Now let's say I have no idea what you all are talking about

[joogen]

well more or less. i've been trying to find a good camera, with all the nifty little options like manual settings and such. I came across this guideline about what qualities you should think about when choosing a camera.

http://desktopvideo.about.com/od/desktopeditinghardware/tp/procamera.htm

is this really the qualities that i should be looking for? is there more?

i came across the sony hdr fx-1. Would this be a good camera?
What would be recommended for a newby looking to become pro?


I have about 2000 dollars worth of life savings in a piggy bank (don't judge. with the economy nowadays this is a highly complicated financial strategy). So I'm EXTREMELY cautious about spending this. Well, as much as anyone would be cautious spending 2000. So i NEED to kno whether I'm blowing my cash or making a true investment.



Please help the little newby grasshopper.

 

[directorik]

well more or less. i've been trying to find a good camera, with all the nifty little options like manual settings and such. I came across this guideline about what qualities you should think about when choosing a camera.

http://desktopvideo.about.com/od/desktopeditinghardware/tp/procamera.htm

is this really the qualities that i should be looking for? is there more?

Yep. Those are the essentials.

So i NEED to kno whether I'm blowing my cash or making a true investment.

The hdr fx-1 is a fine camera. If you use it to make movies
you won't be blowing your cash. But remember, having a
camera is just the beginning. At the very least you need a
good mic and a few lights. So blowing your entire life savings
on only the camera will leave you a little light in the production
department.

In my opinion having a camera is an excellent beginning, so
if that's all you can afford now, then go for it. Get the other
items in the future.

 

[Anim8]

What are you going to shoot with it? Family vacations or movie/shorts?

Keep in mind that you will still need quite qa few extras after you purchase the camera (tripod, lens, filters, etc)...

 

[M1chae1]

What are you going to shoot with it? Family vacations or movie/shorts?

Keep in mind that you will still need quite qa few extras after you purchase the camera (tripod, lens, filters, etc)...

Lens comes later. You don't need that right away...it's expensive, and it's not a necessity.

Most important starter equipment:

* Camera
* Tripod (preferably with a fluid head)
* Boom & cables
* 3 lights (to start) w/ multi color gel set.
* Editing software and computer

You can make a good quality film on those pieces alone. Bare in mind, you personally don't need all those pieces. In fact, part of the idea is to find people who have equipment of their own, and are looking--like yourself--to team up and collaborate on a film.