Camera User
What is the highest quality and most user friendly HD camera to shoot a feature film on?
Sorry to tell you, there is no such thing.
The people who make feature films are a complex combination of talent, using complex tools, working as at well coordinated team and with a LOT of money to pay the crew, cast and rent all the equipment.
Before you start looking for a camera, you may want to at least attend a filmmaking workshop and do a little networking with filmmakers.
UCLA, USC and UCSD are three such schools in Southern California that have 4-year programs that will give you a good taste of some of the skills necessary to produce feature films as well as a degree in film.
Just as a hint of what a HD camera will cost to rent (no one buys them), here is a link:
http://www.birnsandsawyer.com/cgibin/BIRstore.cgi?user_action=camera&category=Camera%20Rentals
The Cine Alta-Sony F900 HD 24 camera costs $1200 a day to rent, with no lens, batteries, chargers, etc.
The Basic Package
Camera Body
1 - HD ENG Zoom Lens
1 -CA901 back
1 - Power Supply
1 - Quick Release Plate
4 - Batteries
1 - Battery Charger
1 - Sachtler Video 20 Head, Tripod, Spreader
is $1400 a day.
So, as you see, making sure you have a good solid storyboard from your script and have blocked all your shots well in advance of shooting the principle photography, is very important.
The next time you watch a movie, look at the credits ... they represent about one third of those necessary to actually shoot and edit a feature film.
What to do in the mean time:
Find a good used Canon XL-1 (not HD, but at least broadcast quality) for under $2500 and start practicing with it. While cameras of this quality and sophistication are in no way "user friendly", if you have any background in lighting and photography, you will have at least the basics covered. Start shooting some short films (five to ten minutes after editing) and learn how to convert a simple ten page script into a polished final video. You will also have to find a good used video editing workstation (maybe about $4,000) where you can edit the raw footage, add voiceovers and any Foley you need as well as the music and credits.
After you have a few of those under your belt, you will find others willing to work for free to write longer scripts and make more technically sophisticated films ... this is what is known as "Paying your dues". It is somewhere in this part of your life, you take the time to go to school
Finally when you have a film that you are really proud to call your own, burn some DVD's and send them off to a long list of producers who will most likely toss them into the trash, but you only need one who likes it. Then they may hire you as one of the crew on an up coming film. It is a tough business ... you have to have talent and be ready to do your part when you get a break
Canon 50D Tips Part 3: Camera User Presets
 |
 Polaroid Macro 3 5 SLR 1200 Camera user Manual Instructions  US $19.95
|
 Polaroid Macro 5 SLR Camera user Manual Instructions US $14.99
|
 Zenza Bronica 645 ETRS Camera User Manual Instructions US $14.99
|
 THE KODAK DISC CAMERA INFORMATION BOOKLET USERS MANUAL US $6.99
|
 KODAK S SERIES 35MM CAMERA S900 TELE USERS MANUAL US $6.99
|
 KODAK HOW TO USE KODAK DISC 6000 CAMERA USERS MANUAL US $6.99
|
 Nikon Coolpix 700 Digital Camera Users Guide Manual US $2.99
|
 Nikon Coolpix 3100 Digital Camera Users Guide Manual US $2.99
|
 Nikon Coolpix 950 Digital Camera Users Guide Manual US $2.99
|
 Nikon Coolpix 885 Digital Camera Users Guide Manual US $2.99
|
 Nikon Coolpix 300 Digital Camera Users Guide Manual US $2.99
|
 Nikon Coolpix 100 Digital Camera Users Guide Manual US $2.99
|
 ORIGINAL NIKON FE2 CAMERA INSTRUCTIONS USERS MANUAL FREE SHIPPING US $14.95
|
 |
Hamilton Beach 33967 Set 'n Forget 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
List Price:  |
 |
Cuisinart TOB-40 Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler
List Price: |
 |
Mr. Coffee BVMC-SJX33GT 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker, Chrome
List Price: |
 |
Wireless IP Pan/Tilt/ Night Vision Internet Surveillance Camera Built-in Microphone With Phone remote monitoring support(Black)
Sale Price: $46.88 |
 |
Honeywell RCWL300A1006 Premium Portable Wireless Door Chime and Push Button
List Price: |
 |
Belkin Conserve Valet with Energy-Saving USB Charging Station
List Price: |
 |
Understanding the Nikon Speedlight: SB-900, SB-800, SB-600
List Price: |
 |
Understanding the Canon Speedlite 580EX II/430EX II
List Price: |
 |
Class on Demand 2008: Complete Training for Avid Media Composer Educational Training Tutorial DVD: Includes Lessons for Avid Xpress Pro users Moving to Media Composer
List Price: |
 |
Duracell Value Charger With 4AA Pre Charged Rechargeable Nimh Batteries, CEF14DX4
List Price: |
Themocracy