This post should go under "Equipment Discussion"

There are several very recent post with the general subject of "What HD Camera to Buy?".

Most recent:

http://www.filmmaking.net/fnetforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9309

In these recent threads, there are links to many more threads that have extensively discussed this subject.

I'm writing this only to point out that the response to this question will be very tepid, since most of experienced and knowledgeable participants of the forum had already replied to the question numerous times and are somewhat tired of doing it again and again.

What I'm trying to say here is, use the 'Search' feature of the forum to look for your answers before posting. For questions as general and as popular as yours, you'll get better results.

My assumption is mesmar films will never return to see this, but
you're right, Vasic. Though I really have no problem with the
camera question being asked in the "Noob" forum, posting in
"Equipment Discussion" would be better.

If you are reading this, mesmar films, welcome to filmmaking.net.
Once you read several of the posts that have addressed your
questions, if you still have specific questions, please ask. We're
all willing to help out, but what you ask is so general it's covered
elsewhere.

The Mac/PC debate has been covered and there are several lists
of cameras. Of course the editing software depends on what
platform you choose and there are several threads here where we
discuss the likes and dislikes. I know that doing a search takes
some time and you're pretty busy. So are the people who post here.

When you do come back, I'll post some links for you. Please
understand that we get a lot of people who post once and then
never return.

What is your series going to be about?

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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)

quote:

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Originally posted by certified instigator

What is your series going to be about?

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In addition to that question, ANY equipment/format questions should first start with the final destination. For instance, if the goal is to "air" something on Discovery HD, it's helpful to know that there are very specific guidelines they have regarding the technical specs before they'd even consider purchasing content.

The idea is, don't run off and buy or rent gear based on upfront costs (ie, "I only have X number of dollars to spend on a camera.") Instead, base any and all decisions on what the project requires, from production through distribution. Buying a cheap camera just because it's affordable even though it isn't adequate for the needs of the production seems like a waste of money to me.

And more than that, most of these question start and stop at "What camera should I buy?" Wonderful, but what about the support equipment for that camera (lenses, matte box, filters, batteries, "media" or tape, tripods, heads, etc.)? Where is the budget for lighting (lighting units, bulbs, stands, stingers, ground lift adaptors, cubetaps, C-stands, sandbags, grip nets and solids, gels, scrims, etc)? And carts or vehicles to transport it all?

What about sound? Are you purchasing a sound mixer and harddrives and booms and mics (radio and "boom" mics) so that you can have some newbie use it all or will you plan on hiring out an experienced Sound Department for each shooting day who have their own gear and know how to use it?

Point being, there is FAR more to making movies or TV than just running out to get the "best" camera you can afford. Start with what your final goal is and work backwards. And if you have a project that is worth investing significant time in, chances are, financial investors will have motivation to contribute funds and THAT means that you can "get" better equipment and people overall instead of having to just settle for whatever your meager budget will give you now.

Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com