Help me pick a video camera for making RKBA commercials

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Oleg Volk

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I'd like to do beginng producing video commercials promoting RKBA. Because of the intended use for the device, I hope that the off-topic nature of the inquiry may be forgiven.

I am currently using consumer-grade DV camcorders, with all their interface and image quality limitations. I'd like suggestions on the video camera and directional + lavalier microphones. I know some about video but less about getting quality audio.

I do not care about the physical size of the video camera.

The must-have features are:

1. Physical (non-menu) adjustment for manual exposure
2. Focusing ring
3. Accessory shoe
4. Battery charging should be outside of the camera
5. XLR or similar quality audio inputs

* I would prefer 720P to 1080i, unless it has capability for both.
* Would prefer 3CCDs, but that is not a requirement.
* Non-interchangeable lens with moderate tele capabilities would be fine.
* Lens based image stabilization would be helpful.
* Levels or, at least, overexposure warning in the viewfinder would be very helpful.
* Audio level monitor would be helpful.
* Pro color space would be nice, if affordable
* High-speed (slow-motion) capability would help helpful

The main issue right now is that I'd like the camera to use some sort of random-access media. Hard drive would be best, micro-drive also OK, DVD less desirable. The list of models with the features I'd like that do not write to tape seems limited. At least one Sony model has either exposure or focus control but not both at the same time, which is unacceptable. Canons seems to have the right features but they all write to tape. I would welcome recommendations and also ceveats in regard to specific models.

Budget: up to $3,500 for the camera. Would need a tripod, pare batteries, light and microphones also, so raising funds for it would likely take until summer. In the meantime, I plan on producing test videos using available gear. The first video specifically on RKBA should be out within a month. I am just trying to match the schedules with the actors.

PS: I would also welcome advice for optimizing video content for Youtube.
 
Budget: up to $3,500 for the camera. Would need a tripod, pare batteries, light and microphones also, so raising funds for it would likely take until summer.
Click to expand...

In lieu of video camera advice, would you be willing to accept donations for this project? I feel that we all owe you something for what you do for RKBA through your posters and websites. Personally, I have enough faith in your artistic talents and your drive to be excited enough about this project to want to help it along in any way I could.

I doubt if I am alone.
 
I will post samples within a week. Right now, all I have posted were "snapshot" videos created primarily for getting up to speed on editing. The footage was captured with extremely low-grade equipment and there were no actors involved, just people going about their business.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27HSsTy58_c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yxaYX7NYYk

I would certainly accept assistance in acquiring the camera and accessories, as the amount required for even prosumer gear is pretty hefty.
 
I'd recommend getting a High Def camera, it leaves more options open to you.

The camera I've been using is http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...515&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation
It's done ok by me. It's a little older model now (when new it was above your budget) and I have not kept up with the current 'flavor of the month.'

When I was looking, Sony had better focusing features and a few other pluses that other comparable cameras didn't have.

Don't go cheap on the small stuff! You want the best tripod you can afford, it will affect your shots. Something like a good Bogen/Manfrotto unit will serve you well.

Depending on what you're shooting I'd also suggest you look into something like www.glidecam.com There's a few alternatives out there, and iirc glidecam is the least expensive.

Sound -- you'll want to decide what kind of mics you're going to use. A camera mounted shotgun mic can do "ok" if you pop for a nice one. You could use a lapel mic system, but cost is greater (you more mics to cover multiple people, and you need a mixer for the multiple mics). There's pros and cons to each system, if your actors are standing very far apart then the shotgun mic may not be the best choice (or if there's a lot of sound pollution on location).

Image stabilization has worked well for me. Sometimes I'll do a walking shot w/o a steadycam, or a pan with my backup tripod (which isn't as smooth), and the IS helps keep things looking decent.

I suspect you'll want to spend 3k or camera, get the best you can because upgrading later is hard (you won't be able to easily resell for a decent price to upgrade, cameras depreciate quick).

Breakdown is about as follows:
Camera: $3k
Tripod: $300-600
Mic shotgun: $300 min, more like $600 for a good one
Mic lapel: $1500 +- for 2 body packs, mics, and mixer
Light: $150 min (more like $600 for a good set-up)
Spare battery: $50ish

That get's you shooting, but that's it.

You'll also need good editing software and that costs some bucks. And you might have to buy a new computer to handle the editing (think P4 duo core or quad core): another 2 to 3k.

So around 6 to 8k to have what you need for production and post production.

Best advice: script, story board, then shoot! Good equipment produces crap unless you take the appropriate steps before touching the camera :)
 
I script and storyboard very closely -- with shots written up to fractions of a second. The samples I have on-line were not scripted, but I am working on editing the scripted footage done earlier the same day.
 
Check with Ron Silvers - he probably has some ideas, or knows someone who does.
 
I did photos for a couple of shoots when Rob Silvers did video. The quality of his results was very good. He did not have much int he way of tech advice though.
 
Canon USA has been reported as having a *very* bad corporate policy regarding CHL so you might want to look elsewhere ....

But the new HV-20 for ~$1100 looks to be a winner: http://tinyurl.com/24yuwb

You can download some HDV QuickTime7 samples from the older HD-10: http://usa.canon.com/app/html/See_The_Difference/hd_cmos.shtml although it takes a near top of the line computer to play them back and edit HDV.

Even on a slower computer you can pause the player to evaluate the quality of a single frame.

--wally.
 
Its a little more than you are wanting to spend but I think highly of the Sony HDV Z1U. We are using them at the university and they are excellent so far.

SSS
 
offhand, i'd expect a ton of professional-grade cameras on ebay that do everything you want, but aren't digital. have you thought about recording to tape and then digitizing it? it may be cheaper
 
Since I am a member of Canon Pro Services, getting their camcorder might make sense for reasons of maintenance.
 
Geez, I wish I had known you were looking Oleg. I just recently sold off my whole setup with a Sony DSR-PD170 and a ton of other stuff for at the very least about $400 less than it was worth for the quick buck (to buy guns of course). I would have gladly given you an even better deal for a good cause. Ah well, too late now I guess. :eek:
 
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