Pro-ish Camera Setup

$400 will barely get you a good tripod and I think that's the first thing you should get. And get a good one too (Manfrotto 503HDV/055b or whatever the latest models are now), you'll regret getting anything less.

You don't really need to spend $400 on a tripod. A good Manfrotto tripod is nice, but still... You can always find something to fit your budget, from a $30 cheapie on up. It just depends on your use. Even a cheap (light, so not as sturdy) tripod can be made more sturdy by hanging some weight off it's center column, so its center of gravity is lower.

For lights, that REALLY depends on what you're doing. On a budget, Adorama has a house brand 3 light kit that I think is supposed to be better than the $50 ebay kits. I've had one of these in the shopping cart for a while, and have been thinking hard about pulling the trigger.

http://www.adorama.com/Als/ProductPage/LTSP7.html#ProductReviews

You might also want to also add a reflector or two, and those you can get on ebay for pretty cheap.

Green screens and frames are probably ok to get on ebay. I really don't know anything about then quality-wise, but honestly, I think all you need is a consistent background.

321estrellas said:

$400 will barely get you a good tripod and I think that's the first thing you should get. And get a good one too (Manfrotto 503HDV/055b or whatever the latest models are now), you'll regret getting anything less.

Click to expand...

What kind of advice is that?

Seriously $400 for a tripod? that is a joke.

I have this tripod



with this head

Manfrotto 488RC0



it handles my 400mm f5.6L with NO problems

The entire setup was about $215, and easily pro quality.

Anyway to the OP, try and pick yourself up a used canon rebel to get you started. They are a great line of cameras for beginners and the Xti's can easily be found under $400 with a starter lens.

I would suggest buying used from somewhere like Adorama, there are also a number of really reliable sellers on POTN: the canon digital photography forum.

hope that helps

First you want a good tripod. A Mathews M25 tripod is pretty decent, especially if you don't plan on using it with a 35mm adapter.

Second, you want good lighting. 400 dollars can't buy any good lighting kit, so start with clamp lights, work lights, CFLs; whatever you can find.

Third, you want good audio. This can get complicated, so I recommend you go over to HV20.com and hit me up (I'm Seo). Be sure to search over the audio threads over there.

So 400 dollars isn't enough, no, not even for the basics, but it's better than nothing.

bumzo1 said:

I've had an HF20 for a few months now and I love it! its an amazing camera. I am looking to make my setup more professional to use it for short films and primarily chromakey. I already have a lapel mic that I like and a UV filter for my Camera but I need everything else. I have about $400 to spend on everything so it doesn't need to be professional things. What do you recommend in the way of lighting, camera accessories, tripods, etc?

Click to expand...

I find your post confusing. On one hand you say want to make your setup more professional yet a few sentences later you say it doesn't need to be professional.

I will tell you to spend as little money as possible on equipment and accs. Audiences don't see what's behind the camera. Only what appears in front. Spend your money on set decoration, travel, or lighting if you have to. If you don't want to spend a ton of cash on lighting, snoots, diffusing materials, reflectors, and barn doors, try using available lighting if it fits the scene you are shooting. The type of camera, etc means very little in the scheme of things. Three decades ago before video and media cameras were mainstream, Super 8 and 16mm ruled the indie force. Even then it was not the camera that made the film. It was the person using it. He or she decided early on to put their money where the audience would see it: out in front.

I realize this may not be the answer you are looking for but I can tell you from one who has spent the last 4 decades in the industry that this where your priorities should be.

It shouldn't have been confusing. He said he wanted more professional results, but didn't have the money to buy professional equipment. So he wants advice on how to work within his budget. He's also talking about video, not an SLR.

I thought my advice was pretty good.

danimal99 said:

It shouldn't have been confusing. He said he wanted more professional results, but didn't have the money to buy professional equipment. So he wants advice on how to work within his budget. He's also talking about video, not an SLR.

I thought my advice was pretty good.

Click to expand...

Danimal99, you did give some good advice. I wasn't bashing you! I was telling him how to work with the equipment he already has and not get caught up in equipment-mania. That is the intense and unending desire to have the latest and greatest of everything electronic. I've seen it too many times: people invest heavily into the latest equipment and cameras. Then they go out and make a film and it looks so bad the septic tank rejects it - they wonder how that can be when they have the latest and greatest of everything.

I was simply saying that a basic camera - film or video - it doesn't matter - and some sticks and a fluid head is really all you need equipment wise. The rest comes from talent, experience, and perseverance. The last two comes from shooting, making mistakes, and trying again. Talent is something you either have or you don't. Obviously the other part is talented actors - but that goes without saying. But you did good Danimal99! Good job!

Getting a DSLR is not bad advice for video. The most recent ones -- Canon 5D mark II, 7D, Rebel T2i, or Panasonic GH1 -- are all some of the best options presently for low-budget filmmakers. But the T1i is not very good for video... pick up the T2i if you can afford it.

I am surprised that you use a ball head for video, though. Isn't it terribly twitchy when you pan? I've always used fluid heads.

I keep thinking bout getting one of these:

Audio Technica ATR-3350

http://www.amazon.com/Technica-ATR-3350-Omnidirectional-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B002HJ9PTO/

You just have to be real careful with the cord. An alternative would be a more professional one that uses an XLR cable, then have an XLR to mini plug adapter on the end, so that you don't have an easily broken cable running along the floor.