Noob with some questions, please help...

J

joey1320

Hello everyone, I'm extremely happy to have found this forum and I would like to ask a couple of questions regarding my equipment(or lack thereof) for my upcoming project. I'm finishing a script/outline for my first short film and I want to know if my equipment will be sufficient?

The film will be a "home video style" one. It involves two good friends, one is getting married and has asked the other to be his best man. The best man decides to record the whole "picking the ring and proposing part of the relationship" to make a video to be played at the reception, but drastic things happen and the story takes a different turn.

Now that you know the simple backstory, please let me know if my equipment is suitable for the project. I have two cameras; one is a small Kodak Zi8 and the other is a Sony HX100v. Both cameras record in hd and the Kodak has an external mic input. I also have a Sony external voice recorder and a Sony ECM-DS70 mic and I'm using Sony Vega Studio 9 HD.

I would like to get a boom mic, but like a lot of others here, money is tight and I'm not sure exactly what to get. So what would you recommend for a cheap boom mic?

I plan on using LED lighting for lights but is there anything else you can recommend light wise?
Consider the fact that the film will have a "home video" look, a la "Paranormal Activity".

I plan on doing shorts and I have a documentary in the talks right now - following a local "celebrity" and looking into his type of lifestyle. That will be started in the spring if everything works as planned. I'm in no way thinking of ever becoming a huge director or anything like that, I just want to do stuff people would be happy to see.

Thanks for the time.
Joey
 
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First, there is no such thing as a "boom mic". Most mics can be put on the end of a boom pole. You can use a shotgun mic (outdoors usage) or a hypercardioid (indoors usage).

You probably want to look into the NTG-2 or AT897 shotguns. They can supply their own phantom power with an internal battery. You'll also need and impedance matcher like the Pearstone LMT-100.

If it's just a hobby you may want to consider the Rode VideoMic Pro; it's a decent consumer product that will fit most consumer cameras that have an audio input and is much easier to use.
 
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You absolutely can make a movie with your gear.

I council you to film now with what you have now. Don't wait until tomorrow, or the right equipment, just go and make a short, NOW!

The more you discover though hands on, the BETTER filmmaker you will be, and you'll get there faster!
 
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Alcove Audio said:
First, there is no such thing as a "boom mic". Most mics can be put on the end of a boom pole. You can use a shotgun mic (outdoors usage) or a hypercardioid (indoors usage).

You probably want to look into the NTG-2 or AT897 shotguns. They can supply their own phantom power with an internal battery. You'll also need and impedance matcher like the Pearstone LMT-100.

If it's just a hobby you may want to consider the Rode VideoMic Pro; it's a decent consumer product that will fit most consumer cameras that have an audio input and is much easier to use.
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Thank you for being technical with your information. I will look into the mics you recommended.
;)
 
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I'm all about going the DIY route. I actually built a really nice looking steadycam - based on that one - that I plan on using once the shooting begins. I took a look a the link and that is really cool - tnx.

ALcove, I know you pointed out some really great options but I'm leaning towards a cheaper one with the Audio Technica ATR-6550. Yes, I know that if I plan on making this a more professional thing in the future I will have to upgrade my equipment, but right now a full kitchen renovation is draining my funds
:(

Once again, thanks for the recommendations and help.
Joey
 
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Is it just me or is the interewebs the coolest thing ever..

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