Camera Advice

[Encrtia]

Hey - so I'm just your average guy who has many-a hobbies.

In my time, I've helped friends producing amateur quick 5 minute movies, borrowing equipment from their University, performed live in several theatre productions, and partaken in the Dark Star Productions Company.
However, after several months-ayear writing a detailed, and innovative amateur comedy, I'd like to try setting it in motion as a first amateur T.V. series. Of course, my only experience in this subject revolve around being the actor, and helping others producing their own topics, however, I still wish to attempt it as a hobby, and beyond.

So, my Question is, taking into account that things around £10,000 are clearly Way too much for a hobby, what sort of video camera's / professional camera's(with the whole kit- Camera, stand, pole-microphone, etc.) would be a good recommendation to produce something that, even though it isn't, looks professional in the quality.



I am thinking along the lines of 1080 quality (or HD?), although I read that it requires a lot of artificial lighting?
All I can say that I Definitely require is a Digital Camera that once recorded, can be put onto the PC directly; including either an in-built mic, or a plugged in mic which I can hang over to also record sounds. Along with this, it definitely requires a decent quality, and a price which as I said, doesn't go incredibly high.

All in all, the cheapest decent camera/professional camera set you guys can think of *(as one such as I have no experience in this market ;; )



Hopefully some positive replies,
Regards,
~Encrtia.

[Camerart]

Hi Encrtia,

I would look a good quality 'normal' camera with exchangeable lenses. Even cheaper ones take good video, but I think for quality etc, look in the camera shop at the low £1000s cameras, and I'm sure you will be fine. They can be adjusted for different light 'colours' too.

One day I might be able to afford one!!

Cheers, Camera.

[Windyridge]

My partner made a 30 minute pilot with a Canon 5D which looks amazing. There's also the 7D. I don't believe they are very expensive, but you obviously have to have the lenses, lights and other equipment.

[Arfur Teacake]

Hey - so I'm just your average guy who has many-a hobbies.

In my time, I've helped friends producing amateur quick 5 minute movies, borrowing equipment from their University, performed live in several theatre productions, and partaken in the Dark Star Productions Company.
However, after several months-ayear writing a detailed, and innovative amateur comedy, I'd like to try setting it in motion as a first amateur T.V. series. Of course, my only experience in this subject revolve around being the actor, and helping others producing their own topics, however, I still wish to attempt it as a hobby, and beyond.

So, my Question is, taking into account that things around £10,000 are clearly Way too much for a hobby, what sort of video camera's / professional camera's(with the whole kit- Camera, stand, pole-microphone, etc.) would be a good recommendation to produce something that, even though it isn't, looks professional in the quality.



I am thinking along the lines of 1080 quality (or HD?), although I read that it requires a lot of artificial lighting?
All I can say that I Definitely require is a Digital Camera that once recorded, can be put onto the PC directly; including either an in-built mic, or a plugged in mic which I can hang over to also record sounds. Along with this, it definitely requires a decent quality, and a price which as I said, doesn't go incredibly high.

All in all, the cheapest decent camera/professional camera set you guys can think of *(as one such as I have no experience in this market ;; )



Hopefully some positive replies,
Regards,
~Encrtia.

Why dont you do what any professional film shoot does?

hire the equipment.

why be left with a load of expensive stuff that will end up in the cupboard going out of date very quickly?

hire companies are often very sympathetic to low budget productions, often giving valuable advice and
exactly what you need

[Windyridge]

Why dont you do what any professional film shoot does?

hire the equipment.

why be left with a load of expensive stuff that will end up in the cupboard going out of date very quickly?

Actually that's not true with lenses, which remain valuable - even going up in price. It's also quite expensive to hire camera equipment. It can be cheaper to buy as you can reuse for all your productions. I'll get back to you with some figures later Encrtia.

[CaptainWaggett]

15 months between opening post and first reply - is that a record?

[christoph404]

15 months between opening post and first reply - is that a record?

I think it might be, Encrtia who asked the question is possibly now directing big budget movies in Hollywood for all we know. That seems like an odd gap between the initial post and reply 15 months later, doesn't seem quite right to me so Im off to look into it!