i want to make a documentary film and i want a camera that is used in the industry what is that camera? i see a lot of nice expensive camcorders and i want to get one but i don’t want to get the wrong one you know.. can anyone help?
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nigeymix says
The cameras used for producing films that are for big screen theatres (including Moore films), are very expensive (well over 20K). If you want to shoot a documentary with reasonably good quality, you can always rent a decent prosumer -the larger, more manual cameras- camera for around $200 for the weekend.
You can also buy/rent HD cameras. They are clearly much more expensive, but if you intend to do this as a career, or much more in the future, then I personally think going HD is a good idea, because it will become the standard soon.
You can now also buy handycam HD camcorders at most Sony Stores, The Source etc for as cheap as 6-700$ new. These of couse have limited manual controls, but the same very high quality HD as any prosumer camera.
basically; there are 100s of different cameras out there. If you do not intend to shoot much in low light, as in mainly outside in the day, and you have a lower budget, then you could look at older, or used prosumer cameras. I recently purchased a used Sony HDR FX1, for around 2000. Its HD though, which you might not need.
If you do think you want HD, and are going for documentary straightforward style, without intense effects (spot focus, macro etc), then I could recommend the Sony FX7. Its HD, and goes for around 2000 new.
If you have a smaller budget, you can always go standard definition, and get something like the Panasonic AGDVC20P. All prosumer cameras have much greater quality, and produce a more professional look than and handheld mini camcorder; even though they use the same tapes.
In any event, try out different cameras in stores, ask people you may know who use(d) prosumer cameras, and see what you like.
bolinger81380 says
As far as professional, you are looking at a $3,500 minimum just to start. This is for your most basic professional level miniDV camera. You should definitely get into a filmmaking workshop geared towards documentaries before you take on a project without the support of a school behind you and it gives you the skills you need plus access to equipment for your first project. Best to get it right the first time. I would not recommend following Michael Moore’s example myself. Even other filmmakers tend to shun him. Do with as you like though. Bottom line, if you are going to buy a professional miniDV, stick to brands like Canon, Sony, JVC, etc. that are known for their consumer level quality as well. Your best resource for finding the equipment you need(and you will need additional equipment as well and I suggest you own a computer(PC or Mac) and editing software(Avid(PC/Mac) or Final Cut Studio 2(Mac Only). If you are on a budget be judicious with your money. A budget minded system for editing would be a 24" iMac and Final Cut Pro, unless you already have a PC that meets the stringent Avid Media Composer requirements. Getting into an editing lab on short notice can be difficult, and the hourly fees can get expensive. Do keep in mind you can always rent equipment but they usually require a significant deposit and insurance(which you will need anyway professionally).
Ian L says
there is no such an answer. depends on the job. forexample the 9/11 had few film camera shots. mostly he uses sony hd cams( i guess)
if you want the best digital camera, than use RED ( extremly bloody expensive the camera to rent but cheaper the postproduction part)
Or film camera ( extremly bloody expensive the post production part and the camera as well)
or HD cams ( i would recommend sony XD family that has XD card slot and you can change its lense-which is awesome-