So I'm a non-film student looking to shoot a very basic documentary overseas - I'm not looking to make something absolutely gorgeous, as I am working completely alone from start to finish, but I would like it to look professional and would love some advice on equipment. As you can probably assume, my budget is pretty limited, and even though I know what kind of equipment would be best for the shoot, I'm trying to scrape by on things I already have if possible. If you guys could just help me with some questions that would be great:
* Is it even feasible to film a documentary on a mini-DV style camcorder that's primarily for consumer use? I'm specificially referring to a Sony DCR-HC42, which is what I already have. I plan on having an external mic, of course, which I'll buy separately and attach to the camera, but will this camera be of appropriate quality?
* Is it possible to edit something like this on iMovie HD which comes with every Mac? I've heard that iMovie has some great capabilities, and I'd like to avoid splurging on Final Cut Express/Pro if possible.
Thanks for the help everyone!
Yes, you can shoot a documentary on a Sony DCR-HC42 and you can edit using iMovie. The two downsides to using that camera is it has only one chip (or CCD) - three CCD's make for a more professional looking picture. And you cannot attach an external mic, because there in so mic input.
iMovie doesn't have many of the "bells-and-whistles" Final Cut has, so a lot of people dismiss it. But I've cut with it and you can do almost everything you need to do for a good documentary.
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
