The following cameras are ones I have started looking at. They would be very good for documentary and “how-to” footage for DMS. This purchase is more likely a long-term one.
Another comment - Most people these days have DSLR’s, so this may be a nice change of pace for DMS members. We could teach both.
Please take a look and think about these things as we move forward.
If we need to, we can take a field trip to Videotex Systems, and get some demos.
RED’s are excellent cameras as well, but the cost of entry is high. Even if we look at a RED Scarlett ($12,000) we still have to deal with PL lenses ($$$), storage ($$$), computing power ($$$), there is a lot of support surrounding it.
Also, as I have expressed in other threads, we need to see this camera going out and being used several times per week based on the cost. It is fantastic to have a nice looking, sexy camera, but if we are not using it, then we are not meeting our goals.
I probably not at the professional level of you guys and girls are, I’m just starting in the filming and editing business, but the two ‘prosumer’ Sony camcorders I bought to film sporting events I bought off craigslist for 1/3 of the cost new, and they’re in perfect condition. People dump good stuff when getting divorced or closing a business, and cash talks. You do have to be careful though. I’m sure I’m not telling you something you don’t already know.
I did a quick search on searchtempest.com within 300 miles and nothing came up for the models you posted. Tons of other good stuff though. What’s the priorities for the camera? I personally stick with Sony whenever possible for hardware reasons.
@hockeyfreak - Roger, you make some good points. First we need to determine the exact use. I am a big fan of warranties, which is why I prefer to purchase new from a local provider, if possible.
Some of the needs that DMS has, and some of the DM goals I am looking at.
a. “How-To” committee videos for equipment use and safety at the space.
b. Record committee meetings for playback
c. Video Blogs (similar to a podcast I am launching)
d. DMS member projects, and location shooting.
e. DMS member episodic webshows
f. Short films (24 and 48 hour film races have been mentioned)
I am glad to see so much interest. Please keep posting questions!
Yep, Sony is now selling Super 35’s which are the same sensor as the Canon 5D Mark iii.
What about specific camera qualities is what I kind of meant. Size is always important in what type of work and portability. Format of video? AVCHD ok, or only mp4? Manual buttons as opposed to menus settings for certain things. I guess when you step up into high level or professional cameras some of this stuff is expected or standard, but at my level of purchase usually I have to insure it has the specific features I need.
I’m not preaching, I’m just curious. Trying to raise my personal knowledge by asking questions.
@hockeyfreak Roger. I do not have specifics. These cameras support several different codecs. I recommend looking at the manufacturer sites for that information.
Sorry, what I meant was what specific camera qualities do you need. Is size, portability, brand, codec, manual zoom physical button, etc more important and what priority.
You mentioned supporting equipment in another post, is there supporting equipment currently owned that the camera has to be compatible with. I haven’t looked in the A/V room at length so I’m not sure what’s owned now.
I hope I have time to come watch the podcast filmed, haven’t done that before.
With the price range you are talking about, What about a black magic 2.5K??? We could get it and a lens for about that price range. Plus, having the knowledge of filmography to use this camera is a industry marketable skill. I know this means jumping through hoops with processing, giant file sizes, SSDs, and probably external sound recording. But, a tool like this would bring your pro photographers and pro consumers in. This is Major production quality at outrageously low prices.
That being said, I would personally like to have access to a camera like this to do even more with the thousands of dollars worth of canon glass I already own. I also feel a normal camcorder just doesn’t excite me into filming other people’s projects. The tools should excite, and I know this would excite. It may even excite the other committees into helping, imagine machined and 3d printed components made by members to help use the camera in new and exciting ways. Excitement sells, look at the Haas, I heard in the chatter that nearly 90 people have taken the class, but only 2 people are able to run the machine unsupervised. These numbers may not be accurate, but you don’t see an uproar in the group about it. Why? Because it is exciting and just having the chance to use it puts ASSES in SEATS.
But, you have to have a strong, education minded, and inventive committee head to make that work. @bgangwere is that kind of a committee head. Though I don’t always see his vision, he does keep me excited about what I can do and what opportunities are going to be around DMS. I chuckled at his last request for a 120K lathe, but him asking did shift my mind into thinking how much does machine shop need to do before I jump up and start saying we need one of these 120K lathes. @Natasha_Cooks I’ve spoken with you multiple time and I do get that similar feeling about you, I know we will eventually butt heads, but that is most likely just our visions of DMS coming together. Growth has been great and bringing marketable tools and skills into the space will grow that. Your asking for so much less than 120K, I would hope it wouldn’t be quite as steep of a climb for you, as it will be for Bryan, but it will be a climb and I plan to be a helping force.
@Nick Thumbs up and LOVE it! - I appreciate your sentiments. You are correct, my goal is to excite and mobilize members into learning professional tools to help meet their goals. Plus learning new things facilitates growth (and I am all for that). I will note your recommendation for the Blackmagic Cinema Camera as well - Just an FYI - Adrian Cooks will demo that camera sometime within the next couple of weeks.
Also, I do enjoy lively, respectable, productive debates. Bring it on!
Please do all you can to make sure I don’t miss Adrian’s demo. I don’t care if you have to knock me out and drag me in I do want to see it. My excitement for DMS is really starting to stretch me thin, so being the pulled to this or that is very appreciated.
- I appreciate your sentiments. You are correct, my goal is to excite and mobilize members into learning professional tools to help meet their goals. Plus learning new things facilitates growth (and I am all for that). I will note your recommendation for the Blackmagic Cinema Camera as well - Just an FYI - Adrian Cooks will demo that camera sometime within the next couple of weeks.