Valuable DV Video Advice for film makers.

Set a budget for your camera. There's lots available.

You're better off spending $1000 to $1500 on a used camera than a new one.
$1000 *new* buys you *garbage* - I'll say that again: GARBAGE in new 
cameras.

In used gear, Sony TRV900 ($800-1100 on eBay), VX2000($1200 to $1500), 
PD150($1300-$1750 - it's the "pro" version of the VX2000), AG-DVX100 
($2000ish?) Might also consider the XL1, XL1S, though I haven't priced them.

Panasonic also made a slightly different version of the DVX100 - the DVC80. 
It only lacks 24fps progressive which, IMO, isn't a deal breaker. (if you 
want the film look of 24fps, go rent an Arriflex film camera or be prepared 
to spend $6000+ for a new DVCAM that does it right.)

In new gear, the VX2100, PD170, XL2, AG-DVX100A. Others may recommend HDV 
capable cameras but I have no strong feelings either way except that you're 
gonna need higher end NLE gear to work with HDV and those costs start adding 
up.

Any of the above cameras can be used to shoot broadcast quality footage. 
Shot *carefully*, they probably even make decent transfers to film. Rent 
"Open Water" if you haven't already. Shot with a VX2000 and a PD150, stock, 
edited with an NLE system comparable to what a lot of people have in their 
office and eventually picked up by Lion's Gate films. Whether you like the 
film or not, it's a success story. That raises the question in my mind: if 
these non-HD cameras were good enough to make a film transfer, why would I 
switch to HDV now when being an early adopter is going to cost me so much?

"Independent film" is a much abused term. When Russell Crowe bankrolls a 
film and it gets shown at Sundance as "indie"...that's not indie and 
Sundance isn't where you want to go. (well...it may be, but good luck with 
that) The Russell Crowes of the world are "studios of one." They likely have 
as much to invest in a single film as any studio does. See the first link on 
the list for a reality check.

Here's a few resource pages for you:
http://www.angryfilmmaker.com/ (Kelley Baker impresses me - he's out there 
doing it, not just talking about it)
http://www.scottspears.net/filmmakpg3.html (indie filmmaking resources - 
great stuff here)
http://www.sonnyboo.com/ (more great resources - watch the short films 
online and buy a DVD of them if you like them)
http://www.exposure.co.uk/makers/minute.html (Rob Rodriguez's 
10-minute-film-school - read it, osmose it. Whether or not you like his 
movies, buy his book, "Rebel Without A Crew." Not only is it a good read, 
you see just what can be done by investing THOUGHT not MONEY.)
http://tms.ecol.net/movies/whoplain.htm - crew list - compare that to 
Mr.Rodriguez's approach - BIG difference.
http://store.indiedocs.com/dvd1238.html - 4:3 short films available on DVD. 
(ResFest / Full Frame DVDs)
http://www.oldeenglish.org/ - these guys/gals are just funny. GREAT example 
of what you can do with nothing but an idea and a camera

Last but not least: http://www.ncf.ca/~af895/misc/rasputins/rasputins.html 
... a DVD I just produced. (I had no crew  ;) 

While I'm linking to all of those pages, I have to thank all of their 
authors for investing the time and energy. They've helped me more than 
they'll ever know.

Camera/technical stuff:
http://www.bealecorner.com/trv900/index.html
http://www.ferrario.com/ruether/camcorder--comparison.htm
http://homepage.mac.com/barrygoyette/PhotoAlbum5.html
http://www.urbanfox.tv/articles/cameras/c6dvcamreview.html (look around this 
site - LOTS of information)
http://www.dvinfo.net/sony/reports/owner.php
http://www.videomaker.com/scripts/index.cfm
http://tinyurl.com/d6wrz ($10 folding reflector versus a $300 one from most 
places!  :) 
http://www.dplay.com/tutorial/index.html (excellent audio advice - I 
recommend Jay's book)
http://www.imdb.com/ (yup - the Internet Movie Database! They list equipment 
used on short films - look to see how many films have been shot with 
XL1/XL2's, DVX100's, VX2000/PD150's...)

http://www.sony.ca/dvcam/manuals.htm Sony DV Camera manuals (VX2000/PD150 
etc)
There are other manuals available on the net - I have about a dozen total, 
Canon, Panasonic, Sony...Arriflex! Google using a term like "Canon video 
camera user manual PDF" and you'll find lots. Add a specific model number 
for a more targeted search.

Pay special attention to the LINKS on each of those pages. They go to 
equally useful places.  :) 

Sounds like a lot to digest but I was where you are now, only 2 months ago - 
and you don't have to find the above links so you're that far ahead!

Post back here with any other questions or email me if there's something 
you'd like to take off list.

Cheers!
Chris in Canada's National Capital





"Subba Rao" <castellan2004-mail@SPAMBUSTER.yahoo.com> wrote in message 
news:DKSdnfneX9uE1ujfRVn-pA@adelphia.com...

> Hi,
>
> I am interested in producing some home/independent movies.  For this I
> need to buy a camera.  I am planning to buy a digital camcorder.  If
> anyone in this forum can recommend a good camcorder to make decent
> movies, that would be great. There are so many of these camcorders and
> they vary in cost.  What features should I look for in a camcorder for
> home/independent movies? How much would these camcorders cost?
>
> My second request for information is instructional video or DVD for
> making home/independent movies.  Are there any such educational
> material?  Where can I find them?
>
> Thank you in advance for any information.
>
> Regards,
> -- 
> SR
> castellan2004-mail@SPAMBUSTER.yahoo.com
> Please remove SPAMBUSTER to reply via email.