Hi there, I am a student filmmaker who is purchasing her first prosumer level camera for her first feature film. I am having a dilemma on whether to go out and purchase a HD camera for my first shoot, or if I would be okay with an SD camera.
The three cameras that are in the running for me at the present moment, is a Panasonic DVX100A, that comes with a Manfrotto 501 tripod, Audio Technica 897 shotgun mic with fishpole, Two batteries, professional Sony headphones, and Pelican 1550 case. The DVX100A has 52 hours of film time on it, and it is in my area, so I wouldn't have to pay for S/H. The cost of this kit is $2500
I also am looking at a Canon XL1, which I have had prior experience with, that is selling for $1300, in my area. It just is the camera.
The third option, was to go all out and purchase a Canon XH A1, which I have really really grown fond of, and thought may be the best option.
Here is my predicament. I am wondering how well the Panasonic DVX100A shoots, and if any of you know anything about the other equipment that comes in that package, and whether or not it is a good deal. I am hoping to get this into some film festivals, and get some exposure from the film, however I do not feel like, since this is my first film, that it is going to be anything Oscar worthy or of the like.
So, should I save the money for other props and tools and just get the Panasonic DVX100A kit? Should I go with the Canon XL1? Is the Canon XL1's quality a lot different from the DVX100A? Or would it be wise to go ahead and get a Canon XH A1, so that I would have the ability to sell back in the future if I wanted to?
Thoughts? Opinions?
I don't really have a lot of $$ for the budget of this film. It maybe has a $3000 budget, at the most at the moment, minus the $$ for the camera, and we are paying our actors some money for gas expenses. So I am really trying to get the best opinions on the best camera for the buck, and if it's worth spending the extra $$ for HD even though I'm rather new. I've done other projects before, this is just my first feature length, so I am hesitant.
Any comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot.
Try not to over value the camera in your filmmaking equation. Pixar makes great movies all the time without even having cameras. I suggest focusing on getting the most out of every aspect of your filmmaking projects, even choosing a camera. For instance, if saving money on the camera will make the budget for the rest of production higher, and make the movie better, perhaps that is the best option. Or if the learning curve of a new camera or even the HD workflow will hamper your production or post, going with the camera and workflow you know will be the most efficient way to make the best movies. It is very unlikely you will need HD in the final product anyway, so don't bankrupt your productions to have the coolest camera. When SD really starts to stifle your final product, switch to HD. Until then, I would balance the value of your cheapest option (most left over for production) and the huge advantage of working with equipment and workflows that you are familiar with. You are going to have a lot more rewarding experience if you don't feel hampered by a lack of money or frustration when you footage won't play with your editing software.
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