Which Camera to Buy

[israel-romero]

I will finally do my first Short Film. Got everything: music composers, actors, screenplay. But I'm missing the camera and I'm buying one. My budget is $1000. Which camera should I buy with this money? A Camcorder? Maybe a DSLR? Which model?

Thanks a lot.

[allupons]

Without a doubt, in that price range I would recommend this camera: http://www.amazon.com/Canon-T2i-Digital-3-0-Inch-18-55mm/dp/B0035FZJHQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1269534862&sr=8-2

It was recently put under great scrutiny and projected to a theater screen was nearly as good as 35mm film. Needless to say, this camera's visual quality holds up with with cameras that cost many thousands more. The few issues you will run into however is with audio and lenses. The link I gave you comes with a stock lens that should be ok for shooting in well lit conditions, but better lenses will of course yield even better results. Also, and more importantly, the audio recording on these cameras simply put sucks. I would recommend buying a used audio recorder on ebay or something to that effect and record the audio separately. Then when you get the footage into your computer later, sync the sound to a clapper that you snap before you shoot the scene.

While it does present some hurdles, the visual quality simply cannot be matched at the price point, and thus I really can't recommend that camera enough to people on a very tight budget.

[rick_presas]

If all you can spend is $1,000, then the pool of options is fairly shallow.

You CAN get a DSLR camera that shoots video for under $1,000, but it would require a lot of additional equipment to be production-ready. Especially in the audio department.



What I (and likely a slew of other folks on here) would recommend is one of the CANON VIXIA camcorders. The Hv40 can be purchased for about $650, and right out of the box will be pretty production ready and able to give you exceptional quality pictures (look up Hv40 on Vimeo for examples of the quality. Especially a short called "Red, White, Panic")

Camera on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-VIXIA-HV40-Camcorder-Optical/dp/B001OI2Z4Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1269535151&sr=8-1



the camera alone will give you pretty decent pictures right out of the box (Ryan used onefor a few episodes of film riot). but if you want to further enhance your picture, i would recommend a 35mm Lens Adapter. The most affordable place to buy one is from Jag35.com. They make adapters starting at about $100. The all you would need is a decent 35mm lens or two, and you're good to go.

Jag35.com offers bundles that include the adapter and a decent lens for under $200.

Jag35 bundle
http://jag35.com/new/products/student-bundle/



I'd also recommend an Audio Technica shotgun mic for your audio needs. $50. Make your boom pole out of an old broomstick (google the DIY for that) and you're set for audio.

AT Boom Mic Package
http://www.amazon.com/Technica-ATR-55-Condenser-Shotgun-Microphone/dp/B00006J04Z/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1269538134&sr=1-2

Finally, add to that some simple lights (check out Film riot Episode #16 in the quick tips toward the end). Altogether it may run you $50.


So then,

Camera - $650
35mm lens bundle - $200
Audio - $50
Lights - $50

TOTAL = $950
And there you have it. Thats a pretty darn decent setup for a first time filmmaker, and under $1,000.


Hope this helped.

[israel-romero]

Thanks a lot for your opinion, Rick_Presas and Allupons. They are really useful. I think I may be going for a camcorder, but I got a question: In this episode: http://revision3.com/filmriot/cameras they show the Sony XR200V Image Stabilization feature. Does the Canon HV40 has this feature? If not, which Canon does? Thanks again.

[nextgenxbox]

I think that's a Sony only feature. I think Canon only has that built-in to their expensive SLR lenses.

[rick_presas]

I dont think any of the VIXIA cams do the image stabilization. Just keep your hand steady or build a steadicam (also in episode 15).

IMO, while the sonys are nice, no 24p and no audio-in are deal breakers.

[wizardfingers]

your best bet is to go here:
http://www.dpreview.com/

[7hillsproduction]

I wont make this long like everyone else
BUY A canon 60D, under a thousand dollar plus u get the swivel screen

same quality as the 7D and the T2I a hell of alot cheaper than the 7D and about $150 more than the T2i.

trust me the swivel screen is a god sent thing

BUY IT NOW

[nicktheman]

If your really tight for cash, a good camera could rarely begin to appear around 600$, but below that, beware of false advertising and poor quality. But honestly, you get what you pay for. T2I is a great option! However, keep in mind the cost of audio.

[tokenuser]

Best camera to buy is Sony and I like it because I own it.That is a very deep, informative, and insightful post. :rolleyes: