DIY vs. Purchase?

[WideShot]

Where do you draw the line? I know there are many things I have made or want to make but often I get done with it and it has cost as much as if I had just bought it, plus the finish would have been better. How much of your equipment is DIY?

 

[Will Vincent]

Pretty much everything but the camera.. (perhaps that too will be DIY one day)

 

[infiniteintelligence]

Some time you will find few professional tools are built with high tech component and many good features therein, that is the reason purchase could be better on the merit especially if you often need such kind of things.

 

[knightly]

time = money...if the cost in time > the cost in $$$, buy it...otherwise, DIY.

 

[georgiahoosier]

Pretty much everything but the camera.. (perhaps that too will be DIY one day)

Wouldn't you know, it can be done!!

http://www.c-h-a-o-s.com/2007/06/12/diy-how-to-build-a-camcorder/

 

[knightly]

cool.

 

[Loud Orange Cat]

Pretty much everything but the camera.. (perhaps that too will be DIY one day)

I second that. "Everything but the camera."

 

[Gonzo_Entertainment]

I would add "vs Rent"

Maybe not in Des Moines, but in any major city there will be several rental houses with everything you need. Some will cut you a deal for a weekend, or have special rates for low budget films. Go in, chat them up, see what you can do. I rented an Arri I kit, sandbags, apple boxes, a 30' Combo stand, 4 other combo stands, a half dozen c-stands, and a 7" HD monitor all for $500 for 5 days. Not always gonna get a deal THAT sweet, but you never know.