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Digital Video Camera - Which one?


Jeff Mottle
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In my travels I often end up sitting next to some really interesting people on the plane. On my return trip from Spain last month I met a women who had a family member who was working on an indie film, but they did not know the best camera to buy for their film project. I said I'd ask our community for some feedback. Can anyone reccomend some equipment to look at ranging from Prosumer to lower end pro stuff that someone on an indie budget could afford?

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Hi Jeff, Hope that siggraph was good, sorry to not make it this year. This is a camera we rented a few times last month, it has given us great results for the level of camera, it is a 3chip CMOS camera, so the color rendering is great. The only thing about this is that an EX3 model is due out anytime that takes interchangeable lenses, which is awesome. There are limitations, like the HDSDI not outputting as wide a range of signal types, the memory cards are not cheap, but for around 6k (rumor of 8 or 9k for the ex3) you can't go wrong.

 

 

http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/micro-xdcamexsite/

 

They shouldn't spend more than 1/3 of the tech budget on the camera, some other item to consider (not a compete list at all), Mattebox, Tripod (with fluid head) Audio gear, (boom, mics, etc), lots of storage for media, rental of lights, dollies, cranes, editing software, possibly a computer if she doesn't have one lined up. This only scratches the surface, a great book about the tech of super low budget production is:

 

http://www.amazon.com/DV-Rebels-Guide-All-Digital-Approach/dp/0321413644/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1219339304&sr=1-1

 

Stu spoke at the autodesk user group a few years ago at siggraph Boston, his blog is here

 

http://prolost.blogspot.com/

 

Hope this helps,

 

-Nils

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Jeff,

 

How about a Red One?

 

I read up on it in WIRED magazine this month. It's probably where the future of cinema is headed.

 

I believe you can pick one up for only $17.5K...

 

There is an article that mentions RED, here:

 

http://prepshootpost.blogspot.com/2008/08/advice-to-my-friends-with-100-grand.html

 

Halfway down,

 

having been a RED stalker for a few years now, I can say that it WILL change the landscape of digital cinema, camera prices, and technology. It is too raw a system for normal people to pick up and use (from what I have gathered). The interesting thing will be what happens to Viper, and Arri digital camera that are the same thing (for the most part) but cost as much as a good size house in the burbs.

 

-Nils

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I think the RED camera is probbaly out of the price range. Keep in mind this is an up and coming film maker. :) Any other suggestions? Anyone else used anything?

 

Why not ask Brian which one he used to film you in the restaurant when you came to London. I've heard that's quite a good one;)

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Why not ask Brian which one he used to film you in the restaurant when you came to London. I've heard that's quite a good one;)

 

ohh clever, you're on the list now too. :p

 

Brian Smith - check

Kyle McBride - check

 

I have something planned for both of you now. :)

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