Instead of buying camera gear you should find a DP who already has the gear, then work out a deal with them. Then invest in Final Cut Pro.
Instead of buying camera gear you should find a DP who already has the gear, then work out a deal with them. Then invest in Final Cut Pro.
That's probably a good idea. Ditto for a sound guy.
However, if in the end, you think it better to get your own gear, this would be my checklist:
Camera (I'd personally go DSLR, with just a few good lenses)
tripod
two decent shotgun mics (inside/outside)
XLR extension cable
audio recorder
good headphones
DIY track and dolly
DIY jib
DIY light-kit
bounce-cards
gels (CTB, as a minimum)
Um, that's all that's coming to mind, at the moment. I'm sure others will chime in with some stuff to add to it.
How many cameras should i get?
It's standard to shoot with one camera. Many DP's say that a 2nd camera makes their job more difficult. A 2nd camera can make editing easier, though. But you certainly don't need it. 1 camera is normal.
Thanks.Ah, where can i find DP's?I don't know sh*t about photography.
I would strongly suggest having a backup unit, unless you are shooting right next to camera store. Things happen and your day will be very short, as well as for your crew, talent, etc. if you have to find a replacement camera on short notice.How many cameras should i get?
All the more reason to find a DP.
Do people use craiglist where you are? Is there a large university nearby?
I would strongly suggest having a backup unit, unless you are shooting right next to camera store. Things happen and your day will be very short, as well as for your crew, talent, etc. if you have to find a replacement camera on short notice.
It has happened to me, shooting live (stills, though) at an event. My 40D decided to give up the ghost, but my 30D was in the bag and I was back in business within minutes.
You could easily spend your entire budget on the camera/lighting or the audio and still not be "adequately" equipped for either. That means that you will have to make some serious compromises. That will require you to gain more knowledge and expend more time and effort to get a quality results.
To some degree your audio budget could be dictated by your camera choice as some cameras have decent audio implementation (XLR inputs, 16/48 bit/sample rates, etc.). If you are going to go DSLR you should consider it film, which does not record audio at all.
A very basic audio kit will consist of a mixer, a shotgun mic (outdoors), a cardioid mic (indoors), boom-pole, shock-mount, cables and cases. if you have additional funds wireless lavs should be seriously considered. If your camera does not have adequate audio implementation you will also need an audio recorder.
The most important piece of you audio kit will be your boom-op; a great boom-op is worth his/her weight in gold.
That's probably a good idea. Ditto for a sound guy.
However, if in the end, you think it better to get your own gear, this would be my checklist:
Camera (I'd personally go DSLR, with just a few good lenses)
tripod
two decent shotgun mics (inside/outside)
XLR extension cable
audio recorder
good headphones
DIY track and dolly
DIY jib
DIY light-kit
bounce-cards
gels (CTB, as a minimum)
Um, that's all that's coming to mind, at the moment. I'm sure others will chime in with some stuff to add to it.
Here's my "basic" audio kit recommendation.
This is the Rode NTG-3 kit - NTG-3 Shotgun Mic, Blimp, Boom Pole, Shockmount, XLR Cable - $1,450
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/563847-REG/Rode_NTG_3_Ultimate_Shotgun_Microphone.html
For a hypercardioid the Audio-Technica AT4053b is a really nice mic for $500.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...4053b_Hypercardioid_Condenser_Microphone.html
Marantz PMD-661 - $600
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...MD661_PMD661_Professional_Portable_Flash.html
BTW, Oade Brothers does mods (better mic pre-amps) on many of the popular low/mid-priced digital recorders. You can get the PMD-661 with the Super Mod for $679 - well worth the extra $80. If you buy the unit elsewhere and want it modified later the mod is about $200. BTW, make sure that you use quality SD/SDHC cards; the -661 doesn't like cheapos!
Porta Brace case for the PMD-661 - $164
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._AR_PMD661_AR_PMD661_Audio_Recorder_Case.html
You'll want some extra XLR 25' cables. 2 x $30 = $60
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._25B_G_CXLRP_XLRJ_25B_G_Star_Quad_L_4E6S.html
TOTAL: $2,770
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Rode NTG-2 kit - $600
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/421940-REG/Rode_NTG_2_Shotgun_Microphone.html
Rode Blimp - $300
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/579335-REG/Rode_BLIMP_Blimp_Complete_Windshield.html
You can get the Oktava mk0012 for your carioid - about $300.
http://www.oktava-online.com/mk012.htm
PMD-661 - $600
Mrantz PMD-661 case - $60
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/645449-REG/Marantz_PRC661_Carry_Case.html
Extra XLR 25' cables. 2 x $30 = $60
TOTAL: $1,920
Get a decent case to pack it all in:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...400F_PB_2400F_Safeguard_Field_Production.html
You can work out your own substitutions, but that's my recommendations. Remember, all this stuff and your other accessories - with the exception of the PMD-661 and your camera - will last you for many years, so investing in quality is an investment in your future.