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Just hired to shoot a weekly TV show, need advice.
Tourflix has been hired to produce a weekly TV show centered around the home buying experience. We need to make a major upgrade in equipment though. We are looking to the wellcomemat community for some advice on which cameras, microphones, lighting, steadicams, etc. you would recommend. We want to shoot in HD and our budget is $12,000, so we are a little limted. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Charles
Tourflix.com
Being self-taught, I don't exactly feel qualified to give this kind of advice... I think SD television is only 720x480, but HD is definitely 1920x1080. I'm thinking 2 cameras is sufficient (and probably the max. considering the budget).
You probably already knew that... as far as lighting, I wouldn't know! Is it a lot of indoor stuff? If it's outdoors during the day, usually you can get away with a couple reflectors, cookies, etc. (I don't know all the special terminology in the industry...). I know the Merlin stabilizer is good because it's been recommended by several people, though you'll want to check on the size of camera it takes well... I'd probably invest in the vest/arm because you'll get very tired on a long shoot if you have to hold the stabilizer for hours on end. I get tired after 20 minutes!
Anyway... none of that is advanced stuff, so I don't know if it helped you at all, but I thought I'd say it while I'm here... best of luck! I like the 'can-do' attitude-- anybody in business on their own needs that to survive! All the best!
Does anyone think that it would be possible to shoot using 2 Canon 5D's ? I know that you can use microphones (stereo) with them and external LCD screens...I have seen indoor footage of both people and homes and when done well it is very impressive. Also, has anyone seen footage from the Canon 7D coming out soon? Here is a link:
Really amazing footage, I have read that tihs may be better in low light than the 5D. Also, it is 24 fps unlike the 5D. Great stuff. Any advice???
Thanks Everyone,
Charles
I think it would be possible, but probably not the easiest in terms of workflow. The quality of the 5D2 is amazing though. Using Magic Lantern will give you audio meters and zebra stripes, and many other useful features.
I think there are some out there having audio sync problems, and this would be a PIA for you in post.
And don't forget about the 12 minute scene limit. Shouldn't be a problem but something to consider.
I really like our HMC150, but I think it is going to be sold now since I have a 5D2. Many love the ex1, with the 1/2" chips.
Buy quality audio equipment, people will tolerate bad video with good audio, but not bad audio with good video. 12k seems like a lot but it will go fast.
Congrats on the show!
