Advice needed at DVinfo.net

Davis Lee · March 10th, 2005, 09:28 AM

Hello,

I'am 16 years old and I just formed a film club in my highschool. I have acquired an Optura XI for myself. So far, I only have a UV filter on it. Im currently unable to buy any more accessories, since I've spent so much money.

I would love to hear some good solid advice from the people of this forum. More specifically, advice on the equipment i should use. Basically, my budget is zero, but I want the films to look as professional as possible.

Is there a good cheap tripod with fluid head that can be used with a dolly system?

Will the DM-50 be a good mic. to purchase for my use?

Any more advice on equipment and just good filmmaking, i would appreciate greatly.

Chris Hurd · March 10th, 2005, 09:42 AM

Hi Davis,

You're definitely in the right place if you'd like to learn more about your camcorder. Most all of your questions have already been asked in this forum one way or another... so, I invite you to read through the various discussion threads here, or use the search tool for something specific, such as the DM-50. You'll find a lot of information just by browsing through all of the discussions that are already here. Best regards,

Davis Lee · March 10th, 2005, 07:59 PM

Well, I could use some more concrete stuff here on this thread on tripods and such.

I have decided to go with the DM-50.

Once again I would love to hear from the members on this board on general filmmaking advice.

Michael Wisniewski · March 10th, 2005, 08:56 PM

Hi Davis, welcome to DV Info.

Re: General filmmaking advice
The whole board is about general filmmaking. Narrow down your search, there are lots of forums specific to different filmmaking topics. Generally, the best places to get started are the lighting, sound, and the independent production forums.

If you're looking for advice specific to the Optura line, search this board for "accessories" or trying filtering for discussions in the last 100 days. We have some great discussions, with a lot of good advice on using the Optura line + accessories to create movies/films.

Re: DM-50
It's better than the built-in mic for dialogue in a noisy environment, but the built-in mic is better for ambient sound, keep in mind you can only use one at a time. So if you'd like to use more than one mic, look into the Rode video mic or the ATR-55. The sound forum also has many good topics on this.

Re: Tripods/Dollys
try searching the Support Your Local Camera forum for tripod/dolly suggestions, you can join several good threads that are already on the subject

March 10th, 2005, 09:28 AM	#1
Davis Lee Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 33	Advice needed Hello, I'am 16 years old and I just formed a film club in my highschool. I have acquired an Optura XI for myself. So far, I only have a UV filter on it. Im currently unable to buy any more accessories, since I've spent so much money. I would love to hear some good solid advice from the people of this forum. More specifically, advice on the equipment i should use. Basically, my budget is zero, but I want the films to look as professional as possible. Is there a good cheap tripod with fluid head that can be used with a dolly system? Will the DM-50 be a good mic. to purchase for my use? Any more advice on equipment and just good filmmaking, i would appreciate greatly.

March 10th, 2005, 09:42 AM	#2
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	Hi Davis, You're definitely in the right place if you'd like to learn more about your camcorder. Most all of your questions have already been asked in this forum one way or another... so, I invite you to read through the various discussion threads here, or use the search tool for something specific, such as the DM-50. You'll find a lot of information just by browsing through all of the discussions that are already here. Best regards, __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

March 10th, 2005, 08:56 PM	#4
Michael Wisniewski Wrangler Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Makati, Metro Manila Posts: 2,706 Images: 32	Hi Davis, welcome to DV Info. Re: General filmmaking advice The whole board is about general filmmaking. Narrow down your search, there are lots of forums specific to different filmmaking topics. Generally, the best places to get started are the lighting, sound, and the independent production forums. If you're looking for advice specific to the Optura line, search this board for "accessories" or trying filtering for discussions in the last 100 days. We have some great discussions, with a lot of good advice on using the Optura line + accessories to create movies/films. Re: DM-50 It's better than the built-in mic for dialogue in a noisy environment, but the built-in mic is better for ambient sound, keep in mind you can only use one at a time. So if you'd like to use more than one mic, look into the Rode video mic or the ATR-55. The sound forum also has many good topics on this. Re: Tripods/Dollys try searching the Support Your Local Camera forum for tripod/dolly suggestions, you can join several good threads that are already on the subject __________________ "Ultimately, the most extraordinary thing, in a frame, is a human being." - Martin Scorsese

March 10th, 2005, 07:59 PM	#3
Davis Lee Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 33	Well, I could use some more concrete stuff here on this thread on tripods and such. I have decided to go with the DM-50. Once again I would love to hear from the members on this board on general filmmaking advice.