What is a good camcorder for documentary filmmaking?

Julian T

I want to make some documentary films and would like a nice prosumer camcorder for around $1000-$1500. Something like this maybe. http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.expressnightout.com/content/photos/20100913-jenks-450.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2010/09/world-jenks-mtv-maino.php&usg=__DNMQ4t0pirK6OjPZ0iiMWpaKk9s=&h=244&w=450&sz=50&hl=en&start=0&sig2=NIWhBtwhOUKCvMl6g23SEA&zoom=0&tbnid=jxCT2w_oC8oZ-M:&tbnh=69&tbnw=127&ei=f-qTTP6wKYL-8Aau-6CNDA&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dworld%2Bof%2Bjenks%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Den%26biw%3D945%26bih%3D573%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=473&oei=f-qTTP6wKYL-8Aau-6CNDA&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=13&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0&tx=75&ty=52

Answer
you can consider buying Sony HDR-FX7 3-CMOS Sensor HDV High-Definition Handycam Camcorder
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000IBDWNS?ie=UTF8&tag=ya-ans-camera-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000IBDWNS

Panasonic Professional AG-HMC40 AVCHD Camcorder with 10.6MP Still and 12x Optical Zoom
# HD formats - 1080/60i, 1080/30p, 1080/24p (Native); 720/60p, 720/30p, 720/24p (Native)
# Three newly designed 1/4.1 Progressive 3MOS Imagers for full HD resolution
# 12x Leica Dicomar lens (13 elements in 10 groups), 43mm filter , zoom range of 40.8 - 490mm (35mm equivalent)
# Extremely slow, smooth zoom for the precise control needed for dramatic sequences
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574865779&toolid=10001&campid=5336440665&customid=nktprk&mpre=http%3a%2f%2fshop.ebay.com%2fi.html%3f_nkw%3dPanasonic%2bAG-HMC40%26_arm%3d1%26_armi%3dDigital%2bCameras%26_armm%3d94%26_ruu%3dhttp%3a%2f%2fphotography.shop.ebay.com%2fDigital-Cameras-%2f31388%2fi.html%253F_nkw%253DPanasonic%252B%252BAG-HMC40%2526_arr%253D1%2526_dmpt%253DDigital_Cameras%26_rdc%3d1

Buying a DSLR for filmmaking?

Riley

I"m looking to invest in a DSLR camera for filmmaking. I will be primarily shooting documentary work; however, may use it for the occasional narrative piece as well.

I guess my price range for the DSLR itself would be between $500-$1000. Can you suggest some good DSLRS and also some accessories I need to get with them?

I'm aware that DSLRs need a separate source for audio, what would you suggest for audio recorders as well?


Thanks!

Answer
Ok so many people are giving you answer without any reason as to why they are even selecting that brand. I own a Rebel T3i, and i would not suggest you that camera. Because if you want to make a documentary and you want your focus to be extra awesome and not like just any other documentary, then you don't need a camcorder. But i would only suggest a camcorder in the case if you are trying to go with wildlife. But however my suggestion would be the Canon 60D. Im suggesting a Canon because the canon is built to make videos and film making both. There is a reason why a canon has less features in its photography than nikon. It is because Canon also has work done on making films. Nikon on the other hand can not make the same film as what a canon can make, it is because it has more features in its photography that the company has to keep the camera balance in accordance to the price of the camera.
Now about the 60D, i chose that because that camera has better video making than the T3i. and it is in your range so i would suggest you go with that camera.

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What is a good camcorder for documentary filmmaking?

Julian T

I want to make some documentary films and would like a nice prosumer camcorder for around $1000-$1500. Something like this maybe. http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.expressnightout.com/content/photos/20100913-jenks-450.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2010/09/world-jenks-mtv-maino.php&usg=__DNMQ4t0pirK6OjPZ0iiMWpaKk9s=&h=244&w=450&sz=50&hl=en&start=0&sig2=NIWhBtwhOUKCvMl6g23SEA&zoom=0&tbnid=jxCT2w_oC8oZ-M:&tbnh=69&tbnw=127&ei=f-qTTP6wKYL-8Aau-6CNDA&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dworld%2Bof%2Bjenks%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Den%26biw%3D945%26bih%3D573%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=473&oei=f-qTTP6wKYL-8Aau-6CNDA&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=13&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0&tx=75&ty=52

Answer
you can consider buying Sony HDR-FX7 3-CMOS Sensor HDV High-Definition Handycam Camcorder
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000IBDWNS?ie=UTF8&tag=ya-ans-camera-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000IBDWNS

Panasonic Professional AG-HMC40 AVCHD Camcorder with 10.6MP Still and 12x Optical Zoom
# HD formats - 1080/60i, 1080/30p, 1080/24p (Native); 720/60p, 720/30p, 720/24p (Native)
# Three newly designed 1/4.1 Progressive 3MOS Imagers for full HD resolution
# 12x Leica Dicomar lens (13 elements in 10 groups), 43mm filter , zoom range of 40.8 - 490mm (35mm equivalent)
# Extremely slow, smooth zoom for the precise control needed for dramatic sequences
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574865779&toolid=10001&campid=5336440665&customid=nktprk&mpre=http%3a%2f%2fshop.ebay.com%2fi.html%3f_nkw%3dPanasonic%2bAG-HMC40%26_arm%3d1%26_armi%3dDigital%2bCameras%26_armm%3d94%26_ruu%3dhttp%3a%2f%2fphotography.shop.ebay.com%2fDigital-Cameras-%2f31388%2fi.html%253F_nkw%253DPanasonic%252B%252BAG-HMC40%2526_arr%253D1%2526_dmpt%253DDigital_Cameras%26_rdc%3d1

Buying a DSLR for filmmaking?

Riley

I"m looking to invest in a DSLR camera for filmmaking. I will be primarily shooting documentary work; however, may use it for the occasional narrative piece as well.

I guess my price range for the DSLR itself would be between $500-$1000. Can you suggest some good DSLRS and also some accessories I need to get with them?

I'm aware that DSLRs need a separate source for audio, what would you suggest for audio recorders as well?


Thanks!

Answer
Ok so many people are giving you answer without any reason as to why they are even selecting that brand. I own a Rebel T3i, and i would not suggest you that camera. Because if you want to make a documentary and you want your focus to be extra awesome and not like just any other documentary, then you don't need a camcorder. But i would only suggest a camcorder in the case if you are trying to go with wildlife. But however my suggestion would be the Canon 60D. Im suggesting a Canon because the canon is built to make videos and film making both. There is a reason why a canon has less features in its photography than nikon. It is because Canon also has work done on making films. Nikon on the other hand can not make the same film as what a canon can make, it is because it has more features in its photography that the company has to keep the camera balance in accordance to the price of the camera.
Now about the 60D, i chose that because that camera has better video making than the T3i. and it is in your range so i would suggest you go with that camera.

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Is the JVC GY-HM150U a good camcorder for filmmaking?

Q. I am a young filmmaker trying to get a more proffessional look. I stumbled across a JVC GY-HM150U. I was wondering if it would be a good choice for me. I am looking for a somewhat cinematic look, the color correction will be done in after effects. Currently I use a canon vixia hf m40.
Thanks!!!

Answer
Hi there,

This really depends on what sort of filmmaking you'll be doing. The JVC camera you mentioned is very good for low budget television and documentary making, but not so great for shooting in the style of hollywood. It is, admittedly, a big step up from the Canon you are currently using, but not necessarily in the right direction.

These things are a matter of opinion. One filmmaker might think that a specific camera is very good, while another may say that it is terrible. I can only offer you personal opinion and preferences. What I say will not be fact, so do not treat it like it. It may be worth you doing a little research of your own into what other filmmakers think.

My thoughts are basically that the JVC does not give you enough space to be creative. It is a bog standard camcorder, with simple standard settings. The camera is the most important tool when shooting a film, and it needs to be versatile and dynamic. The JVC is set up so that you can pop it on a tripod, hit record and then stop when you take is over. Although it does have limited manual controls, it is aimed at a market who want to be able to leave it on auto mode and hope for the best. Because it is aimed at that market, that is what it is best at. The lack of input it allows the cameraman to give means that the image it produces has little depth. Everything is very 'flat', and by that I mean that no colours appear to jump out, the image does not feel like it welcomes the viewer and in general things look quite dull. As it was meant for use in the TV industry, it also has quite a small sensor so the image it makes isn't very sharp. The fact it utilises a zoom lens which you cannot take off also means that the image will not be as clear, and the camera will not perform quite so well in low light.

I personally feel you would be better of with something like the Canon 5D. Although it is meant for photographs, it is very goos as a film camera. It has a very large sensor, so the image is incredibly sharp, and the lens is detachable, so you can choose an appropriate lens for your shot. You could even invest in a good set of prime lenses (sharper and better in low light). The 5D really allows you all the space to properly set up a really attractive shot. Unlike a camera from TV, it will not do all the work for you. You'll be forced to put in all the thought and effort that makes images look really creative and heartfelt. You films will be more like art than just someone pointing a camera at some action. It is also more the style of cameras that the folks in hollywood use, so if you learn the basics with one of these then you won't need to when you get a good job on a film set.

I think your best bet is to go onto youtube and search for some test footage on both of the cameras, and maybe some others. This will allow you to get the feel how what the images look like. If you have access, rent the cameras for a weekend, and have a play with them both to see which one your prefer to use. The one that feels comfortable and makes a good looking film is the one that is right for you.

I wish you all the best in your filmmaking adventures, and if you need anything else, pop me an email. There are a few little filming tutorials on my youtube channel that may interest you (www.youtube.com/munnbrice), so feel free to check them out some time.

Regards,
Brice

Best camcorder or device for filmmaking?

Q. I need to know the best equipment to produce hi-quality short films, music videos, documentaries, promos and mini movies.

I recently shot this promo video. Using a Nikon point and shot HD Digital Camera. This was my first ever real project that I worked on. Very armature and rough editing. On a free video editor. Here is the link. http://youtu.be/sbbEM6FZBgM

I'd like to really like to go further into the filmmaking world. I'm getting a brand new MacBook to work on and it comes with iMovie but I may pick up more professional editing software in the future but as for now I need some much better equipment to really get into producing some great films.

Budget wise not really a huge budget but I'd like to pick up everything I need for about 3500 on everything.

Hi end or top of the line amateur or intermediate camera/camcorder/dslr
Quality microphone
Lighting kits
Green screen
Lenses
And anything else I may need. Please and thank you.

Also you don't have to give descriptions on pros and cons I can do the research my self, I'd just like a list of the top 4 or 5 models and ill take it from there. Thanks

Answer
I herd Canon HV30 is a really good camera for film making , is has 24p Cinema Mode; 30p
Progressive Mode, Media Type: HDV easier for editing , and affordable, they have a newer model hv40 but i still would go with the hv30,

Hope this helps

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Can anyone recommend a good DSLR for filmmaking?

Blue.Purpl

Hi!

I'm planning my first documentary project, and to be honest I'm really into the writing and even editing portion of things - but the actual tech stuff just intimidates me a majority of the time.
I'm a student, and I'm planning to travel with any filmmaking equipment.

I was thinking of purchasing the rebel t3i - it seems very versatile and it seems to have good video quality for it's price. Especially when it comes to portraits (for photographs), and awesome depth of field for one-on-one interviews (for the film).

Would anyone like to have a go at recommending an alternative?

Thank you :)!

Answer
No DSLR can operate in video mode for any more than about 18 minutes before overheating and needing to be shut down and then you need to let it cool down, mostly overnight.

HD camcorders and DSLR Cameras interpolate the video, which means of every 25 frames of video, 4 or 5 frames are taken by the lens assembly; the other frames in between these are filled in by the camcorder inner circuitry, thus giving you not true video. It looks like this -one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, from front to back of the video. Makes for terrible action shots, or for that matter any movement at all. Couple that with fact, DSLR cameras cannot ZOOM while shooting video or change focus while shooting a video. Most camcorder can do all that and more.

Looking for a professional digital camcorder...?

CesFRA

I am shooting a documentary for a University concerning a medical research study in another country where I will go there and interview doctors and patients and document on the whole situation at these facilities and I am looking for a camera that will be perfect for this situation. They gave me roughly a $4000-$5000 budget, but I can work with it if I have to go above. I am looking for a digital camcorder. I edit on Sony Vegas or Final Cut Studio, depending on the situation. Please help, I am usually a bit slow when it comes to the technological part of filmmaking and I don't want to ruin my opportunity to get a great camera, so all of the advice I can get will be greatly appreciated.

Also, a camera that will stay in use after the documentary for movies and short films would be great too, because I do that in my spare time as well. So I need a camera that will be adequate for a documentary as well as for movies and short films.

Thanks

Answer
well what you should do is rent the camera. That way you save a lot more money. Invest instead in a nice little 3 point light kit. This will help you more than the camera and I'll tell you why.

I make shorts and music videos. I've learned that its not what camera you have. Everyone and their mother has a camera but not everyone has a light kit and knows how to use it. The lights will make any footage you have look better because you can't have a movie without light. Interviews will look better, interior scenes and exterior scenes will look better. So buy the lighting kit and rent the camera. If you have the equipment and learn to use it, you can rent it out and possibly get paying gigs as a key grip or a gaffer.

Now, onto the camera. There are a bunch of different selections. Stay away from HD stuff. Its a pain in the arse to light well and color correct in post and it's not true HD anyway. Get something that is SD. You'll have a lot more leeway with lighting and color temp and the focus is still great. Now, the cameras. There is the Canon GL-2, great glass, small, compact and a nice picture. The color temp is a bit warmer with Canons. However, the GL2 does not have any XLR inputs which is pretty much necessary for better audio. You can use a pin jack but XLR delivers better quality.

You could also go with the Canon XL1. It gives a bit more of a professional look, its cheaper than the XL2 and has nearly the same features, and it enables interchangable lenses (if you can afford to rent them and need to) as well as better handheld shots since it has a shoulder rest (much more stable shots). Has 2 XLR inputs.

You can also go with the Panasonic DVX100B. Great focus, great glass, great in lower light situations (less grain). The color temp is pretty even overall and has a nice balance. It brings out skin tones nicely without warming the entire shot. You'll need a good tripod since its around 5 pounds and a bit heavy for hand held shots. It has an 2 XLR connections which is a must have for better audio. Great overall camera.

I tend to stay away from Sony's because they have a bit of a colder color temp and while they are great cameras (have used a few) they tend to be a little finicky when capturing footage into FCP. I don't use Vegas cause I hate the program. Finicky, poor workflow, buggy, bad overall system for me.

So there you go. If you would like any more info, just send me a message or IM me and I'd be glad to help you out.

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Looking for a professional digital camcorder...?

CesFRA

I am shooting a documentary for a University concerning a medical research study in another country where I will go there and interview doctors and patients and document on the whole situation at these facilities and I am looking for a camera that will be perfect for this situation. They gave me roughly a $4000-$5000 budget, but I can work with it if I have to go above. I am looking for a digital camcorder. I edit on Sony Vegas or Final Cut Studio, depending on the situation. Please help, I am usually a bit slow when it comes to the technological part of filmmaking and I don't want to ruin my opportunity to get a great camera, so all of the advice I can get will be greatly appreciated.

Also, a camera that will stay in use after the documentary for movies and short films would be great too, because I do that in my spare time as well. So I need a camera that will be adequate for a documentary as well as for movies and short films.

Thanks

Answer
well what you should do is rent the camera. That way you save a lot more money. Invest instead in a nice little 3 point light kit. This will help you more than the camera and I'll tell you why.

I make shorts and music videos. I've learned that its not what camera you have. Everyone and their mother has a camera but not everyone has a light kit and knows how to use it. The lights will make any footage you have look better because you can't have a movie without light. Interviews will look better, interior scenes and exterior scenes will look better. So buy the lighting kit and rent the camera. If you have the equipment and learn to use it, you can rent it out and possibly get paying gigs as a key grip or a gaffer.

Now, onto the camera. There are a bunch of different selections. Stay away from HD stuff. Its a pain in the arse to light well and color correct in post and it's not true HD anyway. Get something that is SD. You'll have a lot more leeway with lighting and color temp and the focus is still great. Now, the cameras. There is the Canon GL-2, great glass, small, compact and a nice picture. The color temp is a bit warmer with Canons. However, the GL2 does not have any XLR inputs which is pretty much necessary for better audio. You can use a pin jack but XLR delivers better quality.

You could also go with the Canon XL1. It gives a bit more of a professional look, its cheaper than the XL2 and has nearly the same features, and it enables interchangable lenses (if you can afford to rent them and need to) as well as better handheld shots since it has a shoulder rest (much more stable shots). Has 2 XLR inputs.

You can also go with the Panasonic DVX100B. Great focus, great glass, great in lower light situations (less grain). The color temp is pretty even overall and has a nice balance. It brings out skin tones nicely without warming the entire shot. You'll need a good tripod since its around 5 pounds and a bit heavy for hand held shots. It has an 2 XLR connections which is a must have for better audio. Great overall camera.

I tend to stay away from Sony's because they have a bit of a colder color temp and while they are great cameras (have used a few) they tend to be a little finicky when capturing footage into FCP. I don't use Vegas cause I hate the program. Finicky, poor workflow, buggy, bad overall system for me.

So there you go. If you would like any more info, just send me a message or IM me and I'd be glad to help you out.

What are requirements of short films or documentaries?

teja khara

frnds plzz help ma for this.......
i want to do it........
then plzzz suggest some ideas,,,for short films..

Answer
I had an idea for a short film just the other day. I was thinking about finding an old house, like, more than 100 years old, and tell the story of the five generations of one family that lived and died in the house.

No more than 15 minutes, and don't just shoot from the hip with a camcorder. Get yourself some lights, even if they're those crappy Lowells, and some gels, and a book called "Set Lighting." Can't remember the author, silver cover - found at Barnes & Noble.

Have your beginning, middle and end clear-cut. (Your act 1, act 2, act 3.) Too many artsy kids think they can tell a short in some kind of neo-modern, cutting edge way and all it does is confuse the audience. If you want to show your filmmaking stuff, then do it right.

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Need a camera for beginner filmmaking?

best camcorder documentary filmmaking image

Isabella

I'm about to take my final year of media and we're required to make a film. Though the school supplies us with camcorders, they're pretty mediocre and I'm planning on making a documentary that I not only want to have as my final piece, but something that I can really show off. I've been thinking about buying a DSLR camera for filming but I don't know where to start. My maximum spending would be 650 or 700, and I'm looking for a decent camera that preferably won't need an audio extension. My piece will be a documentary, so the type of filming may vary so this needs to be an all round camera

Answer
Canon 60D is great or Canon rebel t3i.

I start my own film company using my PC?

Perfect

I would like to start a filming but I don´t have any support from anyone or experience except of my computer. What software program or cheap technical equitment is good for me? I also need to be able to make changes in a film or documentary I would make.
What I understand is that the very easy tools would make a professional film since computers help us with so much.
I would make my day if you can give advice and guide my so that I can become a female film creater for a living very soon. I don´t have a film kamera but would risk buying one of course. If you don´t know how to help me maybe you know a place online where I can get started:)

Answer
You don't need a film camera to start a filmmaking career. Get a really good miniDV camcorder with a firewire port. Make sure that your computer also has a firewire port so that you can connect the two.
Some good editing programs are Final Cut Pro (if you have a mac computer). This is probably the best bang for your buck. It's about $1000, and can produce amazing results. The down side is that you need a $2000 mac to run it.
For PC, you can check out Adobe Premiere. It's also a great program, and it will cost you less (I think it's around $600).
Check out the movie "DREAMER: The Movie". It was produced using a miniDV camcorder and a home computer to edit, and it played in US theaters, and won some film festivals. I think you can get it at www.filmbaby.com, but just do a Yahoo search, and you should be able to find it.
GOOD LUCK!

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