[Rose O’connor]

Thanks James.

I know, I know, I should not rush in, but it’s actually months I’ve been thinking about it and not making any progress as I’m such a newbie it’s hard to know where to start! As I responded to Chip, I have been leaning towards the Panasonics too, after talking to a guy who knows a lot more about video cameras than me! Although a second guy (where are all the female cameramen by the way?) has recommended the Sony HVR V1P which also sounds perfectly useable.

One reason I don’t want to wait till I get paid gigs is that I want to make films and practice camera work outside of the paid videographer stuff (though the paid stuff will be good when it happens!). I am making some short documentaries already and won’t have access to free gear after this current one. Another reason is I am already doing some filming for an NGO who can’t provide me with a camera (or budget) so I kind of need to bring my own gear one way or another. That will mainly be done on tripod.

Yes, my computer can handle HD. And yes, I WILL need those extras like sounds and lighting gear. Mustn’t forget to budget for those. Thanks again and if you or anyone else wants to give me some extra tips, do feel free! It’s all valuable to me.

[Rose O’connor]

Thanks. I was thinking a lot about the Canon 5D Mark 2 but, apart from the price, there were so many impediments to using it as a video camera, esp for ‘run and gun’ stuff in documentary.

I am now thinking about getting a Panasonic Lumix GH1 (DSLR type thing) which has some pretty nice looking results (though still shaky for handheld) and is cheaper. Then I could upgrade to the Panasonic AG-AF100 when they come out. I’ve had them recommended to me as something that’s more designed for video than stills and will have High Def images. I’ve been told it’s got a smaller image sensor than the Canon Mark2 but still 8 x that of many conventional video cameras. Sounds promising.

🙂