Need help choosing equipment at $2000 budget

Hello!
I did surf posts in this forum and got a lot of information and knowledge.

I love cinematography and would like to shoot short films as a hobby.

What camera, lenses, camera add-ons and lights would you recommend to purchase on the subjected budget that would make it possible to have that FILM LOOK in my future shorts?

I have already constructed a nice track dolly. Have some lights, though not happy with them. Purchased Matthews M25 Tripod.

Please, help me to get the right equipment.
 
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Which one would you recommend for Canon HF S21? What about filters?

Haven't got any recommendations for wide angle lenses I'm afraid, but Canon probably do one to fit it. You'll probably want a UV filter, circular polariser and maybe a couple of NDs. If you buy a matte box attachment (such as the Cokin series), you could also add a few grad NDs to that. Many wide-angle lenses don't have threads for attaching filters though, so consider if they're important to you or not.

Another think that I need to know is the editing. Is the codec Canon HF S21 uses editing-friendly?

The Canon HF S21 uses the AVCHD codec. Most modern NLE packages will be able to cope with it, with varying degrees of success. If you want to edit it without first converting to Neoscene, ProRes or AIC etc., you'll need a pretty fast computer. If converting before you edit, you'll need a lot more HDD space than the footage takes up on the memory card.
 
Just make sure that you get a real Russian made Oktava MK-012. There are Chinese copies (MC) that are not the same quality.

http://web.archive.org/web/20080312144011/http://oktava.tula.net/fake/
Thanks for letting me know. I will purchase one from here: http://www.oktava-mics.net/shop/p-1/oktava_mk-012.html. Cheaper than on ebay :)

I read the below quote from another forum where they compared Canon HF S21 and Panasonic TM700:

Panasonic does claim better imaging technology but even if it's just marketing, the much better stabilizer alone will make up for the lower bit rate but then again, if your shooting in 24p, you cannot edit your footage right away like you can with the Canon since you must remove pull-down beforehand.

I really like the traditional focus ring in Panasonic, but is it true that 24p of TM700 is NOT as good as Native 24p of HF S21? Do I really have to worry about "removing pull-down"?

Besides, what is the difference between TM700 and TM700K?
TM700K on ebay is 96Gb, is this a special model or the seller just added SD Cards?
 
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I'm lost again, people.
So, it is NOT Canon for sure. I struggle between Panasonic HDC-TM700 and Panasonic AG-HMC40. I know these are non-comparable cameras and the question here is how fast will I change TM700 and for how long will HMC40 last technology wise. I just don't want to get back to this shopping research again and again.

Two spending version:

Plan A

1) Panasonic AG-HMC40 AVCCAM HD Camcorder - $1,899.00
Wide Angle Lens
Telephoto Lens
Multi-Coated UV Filter
4GB Secure Digital Memory Card
Secure Digital Memory Card Reader
Soft Deluxe case
HDMI Cable
Medium Size Tripods
Digital Cleaning Kit
- Cleaning Kit
- Screen Protectors
- Mini Table Top Tripod

2) RODE NTG-2 Dual Powered Directional Condenser Microphone -$ 389
RODE Mini Boompole
RODE SM4 Shock Mount
RODE 20' XLR to XLR Cable
RODE Thin Padded Carrying Case w/Strap

3) Zoom H4n Recorder - $305
1GB SD Card
Wind Screen
AC Adaptor (AD-14) [100-240 Volt US Plug]
Mic Clip Adapter
Protective Plastic Case
Cubase LE Software CD
USB Cable
Samson CH700 Headphones
16 GB SD Card
RC4 Remote Control for H4n
Mini-Tripod

TOTAL $2593


Plan B
1) Panasonic HDC-TM700K - $1291
Carrying Case, Table Top Tripod, Cleaning Kit, and Screen Protector(USA Model)
2x Telephoto Lens 46mm - Double Your Zoom!!
0.45x Wide Angle Lens 46mm - Increase Your Field Of View!!
46mm UV Filter-(Protect your lens!)
Crystal Optics High Resolution 3 Piece 46mm Filter Kit (UV PL FD)
Panasonic VW-VBG130 Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery

2) DITTO
3) DITTO

TOTAL $1985

I will get Oktava MK-012 later.

While I'd love to go with Plan A, still the question is to B or not to B? :)
 
I sound like a broken record but have you tried looking into a DSLR that can shoot HD 24P video. You can spend £600 and get a Canon 550d (also know as T2i) and you will have a wealth of available lenses, i suggest the Canon 50mm 1.8 for £99 for a good DOF + film look.

Check out this video recorded with just the 550D with Kit Lens (the one that comes with the camera).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fqn6mWuqwE0

You have full manual video control over ISO, Aperture, exposure etc and can produce a fantastic quality of video.
 
Check out this video recorded with just the 550D with Kit Lens (the one that comes with the camera).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fqn6mWuqwE0

You have full manual video control over ISO, Aperture, exposure etc and can produce a fantastic quality of video.
I liked the video, although I wasn't watching it in HD. I downloaded 1280x720 size.
The beginning played back very smooth, but then there were visible jitters. Maybe it is my Core i5 that cannot coupe up with the file. I also mentioned "uncontrolled" focus shifts. Looks like camera's auto focus was loosing the object for a second.
 
I have never heard of a "Matthews" tripod so I looked it up on B&H.

If you are going to spend alot of money on a camera, you need a better tripod than one with sketchy drags and no fluid head. Don't get the Matthews.

Bogen Manfrotto is the workhorse of tripods and you can get a system with a fluid head. A system means that when you buy the tripod everything comes in the box including the head. Prices start at $159.

In my opinion: when you decide to get a camera set up, spend as much as possible on the camera, audio and tripod.

Also, you need to purchase the best that you can afford, that does what you want it to do. You will NEVER keep up with the technology.

-- spinner :cool:
 
I have never heard of a "Matthews" tripod so I looked it up on B&H.

If you are going to spend alot of money on a camera, you need a better tripod than one with sketchy drags and no fluid head. Don't get the Matthews.

Bogen Manfrotto is the workhorse of tripods and you can get a system with a fluid head. A system means that when you buy the tripod everything comes in the box including the head. Prices start at $159.

In my opinion: when you decide to get a camera set up, spend as much as possible on the camera, audio and tripod.

Also, you need to purchase the best that you can afford, that does what you want it to do. You will NEVER keep up with the technology.

-- spinner :cool:
I'm happy with the tripod I have, but will also check the one you recommend.

I want a camera that
1) Fits my budget $1000-$1500
2) Has as many MANUAL controls as possible. (Traditional focus ring is a great thing to have)
3) Has a Native HD 1080 24p
 
Wait, why did you decide against Canon? If I were you, I would strongly consider the HFS100/10/11. They're a year older than the 200/20/21 series, but have the same image quality, a better menu system, and are significantly cheaper. The HFS100 is the best buy of the bunch, typically only around $750 new. With the money saved on the camera, you could buy a 35mm adapter for $300 and use old 35mm lenses to achieve a genuine film look. And if you use the DOF adapter, you don't need to use the camera's focus (though the HFS100 does have a dial that can be set to control manual focus).

These were shot on the HV40, which has the same censor but a worse built-in lens than the HFS100.

http://vimeo.com/5774583
http://vimeo.com/6228714

I put together a budget indie film kit, but it's still a work in progress. Take my advice with a grain of salt (particularly the audio stuff), as I have no experience with this stuff, but it is based on a lot of research.

Camera stuff:
Canon HFS100 with accessories (longer life battery, SD cards, battery charger, etc) - ~$900
Slik Pro 700DX Tripod with 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head - $140
DIY steadycam - ~$20
Jag35Pro 35mm adapter with FD mount and an FD 50mm f/1.4 lens - ~$400
DIY rail system - ~$20
External monitor - $250

Total: $1730

Audio stuff:
Rode NTG-2 shotgun kit for location sound (with shock mount and LMT100 impedance transformer) - $280
Either an Audix UEM81C or a Fostex MC32 for interior/dialog - $150
DIY boom pole - $30
Beachtek or juicedLink XLR preamp/adaper - $100 (used)

Total: $560

Lighting stuff:
1000W Halogen work light - $30
2 clamp lights w/ 5600k and 2900k CFL bulbs - $20
Lantern light - $10
Daylight/interior light diffusion gels and sheets - $40
Poops and giggles various colored gels - $30

Total: $130

It's a little over your budget, but you probably already have a lot of this stuff.
 
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Asking on a messageboard gets even more confusing,
doesn't it? Now you have the personal choices of camera
owners to contend with. Camera owners are as attached
to their brand as cigarette smokers, beer and soda drinkers
and car owners.
 
DO NOT get the Audix or Fostex mics. They have a lot of self noise and are very prone to handling noise, even with a shock mount. Also, they are aimed primarily at music applications, not production sound.
 
Wait, why did you decide against Canon? If I were you, I would strongly consider the HFS100/10/11. They're a year older than the 200/20/21 series, but have the same image quality, a better menu system, and are significantly cheaper. The HFS100 is the best buy of the bunch, typically only around $750 new. With the money saved on the camera, you could buy a 35mm adapter for $300 and use old 35mm lenses to achieve a genuine film look. And if you use the DOF adapter, you don't need to use the camera's focus (though the HFS100 does have a dial that can be set to control manual focus).
That makes sense. That makes a perfect sense! However, HFS100 does not have a Native 24p

Then the list adapted for me would be:
Camera stuff:
Canon HFS100 with accessories (longer life battery, SD cards, battery charger, etc) - ~$900 ???
Do It For Me steadycam - ~$40
Jag35Pro 35mm adapter with FD mount and an FD 50mm f/1.4 lens - ~$400
Do It For Me rail system - ~$40
External monitor - $250 (any particular type, so it does not lie on contrast, brightness, saturation...? LCD? Size?)
 
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DO NOT get the Audix or Fostex mics. They have a lot of self noise and are very prone to handling noise, even with a shock mount. Also, they are aimed primarily at music applications, not production sound.
I won't. I am happy with the sound equipment you recommended. The only late buy will be MK-012. Do you think NTG can do me good for indoors for a while?
 
Asking on a messageboard gets even more confusing,
doesn't it? Now you have the personal choices of camera
owners to contend with. Camera owners are as attached
to their brand as cigarette smokers, beer and soda drinkers
and car owners.
Yeah, the info-ocean is getting deeper...
At least I have made my mind on what camera I what:

1) Fits my budget $1000-$1500
2) Has as many MANUAL controls as possible. (Traditional focus ring is a great thing to have)
3) Has a Native HD 1080 24p
 
You will get that "roomy", "echoey" sound unless you make a very concerted effort to improve the sound of the room in which you are shooting. You will also need top pay very close attention to boom/mic technique.
"roomy" sound even with a SHOTGUN mic? What if I keep good direction and a distance close to a speaking person? On the other hand I can ask talent to overdub himself during post production.
 
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