Hi!
I've done some searches here on some older posts, and since technology and the marketplace are rapidly changing I'm in need of some advice in choosing my first camera for making some arty/weird films. I have a decent grasp of what I need vs. what I can afford.
I know that a 3ccd camera is the best place for a serious start, but those are just out of my price range. I use a MacBook Pro (with Firewire & external hard drive), and edit the video with iMovieHD while adding audio with Logic or even Garageband. I've just been experimenting with my Canon still camera's video recording abilities. It's a setup that works for me for now, and I'm sure I'll upgrade to better software & hardware in the future as my experience and needs grow. I have an extensive music background, so I'm pretty much covered as far as the audio side goes.
I actually kind of like semi-crappy looking images, like old film almost... What I mean is, I'm not looking for super high definition. I'm doing this for my own amusement, and like atmospheric filmmaking in the realm of Lynch, Brothers Quay, etc. I'm into creativity and using your limitations.
For now, I'm looking for a camcorder in the $500-ish range. The features I think I need are as follows-
I'd like to be able to add different lenses/filters (and hopefully some kind of homemade adapter to use my 35mm lenses), I'd like a decent amount of manual control (focus, white balance, aperture, etc.), I'd also like some sort of mic input. The ability to get a decent image in low level light is pretty important too.
As far as recording format goes, I don't know what's best. What formats are about to fade out? Is HD taking over? MiniDV, internal Hard Drive, etc... I'm a little lost. I just want some format that works with my Mac and won't be obsolete in a year.
I realize that this is a tall order for a $500-$600 camcorder, but there must be something close out there.
Thanks in advance for your advice.!
I've done some searches here on some older posts, and since technology and the marketplace are rapidly changing I'm in need of some advice in choosing my first camera for making some arty/weird films. I have a decent grasp of what I need vs. what I can afford.
I know that a 3ccd camera is the best place for a serious start, but those are just out of my price range. I use a MacBook Pro (with Firewire & external hard drive), and edit the video with iMovieHD while adding audio with Logic or even Garageband. I've just been experimenting with my Canon still camera's video recording abilities. It's a setup that works for me for now, and I'm sure I'll upgrade to better software & hardware in the future as my experience and needs grow. I have an extensive music background, so I'm pretty much covered as far as the audio side goes.
I actually kind of like semi-crappy looking images, like old film almost... What I mean is, I'm not looking for super high definition. I'm doing this for my own amusement, and like atmospheric filmmaking in the realm of Lynch, Brothers Quay, etc. I'm into creativity and using your limitations.
For now, I'm looking for a camcorder in the $500-ish range. The features I think I need are as follows-
I'd like to be able to add different lenses/filters (and hopefully some kind of homemade adapter to use my 35mm lenses), I'd like a decent amount of manual control (focus, white balance, aperture, etc.), I'd also like some sort of mic input. The ability to get a decent image in low level light is pretty important too.
As far as recording format goes, I don't know what's best. What formats are about to fade out? Is HD taking over? MiniDV, internal Hard Drive, etc... I'm a little lost. I just want some format that works with my Mac and won't be obsolete in a year.
I realize that this is a tall order for a $500-$600 camcorder, but there must be something close out there.
Thanks in advance for your advice.!