ACTION! ... wait, we need a camera.
Aug 3, 2014 13:15:26 GMT -5
AtlanticFilmGear, filmgeargod, and 1 more like this
Post by filmgeargod on Aug 3, 2014 13:15:26 GMT -5
That's right film makers. You need a camera.
The question of course is, what camera?
Well, in the old days, you'd need a very specific camera for a very specific job however, with the advent of Digital Cinema, the options are literally staggering.
Nowadays, with the options literally endless, it can be daunting to say the least to even begin to pick one. First, I guess you'd have to ask yourself, what will be done with my end result? My film. Where is it destined to go? If it's likely just going to end up on YouTube, it's not that big of a deal but, if you think it's going to be the next Apocalypse Now, well then you'd better know what you're doing in camera choice or you may kill yourself before you begin.
Many of you are lost. Lost in all the techno talk, sensor size, what codec is best for my needs?, What fps should I use and at what bitrate? Can I edit this on my PC or do I need a 20 thousand dollar system?
Well, take a step back for a minute. Now, think of your needs, Is your project going to need a lot of low light flexibility? Are you going to be shooting a lot of green screen? Will you need a lot of locations? Even more importantly, do you have any experience on a camera already? If you do, how does that system work with what you need to shoot now?
If you've never done a film before, or are a budding student eager to get on a set somewhere. I'd say, go with a DSLR. Most offer easy to edit codecs and HD recording. A nice easy start while giving you some great image quality. In addition, you likely won't need to buy some swanky edit system either as most Mac laptops and most of today's consumer level PCs can edit HD without too much headache.
Now before you go out and start shooting 4K, understand there are some HUGE differences in HD workflows as opposed to 4K. The file sizes are a number one killer for the new film maker with a consumer level computer. The Panasonic GH4 offers 4K and the file sizes are not that bad either. You could likely invest in that system and come out on top, for a while. You need to understand a cameras, well what I'll call "platform". The GH4 has limited lens support and most of us know how hokey adapters can be. If I were just starting out, I'd be looking at a Canon 5D Mk III and here is why.
The Canon 5D has certainly proven itself in the world of film & television and by far sits atop the Indies GO TO list. Image quality, versatility of lens, ease of workflows for edit, works great with green screen, cheap media... the list is nearly endless. Not to mention that once you enter the world of Canon as a film maker, the sky is literally the limit. In 2011, Canon introduced their EOS Cinema line and yes while the costs go far up into the money realm for the higher end, they are still EF mount and will work and build with your lens collection over the years. Also, it must be noted that Zacuto, MOVCAM, iKan and a huge range of other manufacturers offer top level camera support for DSLRs and that is just good news for you!
In addition, Canon has a full line and I mean a FULL LINE of Cinema Lenses that are every bit as good as anything else out there.
I'll be posting a number of writings about these cameras and why they are so awesome, as well as showing you some top industry people who shoot the Canon EOS line and why they chose them too.
One of them is Shane Hurlbut ASC. Just about the most awesome Cinematographer you can get without a prescription! I'll be writing about him as well in future posts so stay tuned!
The question of course is, what camera?
Well, in the old days, you'd need a very specific camera for a very specific job however, with the advent of Digital Cinema, the options are literally staggering.
Nowadays, with the options literally endless, it can be daunting to say the least to even begin to pick one. First, I guess you'd have to ask yourself, what will be done with my end result? My film. Where is it destined to go? If it's likely just going to end up on YouTube, it's not that big of a deal but, if you think it's going to be the next Apocalypse Now, well then you'd better know what you're doing in camera choice or you may kill yourself before you begin.
Many of you are lost. Lost in all the techno talk, sensor size, what codec is best for my needs?, What fps should I use and at what bitrate? Can I edit this on my PC or do I need a 20 thousand dollar system?
Well, take a step back for a minute. Now, think of your needs, Is your project going to need a lot of low light flexibility? Are you going to be shooting a lot of green screen? Will you need a lot of locations? Even more importantly, do you have any experience on a camera already? If you do, how does that system work with what you need to shoot now?
If you've never done a film before, or are a budding student eager to get on a set somewhere. I'd say, go with a DSLR. Most offer easy to edit codecs and HD recording. A nice easy start while giving you some great image quality. In addition, you likely won't need to buy some swanky edit system either as most Mac laptops and most of today's consumer level PCs can edit HD without too much headache.
Now before you go out and start shooting 4K, understand there are some HUGE differences in HD workflows as opposed to 4K. The file sizes are a number one killer for the new film maker with a consumer level computer. The Panasonic GH4 offers 4K and the file sizes are not that bad either. You could likely invest in that system and come out on top, for a while. You need to understand a cameras, well what I'll call "platform". The GH4 has limited lens support and most of us know how hokey adapters can be. If I were just starting out, I'd be looking at a Canon 5D Mk III and here is why.
The Canon 5D has certainly proven itself in the world of film & television and by far sits atop the Indies GO TO list. Image quality, versatility of lens, ease of workflows for edit, works great with green screen, cheap media... the list is nearly endless. Not to mention that once you enter the world of Canon as a film maker, the sky is literally the limit. In 2011, Canon introduced their EOS Cinema line and yes while the costs go far up into the money realm for the higher end, they are still EF mount and will work and build with your lens collection over the years. Also, it must be noted that Zacuto, MOVCAM, iKan and a huge range of other manufacturers offer top level camera support for DSLRs and that is just good news for you!
In addition, Canon has a full line and I mean a FULL LINE of Cinema Lenses that are every bit as good as anything else out there.
I'll be posting a number of writings about these cameras and why they are so awesome, as well as showing you some top industry people who shoot the Canon EOS line and why they chose them too.
One of them is Shane Hurlbut ASC. Just about the most awesome Cinematographer you can get without a prescription! I'll be writing about him as well in future posts so stay tuned!
You're just, awesome ... ~xo 