What are some of the best Digital Cameras for shooting Indie Films?

Hey Guys!

Hope your having a blast this Summer!

I have a question...I'm interested in purchasing a professional digital camera for a web series that we're producing in Brooklyn this fall and for a very low budget Indie Film, next Summer. I'm trying to find a camera that is less than $4,000.

I was thinking about picking up the Panasonic HMC 150. We used it for Where The Road May Lead Us, but I'm thinking about switching to Sony.

The only Sony digital camera I know of that shares the same characteristics is the Sony Z1U HD camera. Only downside is that you have to use a tape rather than an SD Card.

I wonder if there is a newer model that might be under $4,000 that's just as good as the Panasonic HMC 150?

So to sum it all up, I'm basically just looking for a high definition camera, that shoots well, that's under the $4,000 mark and that will last, especially with the ever-changing industry of digital cameras. haha

Thanks Guys, for all your help! :)

Danielle

Tags: films, music

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Danielle, I've heard nothing but positive reviews about the Canon EOS 5D. I've included this review clip to help you understand some of the functions of this camera. Not sure of actual price, but believe it's within your budget. Enjoy!

Thanks Rich! This is amazing!!! The picture is so sharp! I wonder .....when transferring the footage from this camera to FCP is there anything that you have to do differently compared to a camera that is not 5D? I'm sorry for all the questions. haha

D
You're welcome, Danielle. I don't know the answer to that question, but I'll keep following this thread to find out.
Transferring to FCP from 5D Mk 2 is not really that different apart from the fact you need to convert the footage to Apple ProRes format to be able to actually work on those 'straight-off-the-camera' H.264 clips. Apart from that it's brilliant camera. Possibly the best solution for a web series.
Thanks for sharing Todd. What's the price range for the Scarlet? Also keep in mind that buying camera is half the battle, knowing how to use it is the other half. Took me months to master the Panasonic HVX 200 and then the Canon 5D came along. This business is one big spinning wheel.
Oh my god Todd! I see what you mean. The image in this video is very sharp! What are some of the advantages or disadvantages to the 3k Scarlet and the Panasonic HMC 150 or any digital camera for that matter?

D
The advantage of RED Scarlet over the regular cheaper DSLR Cameras is this: the Scarlet is made for film production, vs the DSLRs have a video function, but their primary function is for photography and as filmmakers we have to make compromises and workarounds to it does what we need it to do.

For under $4K I'd go with the Canon T2i, 5D or 7D PLUS the accessories to make it work as a motion picture camera. It only starts with the camera after all.

Failing that Panasonic has an exciting new camera coming out soon that takes interchangeable lenses... and unlike Sony, they actually listen to their users...
Of course, one downside of the Scarlet is that it doesn't exist yet. RED has pushed it's release date multiple times... which I would bet means they've hit some sort of engineering wall in terms of delivering a camera that would do the things they said it would do but still be the size and rough price they promised.

Rodney - what is the new Panasonic you mentioned? Something different than the 3D camera they are bringing to market?
http://www.renewable-energy-news.info/panasonic-ag-af100-camcorder/

so much want! looks to be coming in around the $6,000 area suggested retail
Oh Lindsay! Wow! This camera's incredible!!

D
Wow. this is a beautiful camera Rodney! :)

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