Equipment Advice for a Novice

J

jswinslow

Hey all,

I'm pretty much a complete novice, but I want to put together a short film and am desperate for some basic advice. I have access to Final Cut and about $1500-$1800 to spend. I'm located out in the boonies and I know very few people who have anything to do with filmmaking, so any advice would be much appreciated - even if it's just a referral to another forum or website.

Basically, I just want to know what equipment I need to make a very basic narrative short film with a halfway decent production quality. And, given my budget, what camera will give me the best bang for the buck (I've been considering the t2i and the GH2). Any advice would be mucho appreciated.
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
Canon T2i or Canon T3i or Panasonic GH2
Rode NTG2 shotgun mic
Zoom H4N or Tascam DR-100 external audio recorder
Work Lights + Reflector
Rode boompole
Manfrotto tripod
XLR Cables
Slate
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
This IS the website you want.. so stick around..

For cameras the GH2 and T2i\T3i\60D are about the same, they have major differences, but all will work and look good once you learn the strengths and weaknesses of which ever you chose.

Nicks list is pretty rocking, though I guess he assumed that all the cameras came with at least a KIT lens... Which is fine to start and grow with. You'll want to add a couple ND filters ($10 a piece so no biggie)

You'll need SOME help, so start making those connections NOW! Film making is great in that it touches on many other interest fronts. People around you need help with their interest, so help them out, in exchange they will help you out. A WILLING person is an incredible asset. You cant know who might actual ENJOY it if they've never tried it. EVERY person Iv introduced to film and who SHOWED up said its NOTHING like they expected and are bugging me ALL the time about the NEXT project.. lol
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
From one noob to another, def get the t3i over the t2i if you can swing a few bux, the swivel screen is very very very handy... ..like you can flip it and see yourself if your recording a vlog.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Throw in a clamp light or two while you're at it. They complement the work lights nicely (work lights are a necessity, I love them). $13 for the clamp and reflector, $10 for a 300 watt bulb. Visit your hardware store!

Also, I've found that my monopod works surprisingly well as a boom mic (you'll have to buy an $5 adapter to mount it, though). If you already have a monopod, like I did, that's a good option.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top