I got another email asking me info about cameras. Here’s the email and the reply:
Hi, my name is Steve and I really like your blog. I was wondering if I could ask you a question. I want to make a documentary, mostly talking heads, nothing extravagant, which could then be distributed if well liked. (By the way, I have little experience with film – I just think I can do a good job). Could you recommend what videocam I should buy. I was looking at these choices:
1) Sony HDR-FX1
2) Sony HVR-A1U (Sony HC1‘s big brother)
3) Sony HDR-HC3 (Sony HC1‘s little brother)
4) Panasonic AG-DVX100 (HVX200‘s famous predecessor)Could you recommned which one would be a good choice?
First off, you’ve got some excellent cameras on your list. I’ve been a SONY fan for years and I’ve never been disappointed with the results I get from them. I’ve been disappointed with both Canon (XL1S, GL2) and JVC in terms of the actual video look that I get. Panasonic has been a so-so (considering I never used their 24p).
Moving on to the cameras. All but the DVX100 are HDV cams which will shoot in 1080i. If you feel your documentary has a chance to be shown in HD, go for one of the three SONY’s. Besides, DVX100 24p mode will not be of any specific advantage to you since you’ll be shooting a documentary.
Of the three Sony cams, I have used the FX1 which produces excellent video, even in low-light situations. If you already have a lighting kit, this won’t be a big consideration. If you don’t, getting a more sensitive camera is a must – FX1 is definitely the way to go.
Number two on my list is the new Sony HVR-A1U. It’s a based on Sony HC1 but offers additional features, including a shotgun mic that could be VERY handy when shooting dialogue on a budget. I believe you can get it for below $2,000, so that’s the budget choice.
Keep in mind though that depending on the people you interview, a bigger cam will make a better impression. You’ll be seen as a pro rather than an amateur. People have no respect for handicams (HC3 is TOO small for my taste).
If you need to switch between PAL and NTSC and you need a “big” cam that also has professional audio, I suggest you “upgrade” to Sony Z1U. It has a $4,500 price tag attached to it though.
Happy shooting and let me know how it goes!
Thanks so much for answering my e-mail and putting it on your blog! It
was very helpful, and I was wondering if I could ask a few follow up
questions. (Please remember I know very little about film!)
1) It sounds like you prefer the FX1. It provides good low light filming
(And I do not have or intend to use lights). But you said the Sony HVR-A1U
is great for shooting dialogue because of the mic. Which do you think is
more important for a bare bones production? I keep reading that the FX1
does not have XLR inputs which people find horrifying. Is this a really
important feature which will affect me? Do I have to spend more for
attachments in order to get good sound with the FX1?
2) The other complaint about the FZ1 I read is that it has no progressive
modes. I don’t know what this means, but is that an important consideration
for making a documentary?
3) I’ve read that High Def is much more difficult to edit (or at least
needs totally different software/equipment) and that there’s no way to show
the end result in high def except for attaching the camera to a high def TV
or getting it distributed commercially (hopefully). Is HD the way to go for
someone like me trying to make a documentary and getting it seen by someone
in the biz who hopefully will like it? If HD is too sophisticated for an
amateur like me or too in it’s infancy to reproduce the final product,
should I again look at something like the Panasonic DVX-100?
4) Lastly, I forgot to ask what you think about the Panasonic AG-DVC60 for
shooting my documentary? Do you like this camera and does a shoulder
mounted camera have its advantages?
Thanks so much for your time!
Hi Steve,
Let me go through your questions:
1) XLR inputs are required for professional recording of audio. The
key word obviously is professional. If all aspects of the production
are at the professional level, XLR is a must. Good production sound
however can be achieved with regular means. You could always rent a
more professional audio recorder to go with the FX1.
2) From a more radical perspective, progressive mode is way for
manufacturers to sell the “dream”: Grab a cam and you’re an instant
filmmaker. The vast majority of documentaries are shot on video (i.e.
non-progressive mode), so I don’t see a reason for you to choose
otherwise. The viewers’ expectations are video.
3) You’re right about HD being more difficult to distribute than SD.
Editing it, however, is almost identical to SD. Most editing software
now supports HDV. You’ll need a pretty powerful computer anyway. This
decision depends to the expected shelf-life of your documentary. If
you think it will stick around for more than a year, go for HD. It’s
the format of the future. To give you an example, if you shoot your
photos at 8 megapixels, they’ll print on 6×4″ but they will also print
on 12×8″. If you get a 3 megapixel camera though, you can’t go to
12×8″. The same thing with HD/SD.
4) The AG-DVC60 is a SD cam. A shoulder-mount camera could be of use
if you’re running around, reporter style. If you shoot talking heads
though, I think the best solution is to get a tripod and put your
camera on it. That’s the only stabilization you need. I don’t see how
you gonna hold your camera for hours during an interview.
To sum it up, get an HD cam that fits your budget.Do a few test
interviews and see where you fall short. If it’s audio – get a
recorder. If it’s camera shake – get a tripod. If your sibject are too
dark (i.e. you shoot at night), get some lights.
Good luck!
Please guide me which is the best camera to make professional digital movies on a budget. (Value for money type). I look for a camera that can record excellent audio too.
Dear Kraz
iam not a professional script writer (in australia) but i have managed to put together 3 scripts (docos) …i was wondering if there is any site or organization i can register my scripts….for copyright reasons before i send them out to potential producers….
i will appriciate ur help
regards
henrik
ps:i love ur blog…..way to go.
Hi Henrik, thanks for your comment. I think most script writers (professional or not) choose to register their scripts and even treatments with the Writer’s Guild of America. I believe that if you’re member, it’s free. If you’re NOT (like me), I think it costs about $20 to register a script.
Visit this website: http://www.wga.org/
There’s a “register your script” link on the right-hand side menu. Good luck!
I am writing you today to ask for your help with my senior project. My name is Jordan Segal and I attend North Kingstown Highschool in North Kingstown, RI. Every senior who graduates from North Kingstown has to complete a senior project of their choice, and for mine i am exploring the world of documentaries. My thesis for my project is that a strong documentary not only captures the attention of it’s viewers, but also alters the oppinion of the audience to reflect that of the director by employing strong narration, imagery, and interviews. For this project we must interview a professional in this field. If it would not be any trouble, i would like to ask a few questions. The questions are:
1. Do you believe that a strong documentary can change the oppion of the viewers to reflect the oppinion of the film maker.
2. What is the strongest element of a documentary that can contribute to this change in oppinion.
3.Have you seen a documentary recently that has had an impact of the way you feel about soemthing.
If you could answer these questiosn it would be much appreciated. Also, if you have any insight on this area of documentaries and my thesis, that would be great.
Thank You In Advance,
Jordan Segal
I stumbled on your site searching for more information on digital cameras for a documentary. Thank you so much for putting together such a comprehensive and well researched list. You saved me several hours of research which I can now spend watching television
Hi,
Can anyone recommend to me the smallest handycam for broadcast quality…it has to be small as i am going to a potentially dangerous place to film and have to pose as a tourist,
so grateful for a reply!
life, being in it
jane
I am in my final months of my Degree BA film arts, i have been using Digital camera’s such as the sony Z1 and film cameras such as the Bolex, and the Arrix SR2. i want to get straight in to the industry now, shooting documentary, but i also want to shoot short films for film festivals “fiction”. i was looking at Sony EX3 but its just out of my range. what other camera can i look at?
thanks
scot
Looking at Sony EX3, it looks like it’s a perfect choice but as it often happens, it’s definitely not the budget choice.
If you feel strongly about Sony EX3, I’d recommend you renting it for your documentary – make sure it fits your budget though. Hopefully, with a documentary or two under your belt, you’ll be able to afford it.
ur di boss,im gonna buy b the fx1
Can someone help me please.. I have to write an article on – what is the role of a camera in a documentary?
Thank you
Hi i am a professional cameraman with 5+ years of experience into broadcast media, so feel free to ask any query. Happy to help. I believe on email we can disscuss better on techniques, portability, quality and formats as per teh requirement of the project. So feel free mail me at arif.azms@gmail.com
Please guide me which is the best camera to make professional digital movies on a budget.
I look for a camera that can record excellent audio too.
I’m looking to make a documentary which should be up to a standard that it can be shown in festivals. Would it matter if I shoot it on Handycam? I have a canon FX200. I was planning to go ahead and use that. But is there a certain requirement that these festivals have about the kind of picture quality, formats and specifications that the film should be shot in? I can rent out a pro cam on the lines of a PD170 but I feel having my own camera and the flexibility that comes with it is what I need with the kind of schedule and subjects I am interviewing. So should I just rent it out or should I try doing this on my handycam?
can any person help me in suggesting low price handycam with broadcast quality sony handycam please
thank you
Radhakrishna
hubli karnataka india
I am gearing up to shoot my first documentary, i will be traveling around the nation following underground artists on tour and need a couple of good cameras for getting performances but also discreetly shooting life on the move as we are traveling. Also i will most likely be paying for the equipment myself unless i get a grant so budget is heavily being taken into consideration as well seeing as how i will not be paid to do this as of yet and will be providing my own transportation
i want to make short film on diffrent subjects plese help me prosses
Can you help me?
I am buying my son a pro video camera for his 40th birthday..he needs to make short professional videos.
My budget is $2000.
What would you recommend now in 2011 in this price range?
Thanks!