Ray
serious about nothin' 'cept film
What's my name?
Bernardo! Bernardo.
You're damn right...
Oops...sorry I was thinking in sterling but you've quoted dollars. However a quick search on ebay revealed the following..
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2986652306&category=20330
This XL1 is selling for 830 dollars.
Unfortunately the pd150 seems to be selling for around 2500 dollars. However you can make zee movies mit zee XL1 🙂
Ray
serious about nothin' 'cept film
What's my name?
Bernardo! Bernardo.
You're damn right...
Thanks! But I don't really do eBay, as I've had poor luck in the past at winning bids. Not to mention that the price will go up over the next 5 days, and probably over my budget. ?:D?
Is there a big difference between the XL1 and the XL1-S? Basically I'm just needing a camera with 3 CCD's and the ability to shoot in 24fps.
If you haven't already, you should read the FAQ, specifically the question on "what camera should I buy?", which is linked from the home page of this site.
If this is your first film, an XL1 will do you fine. You will not be able to get any camera that shoots "24fps" anywhere near your price range (unless you buy a film camera).
An here are some eBay success tips:
1) Determining Likely Final Price - do a search on the item you want (ie. XL1). In the left column, choose "Completed Items" from the menu. This shows you auctions which have finished and match you keyword. Here you can start to get a feel for the final price.
2) Bidding. NEVER bid on anything on eBay until the last 30 seconds of the auction. If you bid before, all you are doing is increasing the price (and guaranteeing you will not win).
Ben C.
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filmmaking.net
(Incorporating the Internet Filmmaker's FAQ)
Please note the opinions expressed here are those of the author only and do not constitute legal advice. The author cannot accept and liability whatsoever for inaccurate or outdated information contained within.
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Benjamin Craig
Editor-in-Chief, filmmaking.net
just a thought, why buy ?
Why not rent then if it's not the camera for you then you dont have to sell and look again, tell them your a beginner and need advice.? or
Get into a film school class and use their facilities with the help and advice that come with it.there are short courses not all are fulltime for years.
I appreciate all advice. I'm going to try and eBay for a while, and if that don't work, I'll try to get a film camera.
Look at the Panasonic GS70. It's 3CCD. Go to the B&H Photo website, print out the copy of their price, bring it to a Circuit City and they'll beat the price by 15% and you'll get a new bag and tripod for free. Thats what i did. It cost me about $900 at the time. It'll prolly cost you less. It's a good ****in camera.
Wow, that's perfect. Thank you very much.
quote:
Why not rent then if it's not the camera for you then you dont have to sell and look again, tell them your a beginner and need advice.?
The problem with renting is that you typically end up paying more to rent a DV camera for the duration of a shoot than you would to buy it, unless you can find a hire company that will accept a sob story rather than hard cash. True, you'll have the option of switching cameras if you decide you don't like the one you have, but either the XL1 or the PD150 should do a decent job, they just have different limitations and hassles that you need to work around.
