best camcorder for beginner filmmaker image
Sarah
I've decided to finally start doing some film making and i was wonder what is the best type of camera/camcorder to buy? i have a digital camera but the video on it isn't all that great. I'm starting out doing a documentary and am getting lost in all this technology. I'm hoping to get away with as cheap as possible to begin with but i'm still stuck on what the difference between a digital camera and camcorder will do for the film. and would it be a bad idea to look in pawn shops for said camera?
Answer
So you want to be a pro filmmaker and produce a documentary but you want to do it with inexpensive amateur equipment? I donât think that works. When people see your amateurish documentary how do you think that will affect their opinion of your work as a professional? Common YouTube videos arent professional.
Youll need at least an entry level semi-pro camcorder to start with. Used would be fine but I would avoid pawn shops unless you donât mind risking getting caught with stolen goods. Look at the Canon GL2 for beginner filmmaking.
So you want to be a pro filmmaker and produce a documentary but you want to do it with inexpensive amateur equipment? I donât think that works. When people see your amateurish documentary how do you think that will affect their opinion of your work as a professional? Common YouTube videos arent professional.
Youll need at least an entry level semi-pro camcorder to start with. Used would be fine but I would avoid pawn shops unless you donât mind risking getting caught with stolen goods. Look at the Canon GL2 for beginner filmmaking.
What is a good inexpensive camcorder for independent filmmakers?
Sandy R
I'm looking for a camcorder to buy, something that will not give me the whole 'home movie' effect and feel to it. I will also need a tripod so it won't be shakey and all that but could you just tell me some good inexpensive camcorders that will give me what i'm looking for. I don't know much about camcorders and lenses but i'm looking into it. If anyone can help me with brands and prices of camcorders to look into I will be very thankful.
-M
Answer
By "something that will not give me the whole 'home movie' effect and feel," I think your talking about the film-look. It can be replicated, through either software or in-camera. However, both these options are pretty expensive, and it doesn't sound like you have that much money right now. I'll get to that later, but for now I'm going to talk about cameras.
I dont know your budget, but from what you said, Im guessing you want a camera probably $800 or below (correct me if I'm wrong, and I'll re write this). In that price range, I cant recommend any particular camera, but follow these rules and you should have a pretty good beginner filmmaking camera:
1. Get miniDV- pretty obvious isn't it?
2. Look for a lot of manual functions- every cam has auto functions, but look for the ability to switch to manual focus, iris, shutter, etc.
3. 3ccds are better than 1
4. The newest isnt always the greatest- not really a rule but basically dont go and get the newest thing that just came out
Other plusses are mic ports, headphone ports, hot shoes, and optical image stabilizer.
If you get a tripod, get one with a fluid head. I'm not recommending a particular one, but look around on google. To tell you the truth, Im not exactly a pro on tripods. But a useful trick that you can do with your tripod is screw on your camera, and instead of opening up the legs, hold the legs together and walk with it. If you do it right, the tripod will absorb the shake from your hands giving you a very cheap steadicam effect.
I hope this helped, and I'm a filmmaker as well, and I always like meeting other filmmakers so feel free to contact me at evilgenius4930@yahoo.com
By "something that will not give me the whole 'home movie' effect and feel," I think your talking about the film-look. It can be replicated, through either software or in-camera. However, both these options are pretty expensive, and it doesn't sound like you have that much money right now. I'll get to that later, but for now I'm going to talk about cameras.
I dont know your budget, but from what you said, Im guessing you want a camera probably $800 or below (correct me if I'm wrong, and I'll re write this). In that price range, I cant recommend any particular camera, but follow these rules and you should have a pretty good beginner filmmaking camera:
1. Get miniDV- pretty obvious isn't it?
2. Look for a lot of manual functions- every cam has auto functions, but look for the ability to switch to manual focus, iris, shutter, etc.
3. 3ccds are better than 1
4. The newest isnt always the greatest- not really a rule but basically dont go and get the newest thing that just came out
Other plusses are mic ports, headphone ports, hot shoes, and optical image stabilizer.
If you get a tripod, get one with a fluid head. I'm not recommending a particular one, but look around on google. To tell you the truth, Im not exactly a pro on tripods. But a useful trick that you can do with your tripod is screw on your camera, and instead of opening up the legs, hold the legs together and walk with it. If you do it right, the tripod will absorb the shake from your hands giving you a very cheap steadicam effect.
I hope this helped, and I'm a filmmaker as well, and I always like meeting other filmmakers so feel free to contact me at evilgenius4930@yahoo.com
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