Cameras and Video Help

[Matthew Sims]

Hey guys. Just have some quick questions I was hoping some of you could answer. Firstly, I know this topic has been discussed before I'm sure, but I did a detailed search and could find nothing of real value.

I am looking to buy a camera to start doing some filming. I was wondering what camera or (cameras) the theory11 crew are using (as well as any adaption kits or special lenses).

I think I remember they were doing a contest a while back to give away a Canon Rebel T3i, stating that is what they used for their filming. Not sure if this is correct, or possibly there are better cameras to be used. I have been looking into the Canon line, as I hear wonderful things about them, but there are just SOOOO many choices. I am completely new to the camera world and filming and am really looking to devoting some great time to it. Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

Also, what kind of editing programs should I be looking into?

Always a friend,
Matthew

 

[RickEverhart]

I shoot with the Canon Rebel T3i and it is phenomenal, however you are going to end up spending close to $2,000 by the time you get a tripod, proper gig SD cards that have high write speeds, etc. HD footage eats up memory quickly on those cards. You will eventually want an external mic because the sound quality that gets recorded on it is decent but not professional. Lighting and other lenses will be down the road as well. Keeping that all in mind, it is also going to take you a large amount of your own personal time playing around and learning the settings to get "good" HD footage that looks appealing. It took me a few months of shooting to get it to where I wanted.

Or...you could skip all of that and just buy an HD camcorder and save yourself a lot of time and money. The only reason I went the T3i route is because my wife takes TONS of pictures of our children and wanted a nice camera to shoot pictures with.

 

[Matthew Sims]

So is the only difference between a camera and a camcorder is that the camera can take still shots?

 

[AsherF]

It's about so much more than that. It goes into what you want to do with the camera. What sort of look you want your video to look like. and so on. Now keep in mind, certain things like color correction in an editing program won't look as great with a bad quality video. I like what DSLR cameras are capable these days in terms of quality. They're really becoming competition in the film world as of late. slowly but surely. I currently have a T3i. I love it. I hope to upgrade to a 5D sometime soon as I prefer what they have to offer. But some people may prefer a Nikon as they tend to be more user friendly. They also make great video. And don't even get me started with how excited I am to see the coming release of the Canon C100... if only the military paid more! Keep in mind that a video's quality is about more than just the camera and lens. It's about the person behind it. You can have an amazing camera. The quality means nothing if you don't get the right shots, have a steady hand or the means of getting a steady shot (this is also a piece of equipment worth investing in), and a good eye. You might as well take video with a can of tuna if you're dependent on the camera. Always be willing to learn and practice and you'll improve. I've been pro Canon for some time for both video and picture quality and capabilities. haven't messed around much with video editing programs. Have my eye on a few, but am waiting until I get settled first. My mother taught me to really learn to master the equipment as it is before working with editing. Best advice I've gotten on the subject. So much can be done with a simple default editor on your computer.