I'm about to buy myself a whole set of kit to make short films with. Below is the list of kit I'm provisionally looking at and the overall cost. I'd be really grateful if any of the experts on here could have a quick look and see if I've got everything I need and whether I'm getting the best mic/lights etc for my purpose.
Equipment:
Can XH-A1 HDV 1080 Camcorder
Manfrotto MN-595B Fig Rig
Manfrotto MN-503 tripod
Portabrace CS-DV4U mini-DV camcorder case
Seinheiser ME66 mic kit with K6 PSU and Rycote "softie"
Rode Boompole telescopic alloy boom pole
XLR Audio cable 6M
PowerLok BP-970G type high capacity Li-Lon battery for Cannon camcorders
Arri Lighting 3 X 800W Redhead Kit c/w barn doors, bulbs, stands and soft case.
The quote I got for all of the above is ?4,025 from Creative Video in Warwickshire. If anyone knows any other UK based suppliers that it'd be worth getting quotes off too, that'd be great to know.
You might want a UV or Skylight protective filter (72mm for the XHA1 if I recall)-- but I know some filmmakers prefer no filter over the lens. Also I have a black pro-mist filter which is said to help give a film look to footage (along with shooting 24p fps). Maybe order several packs of lens cleaning filter paper-- cheap and you want a clean lens. Will you want an acrylic clapper board? gaffer tape? lighting kit if you will be doing indoor scenes? Just thoughts. I have an XHA1, love it.
Does anyone know if the Firewire cable to connect that Cannon camera to an iMac would come with either the camera or the iMac or if I need to buy it seperately?
I am 100% certain a firewire cable does NOT come with the Canon XHA1. Buy one at newegg.com for just a few dollars,
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Description=firewire+cable&x=0&y=0
or pay $30+ at Best Buy, etc. They come in 6 pin or 4 pin, different depending on for use with a laptop or desktop PC (6 pin).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firewire
quote:
Originally posted by Caimh
Does anyone know if the Firewire cable to connect that Cannon camera to an iMac would come with either the camera or the iMac or if I need to buy it seperately?
There are definitely some expendables you don't have on the list here (conversion gels, gaff tape, c-47s, etc.), but this looks like a solid kit. I'm not sure exactly what sort of tripod that is, but I've got a Bogen/Manfrotto tripod myself and love it (mine is a 3046 set of legs with a 501 fluid head). One thing to think about is the height of the tripod. Mine extends up to 8 feet high, and that can be a big help in many situations.
The Arri lights are an especially nice addition. That's exactly what I'd be buying if I could afford to put together a real lighting package (although you may also want to consider getting a couple smaller lights as well--maybe one or two mini-moles)
You may also want to get a couple c-stands. Those things can be very useful for more complex lighting setups.
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Andrew Gingerich
Exploding Goldfish Films
Check out my vodcast on iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=96931870
and my blog at http://www.exgfilms.com
-----------------
Andrew Gingerich
Exploding Goldfish Films
Check out my blog at http://www.exgfilms.com
and my reel at http://portfolio.exgfilms.com
I'd get another couple of XLR cables, because you'll always find times when you want the mike a long way from the camera; I think I have fifty meters worth here!
Also, if cost is an issue you might want to check for used redheads as they last a long time and you can often get a set of three in decent condition for around 250-300 pounds. Obviously that's more hassle than buying a set new though.
you might want to get a xr4y cannon processer it s very quick and fast
Rob - UK
