Re: For the non-believers -FZ2500/2000 is out!!
 

I guess I need to start a business and get some clients.

Re: For the non-believers -FZ2500/2000 is out!!
 

Hi Larry

People who are hobbists and people using cameras to make an income will always be different. I can easily pay for an FZ2500 with just one wedding booking so it's a no brainer to buy one. However IF I was just buying one to shoot private stuff at weekends with no financial return, sure I too would be counting my pennies and probably not even think about new cameras unless I came into some money and an urge to spend it. Things like weddings require an up front payment months before the event so more often than not, equipment purchases are in fact financed by the client!! I do appreciate your position where you have to stick to an income budget ..I can imagine what my wife would say if I spent a few thousand in one day on my "hobby" ... Is there a market for wildlife video??? maybe stock footage companies???

Re: For the non-believers -FZ2500/2000 is out!!
 

Hi Chris and Larry,

Chris you bring up some interesting points particularly the fact that hobbyists and professionals have a different slant on things. Like you, one wedding will pay for a new camera for Claire and I, but for Larry it is coming out of a different income that probably has other life requirements taking first priority.

Larry, you commented that you needed to start a business and get some clients, then Chris asked if there is a market for wildlife videos. It is quite clear from your posts that wildlife is what you want to be filming, but there is absolutely no reason why you couldn't consider a broader based business as a videographer, which will enable you to start sourcing clients from more marketable genres. Filming celebratory, corporate, live productions etc could start earning you money sooner, which you can put into equipment and will subsidise your requirement to film wildlife, whilst also honing your video skills.

Roger

Re: For the non-believers -FZ2500/2000 is out!!
 

You need to spend money to make money:) Although not the easiest to cover but by far the easiest to get paying clients is to shoot weddings, two fz1000's, a videolight, two cheap tripods and a couple of zoom h1's with a lav and your in business for a under 2K investment, do 2 to 3 weddings and you have earned back your initial investment.

Re: For the non-believers -FZ2500/2000 is out!!
 

Guys, Thanks for the suggestions. I guess my comment about starting a business and getting clients was a bit in jest. While my goal is to sell some nature footage (and Pat mentioned in another thread that he's had a little success doing so), I can't image that I would enjoy any part of filming weddings or corporate events, Not to mention my lack of experience with filming, lighting, editing, etc. I don't even have editing software yet.

Re: For the non-believers -FZ2500/2000 is out!!
 

You can get lightworks or davinci resolve which both have a free version if you are on a budget.

Re: For the non-believers -FZ2500/2000 is out!!
 

When I bought my Panny HMC cameras they came with a free version of Edius too otherwise you could revert to a fairly simple editor too. Not sure if Windows still include their Movie Maker software in the OS but an editor is fairly important and ease of use too so if you are wanting to seriously edit your video trying out all that is available, even as trial versions is a good idea! I tried a myriad of editors until I found one that suited me! You obviously want a camera that you feel comfortable with and the same goes for an editor.

Re: For the non-believers -FZ2500/2000 is out!!
 

As others have pointed out, you can get editing software free in trial versions and most versions of Windows has the free Windows editing software included, although Win10 seems to have dropped it.

If you enjoy wildlife and want to be able to sell your video footage, you really need to understand the other tools involved including editing software. The alternative is to work with an editor, but to do that, you will almost certainly need to have a track record as a cameraman, to get an experienced editor to invest their time.

Learning editing will also enable you to get the best from your footage, and to add a professional look to raw footage. You will also be able to produce a showreel of your best work, including sound track to enhance the visuals. A showreel will enable to present examples of your work to potential clients, maximizing your opportunities. Taking video footage is one aspect, but having taken it how will you deliver it, on DVD, USB, Hard drive etc? Also you may need to convert it to a different format for your client, requiring some understanding of different formats, bitrates etc.

There are a lot of competent people out there striving to reach the same goal as you, so the more skills you have, the better your chances.

Roger