What Kind of Camera Should I Use?

I am planning on shooting my first web series in January.  Right now, I'm in the process of buying new equipment, casting, writing, doing research and pretty much just laying the groundwork for when we start shooting.  I have a camera, a Sony HDR-FX7.  It's not the best camera in the world and I have about 3500 dollars that I can spend on buying something better.  Any suggestions?  The show is not effects-heavy and I am not partial to any particular brand name - so any input/suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

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Permalink Reply by Arnetta Green on December 2, 2011 at 7:23am

Thank you guys for all of the advice.  Right now, the 60D is looking really good.  I did a bunch of research, went to the store yesterday and played with it a little and I love how it handles and the quality of the video.  I'm going to check out the audio equipment today. Rich, I'm not new to synching audio but it's definitely not something I want to spend time doing. Again, thanks for all of the detailed feedback.  Now I'm going to check out B and H.

Permalink Reply by Rich Mbariket on November 30, 2011 at 5:52pm

Arnetta. @Chad makes a very good point!

Permalink Reply by AfterTheBeast on November 30, 2011 at 6:22pm

I'd say buy three iPhones and then you could have a 3 camera shoot... : ) 

Permalink Reply by Jason W.Ellis on November 30, 2011 at 9:11pm

Your camera is fine. The only drawback is that it is mini dv. The newer cameras record on SD cards , internal hard drives, etc so everything can be transfered to computer faster for editing. Everyone gets caught up in trying to get cameras that will help them achieve that "film look". Im guilty of the same. I own 8 cameras, all types, and I found the easiest to shoot with and great looking footage is a camcorder. You can buy a top of the line sony camcorder that films in 60 fps Progressive Scan, internal hard drive that will hold around 5 hrs of footage with a battery that lasts about 8 hours for $1000. The one I bought was a Sony HDR-CX560V Camcorder . The new camcorders are so good that you can get really great DOF shots with them now.  Plus this thing is so tiny you can take it anywhere and film and most people will not notice. You could film scenes in stores without anyone knowing. This will put you back only $1000 so that leaves you plenty of money to buy a boom mic, external audio recorder, and lights.  Heres a link to find more info and I always order from B&H Photo and Video because they back up everything they sell , dont charge sales tax, free shipping sometimes and great return policy.

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/748430-REG/Sony_HDR_CX560V_HD...

 

If you have any questions , feel free to ask, Jason

Permalink Reply by Arnetta Green on December 2, 2011 at 7:34am

Jason, thanks for your input.  I am going to check out the CX560 today.  (Also, can I have one of your cameras? - Joking!  : )

Permalink Reply by Arnetta Green on December 5, 2011 at 8:46am

I am now the proud owner of a Canon EOS 60D!  :-)  This thing is amazing, I can't stop shooting video and taking pictures.  Thanks again everybody!  This is exactly what I was looking for!

And on another note, an audio guy joined our team yesterday.  So I won't be alone in my hunt for good audio equipment.

Permalink Reply by Rich Mbariket on December 5, 2011 at 10:22am

Congrats Arnetta. Why did you choose this camera over others? Found raw footage on Youtube and posted on main blog. Check it. :)

Permalink Reply by Arnetta Green on December 6, 2011 at 8:10am

Rich, I chose this camera over the others because it was the most cost effective for what it did.  I'm able to achieve great DOF in my video and (while I plan on using lighting) I don't have to spend too much time tinkering with it in order to make a shot look good - also it's great in low light settings.  I could have went with a standard video cam but I like the idea of shooting with something a little more inconspicuous than a camcorder.  Honestly, if I wasn't being thrifty I would have gotten the 5D but I'm  definitely not taking a loss with the 60D.  It's amazing!

Permalink Reply by Elisar Cabrera on December 8, 2011 at 4:22am

Just got myself a 60D this week. Will be investing in a H4N and mic next year.

Is there a handy portable lighting kit for basic lighting that doesn't need a car to be transport it?

We don't drive here in London.

Permalink Reply by Arnetta Green on December 10, 2011 at 2:37pm

Here's something similar to what I use . . . 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/633253-REG/Impact_Interview_G...

The only difference from my lighting kit is that this one comes with an interview green screen (when I bought my lighting kit a couple years ago, it came with a reflector).  Everything fits nicely into my Porta Brace bag which is about 28"x14" (sorry, you'll have to convert that yourself, lol).  I've used it on several productions and never had a problem carrying it around.  Hope that helps!

Permalink Reply by Elisar Cabrera on December 12, 2011 at 5:13am

Cheers!

For those with Canon cameras - what is in your lens collection?

Permalink Reply by Rich Mbariket on December 12, 2011 at 10:28am

Could make this a new thread topic, Elisar. Unless you want it buried in here. :)

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