I'm looking at starting up a vlog, and possibly working on some other film related projects, and I need to purchase the equipment. I've done some research online, but there are sooooo many options I'm finding it hard to make a decision, so I was looking to the infinite wisdom on here to point me in the right direction. I'll describe what I plan on doing, and maybe you guys and gals can help me out.
Though I would definitely call myself a beginner, I actually did camera work and video editing in high school one year, but that was way before digital technology. The old TV studio at Bishop Carroll. That said, I have an idea of some concepts and things beginners might forget, like lighting and the importance of a decent, if not necessarily expensive, microphone.
First of all, the camera. Now I understand you can shoot full HD with just about everything nowadays (I could even do it with my phone for free if I really wanted to, but for many reasons that doesn't appeal to me) so the options don't have to be expensive. Still, I would like to get something low to medium range so I have a little to grow into. On the other hand, I don't want anything with too much of a learning curve, and I don't want to spend a bunch if I don't carry on with it, so I'm staying away from the medium to high options, DSLR's, etc.
I believe I will mostly be using the camera for basic video blog stuff, so it really doesn't have to do much. However, I would like to take it out for 'field pieces' and I do want to experiment with making mini films, so something that makes sense to use in different situations and has stabilization and/or tracking (if those things actually exist? am I talking out of my ass here? is it even necessary?) would be useful. Regardless, features that a film maker might find useful, that aren't necessary for vlogging. For this reason the cameras with the flip screen appeal to me, rather the ones with just the viewfinder, but if you have advice to turn me the other way, that's the whole reason of me asking in the first place.
Secondly, a mic. I remember having a ton of mics to work with back when I was studying, and I'm wondering how much the technology has really changed. We had a PZM mic that we left on the desk that would pick up everything crystal clear. I do believe that was an expensive option back in the day. Then of course we had handhelds and even a boom.
I just want to buy one in the beginning (heck, most first timers don't even get a mic), so I'm thinking a camcorder mic is the way to go.
Obviously I get a tripod. Those are cheap. Might need a small one for most uses, but also a tall one for outdoor shots.
Lastly, the thing that I need the most help with... video editing software. There are plenty of apps you can get for free. Of course some work with various tech and others don't. IE, many free apps come for your phone and I've already decided I'm not going that route. However I am wondering if there are free to cheap video editing software suites that will fill my needs, as I understand how much software suites can cost for other artistic endeavors. Like Photoshop and Cubase. Really don't want to be forking over a ton on this right away. However, I am at a complete loss of really what I might need, or what programs are easy and intuitive.
Thanks for making it through my post. Am looking forward to any recommendations, advice, warnings, or jokes you may have.
Full disclosure: I haven't done any serious work with video. Just some university projects and stuff. I am by no means an expert.
- I have heard good things about Blue Microphones. http://www.bluemic.com
They seem to have a lot of products aimed at vloggers and podcasters.
- I am currently using Adobe Premiere CC for my video projects, as I get a student discount. Before using that, I used Sony Movie Studio Platinum. http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiope and I found it to be pretty robust for consumer software. It might be good enough for your needs, and there are free trial versions for download.
- In terms of cameras, I use my Sony a5000, which is more geared toward photography. It's decent for video, but you would get better results probably with a dedicated video camera, and I don't know too much about those.
- Getting a tripod is great, but you also may want to think about a "steadycam rig" if you intend to move around while filming. Ready-made ones can cost a ton, but I have seen friends make some pretty cool homemade rigs that keep cameras steady while moving.
I hope this helps a bit. Good luck with your videos!
__________________ KIPPER IS KING
Last edited by Kipper is King; 08-02-2015 at 03:51 PM.
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Lots of cameras out there but we see a lot of Canon 5 and 7D as second or third unit work. Starting to see more of the Blackmagic Design camera, around $1K I think. Think is lenses...
Adobe Premier is pretty sweet and the monthly subscription is a good way to start and I think it's like $50 a month. You can also get into AVID Media Composer for $50 a month. We use a lot of both products. We occasionally use Final Cut Pro as well which is free now? I don't know 100% on that as we still use version 7 as it better than 10.
Free trials available on most things so you can get a general idea what they do.
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Also not a video guy, but I'll echo some of the stuff in here:
For outdoor work, GoPro with a steady-cam will beat a Red Epic hand-held.
For indoor work, a GoPro with good lighting will beat a Red Epic in the dark.
If you're interested in soft, blurry backgrounds (bokeh), you'll need a camera with a large sensor.
Don't know about that. I hate Red, loathe their cameras, sensors, accessories and how they do business but Epic does take a decent image and is used quite regularly in major feature films. The GoPro is very cool and quite good if the conditions are right especially for the price but it is not better than the Epic.
Raw images from Epic are very good it is the post work flow that sucks so much. Epic is also quite old and has two newer models out since then although they still produce the Epic.
^ You're missing the point. I'm using Red as an example of a great camera (that I've heard of).
But it's not going to move itself smoothly. It won't capture light that doesn't exist. If your lighting is unflattering, it won't fix that for you. Camera quality does affect your image, and is necessary for bokeh, but there are bigger factors in overall production value.
^ You're missing the point. I'm using Red as an example of a great camera (that I've heard of).
But it's not going to move itself smoothly. It won't capture light that doesn't exist. If your lighting is unflattering, it won't fix that for you. Camera quality does affect your image, and is necessary for bokeh, but there are bigger factors in overall production value.
Yes, I misread what you wrote, very true conditions definitely make a difference and cameras cannot make up for that. Get yourself a cut of Resolve and Smoke and fix it in post!
Tell me about video cameras and video editing
