Okay so basically I plan on going to Film School next Spring. I'm 17 years old, and will be 18 come September.
I have a half a year of wanting to really practice and make sure I have experience unlike someone who does it cuz they think its cool or whatever.
I seriously love everything about making movies, and have for years. Theres nothing I want to do more.
Now, for a while now I have shot little films here and there with family and friends, and am working on a bigger project with another group, but thats beside the point.
I need an honest opinion.
Should I buy an expensive but good camera to start working on my short films and films?
My school has equipment that we can use, but obviously im going to want to have my own camera for filming when im not in school (This fall, and my Course is only a year).
Or should I buy a more affordable camera to film and practice with?
I have been using a Sony Digital 8 DCR-TRV 140 for years, and its pretty damn old, considering they're now discontinued.
I'm saying this because I want my movies to start actually looking professional, even though I do the best in my power to make them look great (Lighting, Sound, ect ect.) the footage to pc is horrible with my camera, and its basically very much the basic.
As a soon to be film student, would other filmmakers suggest that its time for me to buy MY camera? Or should I wait and get a new small affordable one to mess around with more?
Also, can you guys suggest some Cameras based on your experience?
The Panasonic PV-GS300 is selling for $500-$600 and is nice starter 3CCD camera. It has manual settings and a mic input. The JVC GR-X5 is a terrific little camera and the higher cost is well worth it.
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
I want something that has great visual quality. It doesn't have to be "Broadcast" quality but I don't want to worry about cleaning my films up so much.
I don't care for fancy features, and would really just like something to strictly film with. Requirements would be Tripod, Firewire port, mic port, and thats pretty much it. A/V would be nice, to record onto tape through tv.
Are these cameras good for actually filming and not just practicing though? Thats a dumb way of me to word it but you probably know what I mean. Something newer.
If I have to spend high cash for a good camera, I will consider it. Its an option.
Panasonic DVXag100a or b
honestly, (your gonna hear this alot) ultimatly you shouldnt wait to buy a camera. if you have the money to buy a dvx ($2,500 at least) then buy it but if you dont then buy the best camera you can for your money. If you wait then you are just putting off precious time you have that you could be using to practice. Plus, lighting and sound are two other things that are HUGE in making quality looking films. If youhave a dvx and light it poorly then it will look like crap (and shouldnt have bothered) but if you have a dvx light it well then it will difficult for people to tell that its not real film.
hope this helped. Good luck
"Anyone who has ever been privileged to direct a film also knows that, although it can be like trying to write 'War and Peace' in a bumper car in an amusement park, when you finally get it right, there are not many joys in life that can equal the feeling." - Stanley Kubrick
"Anyone who has ever been privileged to direct a film also knows that, although it can be like trying to write 'War and Peace' in a bumper car in an amusement park, when you finally get it right, there are not many joys in life that can equal the feeling." - Stanley Kubrick
