Whats the right camera for my needs?
 

This thread may be a bit much but I have ALOT of questions that I need answered. By way of introduction my name is Chris Feder and I am serving in Afghanistan for 1 year with the US Army. I am making a documentary of my deployment and wanted to know what they best "TV" quality camera might be for my need within my budget. I want to stay under $2,000.00 if possible (Camera only with lenses) I own a Panasonic SDR-H200 that I am using now but wanted something more professional and TV quality for interviews and such. I was thinking about the cameras that I see them use on shows like Dirty Jobs, American Chopper etc. I was looking at Canon and Sony series cameras. Specifically, I was investigating the canon XL, and GL cameras. A friend also suggested I look at Sony VX series. I am a little hesitant about Sony because I have heard that’s Sony has their own software and is not user friendly with the “Non-professional.” I will be having the video stuff edited professionally when I return to the states.

Also, when deciding a camera what’s the best recording media to use? All I know are CF Cards and HDD. I hope this isn’t too much to ask at once.

If this is too much for the thread you can email me at Christopherfeder@yahoo.com

All the cameras you mentioned by name use MiniDV tape. The Canon XL, GL, and Sony VX cameras are all standard definition. The TV shows you mentioned use HDV cameras like the Sony Z1. The identical camera to the Z1, minus XLR input and a couple of features, is the Sony FX1. These HDV cameras also use MiniDV tape but record a different logical format that has highly compressed HD footage. I don't see how you can get a pro HDV camera for under $2000 so you might want to stick with a used model. There is no need for special software with Sony MiniDV cameras. The VX cameras are great but you can get the pro model, the PD170, for under $2000. This camera has been used often in the field by network television due to it's fairly good quality in a small and convenient package.

If it was my money, I would get a small HDV camera like the Canon HV20 or HV30 since they have such a great image and use standard MiniDV tapes in the fairly standard HDV format. A similar Sony model is the HC7. These small cameras don't have some of the manual controls like the pro models, but they have a fantastic image for such an affordable camera. I would also think that the small size might be a big advantage while deployed in the field.

Marcus thanks for the response. I will look into the Canon 20 and 30. If I use these cameras for shooting when it comes time for post production will it be able to look like TV quality? Will the audience be able to notice the difference between the H20/30 Camera vs. my Panasonic SDR-H200? Will they get the Professional look and the amateur look depending on what camera I am using? I want that documentary look but with a hint of professionalism. Do the 20 and 30 offer me the options I need such as external Mic, Light, lenses etc? Do you think that is the way to go? Should I look at sony? Also, what can I expect to pay for a “used HDV” Camera that those shows use? Since my panasonic uses a hard drive Can I get "TV "quality using a hard drive to record on? Is a hard drive more difficult? Can I transfre MiniDV to hard drive? am I going backwords in video?

OK forget your little SDR-H200, Unless your gona use it for cool shots like taped to a gun or a truck or when you can't afford to use the bigger camera, But aside from that I would only keep it just incase you lose or break the the other one. Now camera wise The HV-20 pretty great, but I would go with the sony PD-170. It's got xlr mic conectors, so you can use good microphones for the interviews. It is also pretty much the standard documentary camera. It has realy good low too. That's something the HDV cameras don't have.

Just say no to the XL and GL cameras.

So If I were you I would look at a sony PD-150, 170,or used sony HDV( you'll be lucky if you can find one for 2 grand, but you never know) Also some don't have XLR conectors so you may need an adaptor box. You might want to look for some Used canon HDV cams as well.

Do you think you will need "Night Shot" night vision?

Oh one more thing Those shows generaly use the Sony Z1u hdv camera.
But most of the shows are filmed with two $50,000 hd camcorders, and use the HDV cam for suport shots or as a B cam. Basicaly 85% of Dirty jobs is shot on their two Pansonic DVCpro HD cams and the other 15% is from the sony, But the sony does hold it's own.

The averge used price on a Z1u is about $3,000
You could try for an FX1 which is basicaly the same thing, but without the XLr audio conectors. So the audio box would be about a $300 bucks, but All together it still might be cheapper than a Z1u

find a used one of these--they come up here once in a while, or put up a WTB thread...a very flexible system for the conditions you're describing....

and HDV tape is HDV tape--it will edit on any editing system, you don't have to worry about any compatibility issues, and Sony makes great broadcast cameras --

http://www.sundancemediagroup.com/ar...1U/HVR-A1U.htm

A used DVX100 might fit the bill. And if you use it well, it will give you VERY nice results. It's not HDV, but for TV work, it'll do quite nicely.

You may want to see if you can find a copy of "Iraq in Fragments" which was a documentary shot on a DVX100 and released on 35mm in the movie theatres.

Oh yeah DVX-100 is a realy good choice.
Now if you realy want a tv quality camera maybe you can sell your car and go for an EX1 or an HVX 20. Those would be ideal, but so would an f900.

Oh! do me a favor. what ever camera you get, can you paint camoflage on it?

I'm fairly new to this but I was wondering, have you considered the JVC HDEverio line? All of them are under $2000 and they are considered professional level. The highest priced camcorder is the GZ-HD7 at $1699.95.

http://camcorder.jvc.com/product.jsp...000&pathId=141

These are their hard drive camcorders so I am not sure if that's what you are looking for. I'm sure the rest of the posters here know more than I do but, for the price they list, these look good to me!

I have a JVC miniDV camcorder and am quite happy with it so far. It is very user friendly and compact.

Yes, I would like “night vision” capabilities. I would also connectors for things like the external Mic, Light and headphone features. The Sony’s are all expensive and a little bit out of my price range. I don’t want to get a used one because this camera will already be in “Hazard Conditions” and if it is going to fail I don’t want it to fail because it was used. As for the price I want to stay around the $2,000.00 because I am planning on also getting a Steadicam system and some accessories for the camera i.e. Extra Batteries, rain cover, tripod, mic’s etc so I am trying to keep it to a decent budget. I did look at the sony HVR-A1U and it is a Beaut but out of my price range. I also looked at the Panasonic DVX100 and again is a bit up there $$$. As for the Canon HV-20 and 30 I am still looking into that. My only concern with an HDV camera like that is that since its so small is there a special connector in the “professional video” community for Mic’s, Lights, Headphones or do I need to purchase addition accessories at that level? I will keep looking into the Panasonic but it already puts me over my budget. Now as far as the Documentary goes weather a “Big Name” picks it up or I release it on my own, giving it that “Professional Look” is that something that is done by mostly the camera, Post Production, Camera Operator or all of the above? Is the “24p” option on some cameras what I am looking for as far as professional quality goes? I don’t want to sound like I want it all for $1,000.00 but I’m just want to weigh my options without going overboard for a simple documentary but at the same time have a “”Quality camera” I can use at home (Providing it survives combat). Remember, I don’t want to get “too professional” because I think it will take away from the art of this picture. But I do want a quality camera that I can adjust for the situation. I am also looking into the JVC Modle, is that a good quality camera for my purposes? If I shoot this in MiniDV or record it to a hard Drive does that really matter, can that all be fixed in POST?

(PS) Andrew, If you can get me a DVX-100 at a GREAT price, ill paint it just for you. HAHAHHA

Well, according to this review, http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content...der-Review.htm, the JVC GZ-HD7 came out ahead of the Canon HV20. However, the low light performance is not as good as it can be but the reviewer said the manual controls make up for this because you can adjust the aperture and shutter control to compensate for the noise. Check out the whole review before you decide. JVC products are definitely high quality and are worth a second look.

Is night vision a requriement because that rules out a lot of cameras.
Also is the steadicam realy a requirement?

Ill look into the JVC more. One thing I did read was about the format in which you download it. Does it work well with other software or editing equipment? Can I download it to a simple Microsoft Movie Maker and the most professional editing program? I read in one review that the software ONLY works with JVC and does not play well with others. Ill read more reviews. The low light (Night Vision) is not a requirement but would add to the whole art of this documentary i.e. Military, night patrols, interviews in the field, IED Missions stuff like that. I can always hold my night vision optic up against the lens but it won’t focus too well. As far as the steady cam goes, YES. I really need one because when I am walking around on the Base (FOB) here there are no paved roads, its all rocks and dirt. I will also be doing reenactment scenes of mission briefs, interviews, follow people around and sit in on various meetings. That’s why I was looking at the Glidecam system. Any suggestions or ideas??

Great the DV100 is probably the ONLY camera anywhere near your price range that has these features. XLR inputs, headphone jack, can handle an external mic, can take a massive battery for under $100.


If the camera is going to fail, being used won't be why. It'll fail because the camera is not up to field use.

Actually, it's very cheap. You just don't know it yet.

There are no "professional adapters". Either the camera accepts pro inputs or it doesn't.


More on this in a sec...


Professional look can mean different things to different people. For some, it means what you see on CNN. For others, it means what you see at the theatre. If you are trying to shoot a "film", then pro look means 24fps, good colors, excellent lighting, moving cameras, good sound, and a host of other things. Very few cameras can shoot TRUE 24p. And none are in the price range you offered.


But you do. The stuff you want, pro input's etc., cost real money to do. Making a camera produce decent results in low light requires glass. And the larger the better. Cameras like the DVX use a 72mm front element. Some of the other cameras you are looking at NEED more light (HDV) but have glass half the DVX's size or smaller. I'll let you work out that math. Cameras that are suitable for field work (Connections that lock in, metal and not plastic in key areas, tolerances that allow the camera to work in less than ideal conditions, manual controls of many options for advanced shooting, etc.) just don't pop up for $2k new. They rarely pop up for $2k used.

You're worried about a steadicam, and you haven't yet mentioned the fact that you're going to need lights for an interview, which quite frankly, will match your $2k camera budget. Go price a couple of interview kits. Since you'll likely be shooting outdoors, you're going to want to color match your lights. That means you'll need flourescents, or the ability to gel your tungsten lights. What about a mic? Priced a good lavaliere lately? How about a shotgun with a windscreen?

You're putting the cart WAY before the horse, and trying to buy a cut-rate camera to do a professional job. If it were MY shoot, I'd buy the best camera I could afford, a decent mic, a good bag and tripod, and leave the other stuff alone.

I promise you, it won't look too professional with a $2k new camera budget.

There is nothing to "fix". DV is 720x480 whether you shoot it on tape, HDD, or solid state. If you mean can you make it look like HDV in post, the answer is "to a degree". But upres is certainly not "pro".


Now it may sound like I am slamming you, and I have no intention of doing that. I shot my first documentary in 2003, and I had ZERO idea what I was doing. But I had a DVX100 and a camera bag, and I got usable footage. Some in 24pa, some in 30p, most in 60i. LOL! 5 years later, I still haven't shot the interviews because I had no decent mic, and no lights. I've solved those issues, and will be shooting the interviews, but I also have 5 more years of experience with the camera, it's capabilities, and my own ability.

You can put big tires on a Jeep, but it's no Humvee. And you can buy a cheap consumer HDV camera, but you won't get "pro" images from it. Not to say it can't be good, but it will take experience you don't have, and tools you can't afford, at least according to your budget numbers.

I wish you luck and please stay safe during the deployment. I've already lost one of my best friends.

With 1/5" sensors, no xlr, and no manual controls? Professional level?

Well, like I said. I'm new and maybe I should have said "semi-professional" level. My miniDV is my first experience with camcorders (and I like it a lot, so far), which is why I used the qualifier that I am "new to this."

Gotcha,

Typically "Pro level" cameras use rather expensive lenses, and have professional audio inputs so that long cables can be used without picking up interference. They also typically allow most adjustments to be made manually on the camera. Implementing these features is somewhat costly, especially good lenses, which is why traditionally, professional cameras were available in the $30k and above. In fact, even the tapes they often use (like DVCam 64 minute cassettes) are $30-$40 each.

Recently, a number of great breakthroughs have happened, with cameras like the Panasonic DVX100 offering many pro features, including the ability to shoot in low light and shoot 24 frames per second for less than $6k when it debuted. I bought one as soon as I could.

In recent months, Sony has introduced the EX1. This is a remarkable breakthrough, offering performance rivaling $30k+ broadcast level cameras for under $7k.

The imaging sensors on these cameras is often far larger (2/3" each or 1/2"), which lets them use more of the light coming through the lens. And those lenses tend to be MUCH larger than consumer level cameras with less distortion. I'd imagine replacing the lens on the EX1 would cost more than purchasing an Everio.

There is SO MUCH to learn about this video stuff when you start out. I've been at it 20+ years and I am still learning new things every day. But one thing I have learned for sure... there is still no free lunch. Good glass still costs lots of money, and tough, metal bodied cameras, that won't break in the field, push the price up a lot more.

Thanks for the information and for the understanding. I was just looking at some of the "pro" cameras and they range from $5k to over $10k! Yikes!

I was just taking in to consideration that Mr. Feder is wanting to stay at or below $2k.

Perron, I am looking into the AG-DVX100 and still keeping in mind the Canon HV30. As for the professional quality, is it to say that one of these cameras might be the best purchase for this application on the “Amateur Documentary” scale?? What about Microphones? Wireless, boom operated, camera mounted? What do I want to look for in a mic for these various applications; Interviews, walking etc? What if I get echos in the room in doing the interview? As far as lighting goes, what do you mean an Interview kit? Do I need to purchase a gel kit also and get into light meters and such?!?!? I have a lot to learn in little time but I do want to learn it. I purchased a book on documentary making and hopefully that will help me out a lot. If you could choose between MiniDV and HDD and money was no option what would you choose? I am only concerned about getting MiniDV tapes home from Afghanistan. Is there a way to transfer them onto a back up HDD system? Am I looking too much into this? I am not taking this as a personal attack, I came here for experience and education so I do appreciate the feed back and I’ll welcome it all day.

Personal Note: I’m sorry to hear about your best friend, War is hell. The funny thing about war is that Technology has done much to improve how wars are fought and to reduce the number of casualties. However, Technology has NOT done much to improve war itself…

Chris

$10k is considered bargain basement as far as true pro-cameras are concerned. Many people wouldn't consider a camera "Pro" unless you can change the lens on the front. Think of it like photo cameras. SLRs let you change the lens, while point and shoots do not. You won't see a pro photographer going to a job with a camera where the lens cannot be changed. It's fundamental to its use. Video is no different.

Nevermind that most of the bare lenses for those cameras cost more than my DVX! LOL!

Mr. Feder is going to have a VERY hard time finding something to meet his neesds without either buying used, extending his budget, or being more realistic about his potential results.

The DVX100 essentially revolutionized the amateur documentary market when it was introduced. It changed the game. And it's why now JVC, Canon, and Sony have 24fps shooting. None of them (in the consumer market) do it was well as the Panasonic though, in my view. If you want to shoot documentaries in the field, this is the camera I would buy. Actually, I'd by the HVX but it needs more light and costs $2k more.



You are going to need to make some choices. Since you'll probably be working alone, boom operated would be a royal pain. You can put many mics on a boom pole, so don't let that limit you. I'd go with a short shotgun in your case though. Wireless will be $500 to get you in the door. More if you want something tough. Camera mounted is the ONLY way you are going to be able to run and gun alone. They won't sound the best, but it will be usable.


Hey, you wanted to make "art"! :)



An interview kit generally consists of 2-3 lights, with stands. And when used correctly, it makes sure that the person you are interviewing has flattering light on them. If you're running and gunning, that's one thing. But when you sit down to do an interview with someone, you're going to want them to look decent.

Use these basics for a start:

http://www.mediacollege.com/video/in.../lighting.html
http://www.digitaljournalist.org/iss...videosmith.htm
http://www.bluesky-web.com/broadcast...les3point.html


I stopped shooting on tape a year and a half ago. Don't miss it. BUT, I am also not in the field, and I have an easy way to dump my footage to a computer. If I was going to be in the field for an extended time, I'd shoot tape.


Glad you aren't taking this personally. I wish I would have had someone to tell me the hard facts when I started. Would have saved me a lot of time and effort. I want you to come home with stuff you'll be proud of. And with your budget, there are only a few limited ways to do it. Unless you can do a capture to a computer in the field (a laptop with an external drive and a firewire connection to hook to your camera) you're going to have to edit when you get home.

One other suggestion I will make. Write your story NOW. Sit down, write up an outline of what it is you want to capture on tape, and work to get that onto tape during the deployment. You'll save a LOT of frustration later if you build the shell of your story now. Shooting with this in mind really changed how I shot. And all for the better.



Thanks for this. He was a Ranger and his transport flew into a mountain in heavy cloud cover. Not pretty. We did what we could for his wife and unborn child. I think of Paul every time the national anthem plays. One of the nicest men I ever met.

The $10k camera is where I stopped looking! I am sure they went up from there but I could not wrap my mind around paying that much money for a camera unless you are in the movie (or news) industry!

As for proprietary software/formatting, I am finding that a lot of the cameras out there are pretty much proprietary. It just depends on what you want to do with them. Some of them come with conversion programs or you can get the conversions separately. Judging from what I've read, it's not that expensive.

Another thing, I know with my miniDV camcorder, I can download the videos directly to my hard drive on my laptop without a problem. At least, that is what I understand. I have not attempted this yet (I just purchased it about a month ago and have only been experimenting with the settings so far).

By the way, Chris, in case you don't get told this enough, thank you for being there!

Perrone, my sympathies to you and your friends. I lost a couple of friends to combat years ago and it still hits home when I hear military marches or the National Anthem.

Proprietary is falling down. It used to be REALLY bad. But firewire leveled the game in the consumer market in both miniDV and HDV. In the pro market, the problem is the recording formats. Sony is ALWAYS different. It's Sony vs. the world. And in broadcast, often Sony wins.

One of the biggest pains in the rear is having to hand off tapes to the local TV stations. One needs Sony DVCam, one wants DVCPro, one can take full size or mini-DV, etc., etc. UGH!

On the computer, software conversion is generally easy. Which is why Cineform, and to a lesser degree, Raylight, are huge. They make everyone play nice together with AMAZING quality. From major motion picture level, to the consumer HDV shooter. And priced accordingly. I'll never go back to other formats.

Well the lighting will put me over my budget real quick. Ill just have to do the interviews in well light room. As far as the camera goes I am looking between the Panasonic DVX100 and the Canon H30. After reading the website about interviews it looks like im going to have to put consideration into the Mic also. I really never liked purchasing used cameras but if it has low hrs ill consider it. I hate to beat a dead horse but regarding the MiniDV vs. Hard Disk Drive (HDD). This will be edited when I come home so all I am doing here is shooting raw footage. But this is where im concerned. I have a laptop here and an external HD and will have the chance to download stuff many times a week, so should I still look into MiniDV? Do they make a MiniDV to HDD Converter? Can I record onto an external hard drive with the DVX100? Just so I understand the Video community, Weather I'm using DV tape, MiniDV or HDD there is still a way to manage it when I get it post in most professional editing studios? Who uses P2 cards? Are "Shotgun" mics able to come off and be secured to a boom or table stand? Lets say I get a boom mic system and set it up on a stand above the frame line, will that work, does it really have to be held by someone during and interview? As the camera Operator, am I supposed to wear the headphones during the whole interview?

I was looking at non-sponsoring lowballer link removed and they are selling the Pana AG-DVX100B from $999.00 when everyone else is selling it from $1,500.00 Is there something I should know?
Chris

(PS) Well My questions are neverending but hopefully soon I will be able to make a decision. I thank everyone for their support and advice on this subject matter.

OKay first of all forget the light kit. Just get a pop up reflector and do the interviews outside.

If I was you I would go with the DVX-100 it is gona look a little better than an hv20 on screen once it's all said and done.

Also sell your panasonic handycam and buy a used sony handycam with nightshot.

This camera will also be helpfull for other cool shots too.

Buy a lapel mic for the interviews and your set to go.

Also forget about all that tape, harddrive, memorycard stuff. What matters is the camera, not what it records on, as long as it has a decent record time. Tape is a tried and true formatt, Plus it's chep.

oh by the way I wouldn't trust that site. What some sites will do is sell the camera with nothing included, or it's broken, or it's used, or it's B-stock. And then charge you an arm and a leg for neccery accersories.

Anybody want to buy a Panasonic Handycam?!?!? LOLOLOL, Andrew, thanks for the advice. I’ll look into reflector kits. Now I just need some guidance on sound and anything else I am missing?!?!?!? Is there any special way to catalog media? Should I use the same tape for 3 different things i.e. Interview, reenactment, miscellaneous footage or should I stay with keeping one “job” on that tape? According to the website it comes with the same accessories as it would if purchased at one of the big name companies. I would just get additional accessories elsewhere like B&H Photo etc. What about back up??? As I said earlier I am concerned about maybe losing footage due to it traveling home via X-ray, Heat or what ever else can happen to it in Military Transit. I can only carry so many MiniDV tapes home after filming for a year. Any suggestions??? Whats “B” stock?

Chris

Chris,

First of all, you're mixing up terms, and its VERY confusing.

DV is a format. You can record it onto small tapes (miniDV), big tapes (Full Size DV), memory cards, or hard drives. It's still just DV. And it's fairly universal. But make no mistake. It is not professional in ANY way. Its a far sight better than VHS, but it's NOT a professional format. That doesn't mean it can't look good.

AVCHD is a very different format and for the moment is only used on cheaper consumer based cameras. This may change in a couple of weeks when Panasonic releases their upgrade to the DVX100. We are all waiting to see what they do with it. But it's most certainly not pro. Though it has the potential to be better than both DV and HDV.

Cataloging tapes is a major chore. But tapes are cheap. I'd date and number them, and keep a log (paper and electronic) of what you shot on each one. And try not to mix a bunch of stuff on them. If you shoot 4 interviews on a Friday, then do that, and change tapes.

I wouldn't sweat the x-ray stuff too much. But every couple of weeks, I'd be shipping that stuff to a trusted friend back home who could safeguard it. Tapes are quite durable and it's the method I'd choose for archiving this stuff until you could get home.

Andrew's advice about forgetting the light kit is probably on the money, but it means you'll be shooting everything outside. And if you use reflectors, you'll either need a stand or an assistant to hold a reflector. That will be a hell of a lot easier than dealing with lights and power for the lights. But you'll be pretty limited indoors.

I also agree that the lapel mic is a good idea. But be aware that you'll need to put it on the person well to keep noise to a minimum.

Stay away from the P2 cards. They are VERY expensive, and very few cameras or post houses use them. The cheapest P2 camera is the HVX and it's going to be $3500+ used.

Shotgun mics can come off camera. If you get a boom stand, you will not have to hold it. I'd suggest the shotgun approach over the lapel, just because its a lot more versatile. But you'll have to make the choice.

As for monitoring the mic, no you won't have to wear headphones the whole time, but I would check levels before the interview just to be sure you're getting what you THINK you are.

By the way, I wouldn't trust ANYONE selling a DVX100 for $999. I get bad feelings about that kind of thing.

By the way, I wouldn't trust ANYONE selling a DVX100 for $999. I get bad feelings about that kind of thing.

Same here.

Ok, So no matter what media I use to record on I should be fine. Ill go with MiniDV and package them up real good. Maybe Ill purchase a pelican case to send them home in. If I decide to use this camera for non professional stuff how can I transfer MiinDV to a source that will allow me to edit it at home without going broke? As far as a Mic goes, Ill look into Shotgun mic’s, boom, c-stand and cable. I would consider lighting if I could find a good deal on ebay but the Arri kits are up there $$$. Is it worth it to purchase one or two lights? Now with a light I need filters, gels, barn doors, etc right? If I get a reflector how much can a stand cost me?? At this point will a reflector and a stand break me?!? The only thing I don’t like about lapel mics is you can see it.

Chris

miniDV is a good choice. They are light and small, and hold an hour of recording. Nearly idea for your scenario. miniDV can be captured to computer by just about anyone. The tape will fit in anyone's miniDV camera or DV tape deck, and can be transferred to computer for editing. Piece of cake.

Arri kits (and Mole Richardson kits) are pricey, no doubt. But they are built to take a beating. Really you'd only need ONE if you are going to go with a reflector and stand (which is a great idea). A light stand should be about $100. A C-Stand about $175. Toss in a decent reflector for maybe $125 or a piece of foamcore for $15 and a grip for it for $50 and you're all set. You should be able to get all the sandbags you need on site! :)

In terms of the filters, you use those to change the color of the lights. If you only have one light, you'll only need one set of filters or gels. Basically, you'll be buying tungsten lights which are cheap (relatively speaking) and effective. You'll use one filter if your other light sources are flourescent, and a different one if you are trying to match the sun. If you have normal incandescent indoor lighting where you are shooting, you won't need any gels or filters.

So you're looking at a decent camera, a crapload of tapes, one decent light (a 1k fresnel with doors), a light stand, a c-stand for reflector, a c-stand for the mic, a shotgun mic, reflector, and a pair of headphones. That's a pretty good kit to carry around and all this should fit easily in a shipping trunk or similar.

What if I want to transfer my own stuff from MiniDV to Hard Disk Drive, DVD etc how can I do that? As far as lighting, how many watts should I look for? Do I make sure it has Barns, filters etc? Am I missing anything?!? Ill tell you what, do you want to trade a load of sand bags for a free reflector or something?? HAHAHHAHA. It’s just a shame there are not C-Stands and Shotgun mic’s available like there are sand bags. I am always open to advice so feel free to hit me with it. Ill look into the lighting and sound. Now comes the second part of questions but Ill have to find a category for that one because I’m in DV only.

Chris

Don't waste your cash on a stand buy a chepo pastic tripod a stick , and some duck tape. You should really be able to get a reflector for under $100.

Aleast a 500 watt for indoors or at least a 1,000 watt forout doors.

Lapel mics are wore by every news anchor in the world and in about 50% of all interviews. (the other 50% is a boom)

What kind of steady-cam again. I really don't see it fitting in that well.

Well,

I'm not gonna go with Andrew on the stick and duct tape idea! LOL! But it's your call.

When I mentioned a 1k fresnel, the 1k refers to 1000 watts. That's what I'd go with. And yes, buy it with barn doors. There might be a filter kit depending on where you buy it. They'll ask what colors you need and you'll need to match your new light (tungsten) to daylight (so you'd need a "CTB" or Color Temperature Blue) and you'll need a different filter to match flourescent (I think it's a minus green, but I always forget.

Transferring miniDV to hard disk drive is what everyone does. Hook your camera up with a firewire cable to your PC. Start the editing software, tell it to capture, and it controls the camera and brings in the footage. Easy as pie.

Anyway, I know this seems like a lot at once, but honestly these are just shooting basics. Unfortunately, too many people try to shoot their first real footage with something like this, and it's a massive undertaking. You're trying to learn a camera, lighting, cinemaphotography, sound, editing, and post, all at once. It's really too much. Been there, done that.

I am considering the Glidecam 4000Pro, Smooth Shooter or a used V-8. I want something that also has a vest and arm attachment. The steadycam will be used for footage here on the base. I will also use it when i come home. My only personal issue with lapel mics is that if the person moves around or talks loud/quiet and no one is monitoring the sound then what?!?! I figuer with a portable mic it might make that issue a little simpler and also give me the ability that a lapel does not as far as other stuff goes. Its not like I dont have time to learn this stuff... It's just I dont want to learn it half ass thats all. God Bless these threads.

Most people use wireless lapels, espscialy when following someone around. The reson is no matter where the cameraman or the person is the audio on the person is allways the same. The boom works well for interviews or if you have a boom guy holding it on a pole. The reson is a boom will capture ambiant sound when on the camera, but for it to be get only the persons audio it needs to be at least 4 feet from the subject.

A standard practice for following someone around( say patroling the street) Would be to have the wireless lapel mic on channel 1 of the camera and have the on camera mic ( boom, Shotgun) on channel 2 to get the abient sounds.

The JVC GY-DV300U is a quality MiniDV camera that has been discontinued, but can be found used, in great condition with low hours, for under $1000 (a heck of a lot of camera for the money). While the DV300U isn't widely known, it is a three 1/3" CCD camera (in the same class as a DVX100, PD170, etc), with a generous compliment of pro features, including XLR audio, full manual controls, OIS, zebra, and image tweaking like black stretch, etc. I don't really think you could find a better value in a standard definition MiniDV camera, to take to Afghanistan.

http://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/s...&feature_id=03

With that camera, and a little over $1000 leftover for microphone, light weight tripod (maybe monopod), small camera light, lots of batteries, lots of tapes, a couple protective lens filters, a circular polarizer, etc., you could have yourself a nice little set of gear to shoot some great footage.

For a microphone, I'd suggest looking at Azden's SGM-2X for just a little over $200. It has two interchangeable barrels, so it can be used as either a supercardioid or an omni (essentially 2 mics in one).

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...dioid_Mic.html

You might look at something like this for a small, lightweight light:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...deo_Light.html

I like these for protective lens filters (good value):

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...V_0_Super.html

Robert, I looked into the JVC and it appears to have great quality for webcasting, will that affect TV quality? Well after looking around I made the decision to look for a used camera to be able to stay under my budget and get everthing I want. So now I'm between the DVX100B, PD170 and the JVC but im still a little concerned. Does that JVC give the 24p that everyone wants?? Are there any issues with the Sony PD170 that anyone knows about? If you were purchasing a used camera like to sony or Panasonic what is the amount of hrs I want to look for? Is 245 hrs alot or a little of the camera is in GREAT Condition? What do I need to be concerned about when purchasing used video cameras? Just when I think I made up my mind, more questions come out.

Chris

(PS) Is anyone recording onto DVD other then the "Consumer"?

I have 115 hours on my original (first year they were offered) DVX100 and I'd consider it VERY low hours. I don't think 250 hours is all that much. One thing that keeps my hours low is that I capture with a deck and not the camera. Most home shooters don't have this option so that would double the hours right there. 1 hour shoot, 1 hour capture.

I took a look at that JVC. Nice camera to be honest with some great features. Unfortunately, it doesn't shoot in 24 frames. Not a show stopper, but certainly something in the DVX's favor. Of course a used DVX will go for more money. I'd also venture a guess that the DVX will have FAR better aftermarket support, and comes with a better lens.

I'm always nervous about buying used discontinued models. Especially when they weren't around too long.

The PD170 is a TERRIFIC camera. And it's predecessor, the PD150 was the workhorse pro-DV camera for a LONG time because it would work with DVCam as well. But again, no 24p which works in the DVX's favor.

-P