Best Semi-Pro Camera

mark2929 wrote on 6/30/2004, 1:00 AM

I would like to buy the best Camera I can for the least amount (Wouldent we all) for making Films... With an eye on perhaps One day going Commercial Work... I think Digi-Beta is the Minimum Format for Doing this... But the Cameras are so Expensive... I think and Farrs confirmed this In a Previous Post that Optics are Often overlooked.... So, I was thinking perhaps a Prosumer Camera with 3 2/3 Chips would allow some depth of field... Widescreen with Progressive.. Then add a good lens So would anyone have some good suggestions for value for Money Cameras with all this On Board !

I am not worried to much about sound quality as that would be separately recorded...Anyway.. even if this was out of my price range it would at least give me an idea of costs...

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rs170a wrote on 6/30/2004, 9:24 AM

But at the end of the day, most of the things that make video look better happen before the light hits the lens.</B

farss just nailed it. Not to throw this off topic but the biggest difference between the look of film and video is that (generally) film crews spend a lot more time getting the "look" just right.
Speaking strictly for myself, the shoots that I've done where I've actually had the time to spend properly lighting the set have always gotten the most compliments - and it's usually "wow, it looks just like film". That's when you know you've done something right.
BTW, this applies to single chip camcorders just as much as someone using an XDCAM.

Mike

MrMikeC wrote on 6/30/2004, 9:55 AM

I was extremely happy with my Panasonic DVC80...no complaints at all !

mark2929 wrote on 6/30/2004, 10:06 AM

Rafal I agree with what your saying using the mini 35 Adapter... I hear the XL1 Is about to be replaced with an UPdated Model.. Cant wait to see what they do... Thanks for Confidence boost !

RafalK wrote on 6/30/2004, 10:18 AM

Anyday Mark, anyday.

mark2929 wrote on 6/30/2004, 10:25 AM

I Agree that setting up is extremely Important...Although when you see footage taken with a 35mm Panavision AND the Camera and Scene being Filmed for the Making of documentary that goes with the DVD.... LOOK at the Footage from both Cameras...There is no way a digital format can compete not even HiDef (My Opinion)...

rs170a wrote on 6/30/2004, 10:50 AM

IMO, the "making of" segments" are, for the most part, a small step above ENG-style shooting. As such, (usually) no one is taking the time to "properly" light for what that camera is shooting.
BTW, I learned a lot about interview lighting from the guy that wrote the article at http://www.videouniversity.com/intrview.htm

There's no way I'm getting into the 35mm. vs. HiDef controversy :-)
It's been going on for a few years now and has yet to be resolved one way or the other.

Mie

Jackie_Chan_Fan wrote on 6/30/2004, 5:24 PM

Sony TRV900 is still a great camera!

Sony TRV950 (The newer version is good as well but perhaps its better to just buy the TRV900 features are the same)

3CCD cam.

donp wrote on 6/30/2004, 5:37 PM

Mark2929 I believe so, I thougt I said "the squeeze mode in 24p (progressive)"