Need a camera for beginner filmmaking?

dslr camera for 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.

What are the benefits/disadvantages to DSLR filmmaking?

Charlie

I am looking into buying a DSLR for making my films- could somebody share their thoughts on the topic? Is DSLR a good choice? Why or why not?

Answer
Benefits:
-Small form factor (makes it easier to get into tight spots, easier to carry and use at unusual vantage points).
- Dirt cheap ... at least compared to traditional cameras used for movie making. Even cheaper than the Red and the Red was revolutionary both in terms of technology AND price.

Disadvantages:
- Short shooting time ... you can only shoot for about 10 -15 minutes on a 5DMkII before the camera stops. This isn't a problem if you are shooting a movie or commercial (where everything is done in short takes) but it is a problem if you are trying to film a training session, confrence, seminar ... anything meant ot be shot in one long continuous sesssion.

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What is a good DSLR camera that takes high definition video?

dslr camera for filmmaking image

Cutter

I'm trying to find a good DSLR camera. I'd like for it to be able to take both stills and HD video.
If you could list a few options and their prices, that'd be great.

Answer
1.Canon T3i $550 1080p HD 18 MP
Comes with 18-55mm kit lens

http://m.futureshop.ca/defaultpage.aspx?lang=en#/catalog/productdetails.aspx?ajax=true&sku=10164172&lang=en-CA

2.Nikon D3200 $500 1080p HD 24.2MP
Comes with 18-55mm kit lens

http://m.futureshop.ca/defaultpage.aspx?lang=en#/catalog/productdetails.aspx?ajax=true&sku=10173221&lang=en-CA

3.Panasonic Lumix GH2 $600 1080p HD 16.05MP With No Lens

http://m.bhphotovideo.com/mobile/detail;MSESSIONID=QFJLSZ2DrC!-1831171464?R=736343_REG&title=QFJLSZ2DrC!-1831171464?output=Lumix+DMC-GH2+Mirrorless+Micro+Four+Thirds+Digital+Camera+(Black)

They all produce beautiful Photo's and Video.

Ease of use:T3i
Depth of field:T3i
Photo Quality:D3200
Video Quality:T3i/GH2

My personal favourite T3i
But it's really just an opinion
If you're more into photography Nikon is the way to go
If you're more into Filmmaking Panasonic or Canon

Good Luck!

How much can I sell a Nikon D3000 for?

Yunnie

I have a Nikon D3000 DSLR camera that I just bought a few months ago. Sadly my parents decided to gift me a much newer model of a Nikon DSLR. So I am looking to sell this one, to buy a camcorder or any such, for novice filmmaking. I just need estimates on prices, I bought it for 850$. It only has one lens 18mm-30mm with a carrying case and it has only been used once or twice.

Answer
It's an old model so even if its new, its value isn't that high. Be lucky if you get more than $425 from it. I'm pretty sure you can sell it fast for $250 but no one will buy it for more than $600.

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Is the Black Magic Cinema Camera good for independent filmmaking?

dslr camera for filmmaking image

Johnny

I'm considering the black magic cinema camera as my choice to shoot my low budget horror movie. But i need to find out from some professionals in here if it is good in low light environments and if it can capture the speed and movement of a car chase and a fight scene. Also, are 35 mm lenses the way to go when shooting with a high end camcorder? ...thanks in advance.
My film budget for my movie is $15,000 dollars. I'm wondering if adding a 35mm lenses to the black magic cinema camera is the answer to getting both that "film look" and shooting in low light environments. I saw somewhere about a possible issue with blurring...I assume that means something that occurs trying to capture fast scenes like chases or fights. I'm open to suggestions.
My film budget for my movie is $15,000 dollars. I'm wondering if adding a 35mm lenses to the black magic cinema camera is the answer to getting both that "film look" and shooting in low light environments. I saw somewhere about a possible issue with blurring...I assume that means something that occurs trying to capture fast scenes like chases or fights. I'm open to suggestions.
My film budget for my movie is $15,000 dollars. I'm wondering if adding a 35mm lenses to the black magic cinema camera is the answer to getting both that "film look" and shooting in low light environments. I saw somewhere about a possible issue with blurring...I assume that means something that occurs trying to capture fast scenes like chases or fights. I'm open to suggestions.

Answer
What's your budget? You need a lot more than the black magic camera body to shoot a film. Depending on your budget there are many options for shooting. If you are going with a DSLR, I think Nikon has the best low light capabilities.

What is a good tripod to purchase for DSLR filmmaking?

D-Bag

I'm about to acquire either a Canon 60D, or 7D. And honestly, I don't know much about tripods. Does anybody have any recommendations in regards to a good, sturdy fluid head tripod to purchase for an affordable price? As well, is there any significant differences between the 2 cams?

Thank you.

Answer
Fluid heads are NOT inexpensive. They can cost more than the tripod.

This is the head I use:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/492158-REG/Manfrotto_503HDV_503HDV_Professional_Video_Fluid.html

Sensor performance wise, the 60D and 7D are very similar.

http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cameras/Compare-Camera-Sensors/Compare-cameras-side-by-side/(appareil1)/663%7C0/(appareil2)/619%7C0/(appareil3)/680%7C0/(onglet)/0/(brand)/Canon/(brand2)/Canon/(brand3)/Nikon

I added a control camera so you can see how the Canon sensors compare to an equivalent Nikon

You will have to visit the Canon website and compare the features of the 60D and 7D.

You do know that these camera only have a video feature and you will have to add some accessories to make them perform closer to a real video camera

Links to those accessories.

http://www.zacuto.com/

http://www.switched.com/2010/05/24/essential-dslr-accessories-for-shooting-oscar-worthy-hd-video/

http://www.redrockmicro.com/redrock_dslr.html

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