My Home Theatre

Making a movie, what digital camera should I use?

I want it to be digital so I can go straight from the camera to my editing software.
Also, what speed are films recorded?
I want this to look like a genuine movie that you would go to theatres to see.

Welcome to the world of DV, my friend.

If you are looking to spend nearly nothing, there are some mid range consumer grade cameras such as the Canon ZR series. The picture isn’t too bad, nothing spectacular, but depending on the exact model, you can get some okay manual features that a professional would need at a dirt cheap price. They are in the $300-$600 range I think.

Next, you can go to a higher-end consumer camera, such as the Panasonic GS series. These have 3 ccd chips, which means that you are going to have really good color quality. Again, the exact features like manual focus and white balance depend on your exact camera. These run anywhere from $700-$1200 I think.

Even higher is an HD camcorder. The Sony HDR-SR1 or the Panasonic HDC-SD1 are examples of these. The HDC-SD1 even has 3 ccd’s. These cameras deliver great picture and resolution, but the price range can be anywhere from $850-$1500, depending on where you get it.

Stepping up into the professional grade, you can buy something like a Sony DSR-PD170. They are Standard definition. But, they will deliver the features and manual controls you need like dual XLR inputs with level adjustment, a focus ring, white balance, iris, gain, apeture, all that good stuff, as well as 3 ccd’s. There are many other camcorders like this, like the Canon GL2, for instance. Once again, it all depends on the model type. These can run anywhere from $2000-$5000.

If you really want the “film look”, though, you need the Panasonic AG-DVX100. It shoots in a 24fps mode, which is similar to what you see on the big screen. I’ve seen sample footage of this from amateur videographers, and it looks like very professional, cinema quality stuff. B&H Photo is selling this for $2800, so if you don’t mind having less money in your wallet, this would be the way to go IMO.

It all depends on how much you want to spend. What you put in is what you get out. If you plan on making youtube videos, the 1ccd’s will do you good. If you plan on making more serious stuff, like maybe amateur documentaries or something, then you would want to bump up to the 3 ccd consumer cameras or one of the professional camcorders I mentioned. And if you don’t mind spending a little extra now, just buy one of the HD cameras and you’ll be ready for the future when everything turns HD.

Hope that helps.

Joy Division – Digital

Wabash Valley Farms 25008 Whirley-Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper $19.89 There’s more to going to the movies than seeing the movie itself – it’s the popcorn! Now, with the Whirley Pop Popcorn Maker, you can make fluffy, delicious popcorn just like you get at the theater. The stay-cool hardwood handle turns the stainless steel paddle inside, preventing scorching and burning, and making certain every kernel pops up like it should. The steam vents on top allow moisture to…

American Weigh SC-2KG Digital Pocket Scale $18.95 American Weigh SC-2kg Digital Pocket Scale 2000 x 0.1g grams American Weigh Scales, Inc. Model: SC-2kg Brand new in retail package The NEW SC Series from American Weigh is built tough for big jobs. The SC features one of the largest platforms sizes for a precision pocket scale (4″x4″). You can also use the two included weighing trays as a protective case when the scale is not in use. Feat…

Deni 15400 Electric Popcorn Maker, 3 Quart $29.00 Classic parties are a success with the right tools. With the Deni 3qt Popcorn Popper your customers can entertain in style. Delicious bowls of popcorn are popped instantly. This appliance pops up to 3qts. of popcorn in 3.5 – 4 minutes! Melt the butter as your popcorn pops. Add your own special ingredients to make your personalized popcorn treat. Features: Personal Popcorn Popper pops up to 3qts. o…

The Hunger Games: Songs From District 12 And Beyond $3.99 …