Hey guys,
this is my first post but everyone on here seems pretty knowledgeable so hopefully someone will be able to help me out...
Basically I'm going to study for a BA in film production next month & I'm looking at purchasing my first camera. Trouble is I don't have that much technical know-how & I'm pretty baffled by the huge range of cameras on the market.
I know that over the three years I'll be studying modules in documentary film making but I'd like to have something versatile enough to handle any other movies I might be doing.
Obviously - as a poor student - I'm looking for something as cheap as possible, but I'd rather save up for a couple of months if I have to rather than just settling. I've been looking at the Panasonic HDC-SD5 ( http://tinyurl.com/6bsulm) but I'm not sure if this would be practical for making films of a decent quality. Anyone used this camera before?
Anyway, if there's anyone out there who's got any advice or recommendations on what camera would suit me best I'd be really grateful.
Thanks in advance!!
?:D?
Welcome to filmmaking.net. Check out these threads:
http://www.filmmaking.net/fnetforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=7034
http://www.filmmaking.net/fnetforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6195
http://www.filmmaking.net/fnetforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6316
http://www.filmmaking.net/fnetforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4527
http://www.filmmaking.net/fnetforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4479
http://www.filmmaking.net/fnetforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4183
http://www.filmmaking.net/fnetforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4555
As you will see after checking out those threads on cameras the
HDC-SD5 doesn't have the very important basics needed for a
filmmaker as opposed to a hobbyist.
If you have more questions, feel free to ask.
=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
Thanks a lot for the links, some good information in there.
So I think the JVC HDZ might be the right camera for me (especially since it goes for under ?500 on eBay, right within my budget!). In one of the posts it says that when filming outside or inside with poor lighting the quality isn't great. Is this a huge problem? Would any footage shot in these conditions be completely useless? I've filmed gigs before on my friend's little Sony HD camera in dark & dingy bars & the results have always been watchable at least. Would the same be true of the HDZ?
Also, on the subject of sound recording, am I right in thinking that the only way to make a decent recording is to use external devices? If this is the case, do you have any equipment to recommend?
