I'm looking for a solid 16mm camera. I also want to be able to synch sound as well and I just have some questions about the whole process. I'm wondering what all sorts of equipment would I need to use a 16mm camera and record sound. Besides of course a camera and mic. Do I need an external sound recorder? What kind of camera would be be great for a young film maker like myself to use?
Need help with 16mm cameras
- Thread starter AngusM
- Start date
There are no 16mm cameras that also record audio so you will
need an audio recorder. Both the camera need to have a crystal
sync motor - that means they must be able to operate at a
constant speed. Not an issue with video but it IS an issue with
film cameras and audio recorders.
The audio and picture is put in sync during post production. that's
what the "clapper" is for - registering a single frame on both where
they are in sync.
Bolex - the great workhorse of 16mm. Many different models
to choose from. The "H-16" is the first 16mm camera I bought
and I still use it. You can usually find them for not much money.
Make sure the model you are looking at has a crystal sync motor.
Beaulieu - the "R16" is one of my favorites. They are great
cameras with a beautiful lens and used are very inexpensive. It’s
a little loud, but can be quited with a barney.
Eclair - the NPR is the camera many film schools use. Rugged,
solid and quiet.
Canon - the Scoopic was the standard in TV news cameras i
n the 1970's. Easy to use. Another film school staple. Before video,
every film student used the reliable Scoopic before moving up to
the Eclair.
CP-16 - a really nice, solid camera with crystal sync and most
come with an excellent Angenieuz zoom lens. These were used for
news gathering for decades.
With the Aaton and Arriflex we're getting pricey. These
are high end, pro cameras worth knowing about. These are usually
rentals - even used they can run above $10,000 - but it's worth
knowing about them.
need an audio recorder. Both the camera need to have a crystal
sync motor - that means they must be able to operate at a
constant speed. Not an issue with video but it IS an issue with
film cameras and audio recorders.
The audio and picture is put in sync during post production. that's
what the "clapper" is for - registering a single frame on both where
they are in sync.
Bolex - the great workhorse of 16mm. Many different models
to choose from. The "H-16" is the first 16mm camera I bought
and I still use it. You can usually find them for not much money.
Make sure the model you are looking at has a crystal sync motor.
Beaulieu - the "R16" is one of my favorites. They are great
cameras with a beautiful lens and used are very inexpensive. It’s
a little loud, but can be quited with a barney.
Eclair - the NPR is the camera many film schools use. Rugged,
solid and quiet.
Canon - the Scoopic was the standard in TV news cameras i
n the 1970's. Easy to use. Another film school staple. Before video,
every film student used the reliable Scoopic before moving up to
the Eclair.
CP-16 - a really nice, solid camera with crystal sync and most
come with an excellent Angenieuz zoom lens. These were used for
news gathering for decades.
With the Aaton and Arriflex we're getting pricey. These
are high end, pro cameras worth knowing about. These are usually
rentals - even used they can run above $10,000 - but it's worth
knowing about them.