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Chris G
I know the best HD camcorders used for movies can run tens of thousands of dollars, as can a high end computer with good editing software. I want to know what it would take to put together an enjoyable film with good edit and detail at an affordable cost by most middle class Americans, also will I need more than just a good computer and camera?
Answer
I agree with the simple response from G. Due to the range of equipment and expenses, that does not help you much with any detailed shopping list. And the description of your project is too vague to understand any real requirements the project has.
And just because you are low budget does not mean you get to take shortcuts and go cheap. Inexpensive, maybe, but not cheap.
You also need to understand the equipment limitations and be VERY fanatical about not going outside those known or learned limits. For example, if the lighting is good and bright, then any camcorder can capture good quality, non grainy video. If the video has lots of action, do not use a camcorder that applies lots of compression to the video stream. If there is dialog, the mics MUST be close to the people speaking.
Beyond these basic technicals, a compelling story, LOTS of planning (concept, outline, script, story board, shotlist - and sticking to it) along with talent , wardrobe, make up, continuity, sound design, editing skill and creativity will contrbute to a successful project.
If you cut these corners, the project will most likely not be successful. The reason the pros do what they do is because they can make money. If they could save money by using consumer grade camcorders, they would use them because that means they would not need to buy the huge expensive stuff they use and that would mean more $ in their pocket. They have learned that the expensive stuff is more cost effective because it has a wider opportunity for use - like big lenses means better lowlight shots and good XLR mics means more realistic audio... And they know to use the equipment within its capabilites.
Read up on the equipment used for "Slumdog Millionaire", "Paranormal Activity" and "Blair Witch Project", be sure to develop your project management skills... And understand various legal "partnership" entities can do to help keep your personal assets protected when there is injury or copyright issues with the project.
There is WAY more to successful "filmmaking" than picking up the cheapest equipment you can find and capturing a few feet of video. Even "reality shows" use a script... And keep in mind that "middle America" is what drives the quality level of the productions you see in theaters - they are who buy the tickets. To think otherwise is naive.
And just in case... The big project equipment is rarely purchased by a specific project - it is leased. They generally use film - not video. Audio is not captured by a camcorder, but by using a totally separate audio system.
Tripods and other steadying devices (dolly trucks, "Steadicam" systems, camera cranes, etc.), many different wired and wireless mics, stands, cables, power, location monitors, craft services, legal services, make up, wardrobe, lighting and existing lighting control, "studio teachers" (if minors are involved), location scouting, permits and permission, soundtrack music legalities and copyright, releases and tracking, insurance coverage, and a bazllion other things neede to be addressed. And we haven't gotten to the camera yet! So...
Sony HVR-Z5 or above.
Canon XHA1 or above.
Panasonic AG-HVX200 or above.
JVC GY-HM100 or above.
Any of these are "entry level" so the content and editing MUST be excellent. Don't forget audio - there may be a local audio engineer who also does films...
And a huge NEW iMac mxed out on RAM with a few terabytes of external hard drive space (RAID1 multi drve array preferredin case a drive crashes, you don't want the project to die) running Final Cut Pro being used by someone who has experience with it. Or a HIGH END Windows tower running Sony Vegas Pro or Adobe Premiere.
How are you planning to distrbute it or get paid? Most theaters don't work directly with the film's producer...
I agree with the simple response from G. Due to the range of equipment and expenses, that does not help you much with any detailed shopping list. And the description of your project is too vague to understand any real requirements the project has.
And just because you are low budget does not mean you get to take shortcuts and go cheap. Inexpensive, maybe, but not cheap.
You also need to understand the equipment limitations and be VERY fanatical about not going outside those known or learned limits. For example, if the lighting is good and bright, then any camcorder can capture good quality, non grainy video. If the video has lots of action, do not use a camcorder that applies lots of compression to the video stream. If there is dialog, the mics MUST be close to the people speaking.
Beyond these basic technicals, a compelling story, LOTS of planning (concept, outline, script, story board, shotlist - and sticking to it) along with talent , wardrobe, make up, continuity, sound design, editing skill and creativity will contrbute to a successful project.
If you cut these corners, the project will most likely not be successful. The reason the pros do what they do is because they can make money. If they could save money by using consumer grade camcorders, they would use them because that means they would not need to buy the huge expensive stuff they use and that would mean more $ in their pocket. They have learned that the expensive stuff is more cost effective because it has a wider opportunity for use - like big lenses means better lowlight shots and good XLR mics means more realistic audio... And they know to use the equipment within its capabilites.
Read up on the equipment used for "Slumdog Millionaire", "Paranormal Activity" and "Blair Witch Project", be sure to develop your project management skills... And understand various legal "partnership" entities can do to help keep your personal assets protected when there is injury or copyright issues with the project.
There is WAY more to successful "filmmaking" than picking up the cheapest equipment you can find and capturing a few feet of video. Even "reality shows" use a script... And keep in mind that "middle America" is what drives the quality level of the productions you see in theaters - they are who buy the tickets. To think otherwise is naive.
And just in case... The big project equipment is rarely purchased by a specific project - it is leased. They generally use film - not video. Audio is not captured by a camcorder, but by using a totally separate audio system.
Tripods and other steadying devices (dolly trucks, "Steadicam" systems, camera cranes, etc.), many different wired and wireless mics, stands, cables, power, location monitors, craft services, legal services, make up, wardrobe, lighting and existing lighting control, "studio teachers" (if minors are involved), location scouting, permits and permission, soundtrack music legalities and copyright, releases and tracking, insurance coverage, and a bazllion other things neede to be addressed. And we haven't gotten to the camera yet! So...
Sony HVR-Z5 or above.
Canon XHA1 or above.
Panasonic AG-HVX200 or above.
JVC GY-HM100 or above.
Any of these are "entry level" so the content and editing MUST be excellent. Don't forget audio - there may be a local audio engineer who also does films...
And a huge NEW iMac mxed out on RAM with a few terabytes of external hard drive space (RAID1 multi drve array preferredin case a drive crashes, you don't want the project to die) running Final Cut Pro being used by someone who has experience with it. Or a HIGH END Windows tower running Sony Vegas Pro or Adobe Premiere.
How are you planning to distrbute it or get paid? Most theaters don't work directly with the film's producer...
which is better for professional looking films a professional camera or a professional camcorder?
josh801
lately i've seen a lot of extremely good looking films online that were shot with pro cameras like, Canons and etc.
it seems like people don't even use Pro camcorders anymore.
and im looking to buy a camera or camcorder for my films.
and im wondering which will be better?
Answer
There are many camcorders that u can buy, the Pro camcorder that u use may be very expensive, the following camcorders are listed for ur reference, Panasonic camcorder, Sony camcorder, Cannon camcorder, Hitachi camcorder, JVC camcorder or Flip video camcorder, these camcorders may be cheaper than the one u have, just try to look into it, hope u can find what u want
There are many camcorders that u can buy, the Pro camcorder that u use may be very expensive, the following camcorders are listed for ur reference, Panasonic camcorder, Sony camcorder, Cannon camcorder, Hitachi camcorder, JVC camcorder or Flip video camcorder, these camcorders may be cheaper than the one u have, just try to look into it, hope u can find what u want
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