Though no one has specifically mentioned it be aware that the T2I doesn't render HD (it down-res'es to SD) on the live output when you are in movie mode. It makes it impossible to use an external focus monitor for this camera. You need a Zacuto Z-Finder if you are going to use this camera, and...
Some of it is tactics as well. Like the Jello being less noticeable from the head on or behind you can plan your shots so that this is controlled. It won't matter anyway as DSLR becomes more popular to do this it'll just be removed at the editing board. You already can do it manually if you...
Sky shots break it completely, but ALWAYS since your budget is low try to write out that scene that's the smartest thing you can do. Why can't the zombies attack them IN the house? Always ask yourself this! If it doesn't have to happen at 3am outside don't bother with it. If you do slap an ND4...
A degree in film school nets you a job as a production assistant at least. Forget any ideas of working your way up from there. No one is going to gamble with you if you want to write learn to do it. If you want to direct go do it. :P
Sometimes you get lucky though.
I second the Z-Finder, especially with the magnification it optically gives you a screen that is hi-res and huge wide... much better option there. Honestly, the other options don't even compare for the price.
Well if you're talking about making something someone will buy on board audio for either the camcorder or camera are impossibly bad. You'll need a sound recorder like a Zoom H4N in either case. T2I/60D do 1080p in 24 and 30 frames so just up to you whether you want movie or broadcast formats or...
The sound quality is a non-issue you will need a sound recorder and mic even if you got a $3-5k pro-sumer camera. Zoom H4n, and be done with it go for a rode NTG2. The camera's audio is completely useless other than to provide a sync track for Plural Eyes.
If you don't own the T2i already you...
For that money t2i $799 + Canon 50mm (nifty 50) 1.8 lens $99 US OR
Coming in September a Canon 60D w/ same lens for $1100 US (same, but better body likely has swivel tilt LCD and auto-focus in movie mode). You gain audio level controls, and some sort of on board editing.
I wouldn't bother...
Yep, so the Canon 60D is coming. What's new? Looking like auto-focus in movie mode... the flippy-swivelly 3in LCD (how do you use a Z-Finder with it) Adjustable audio levels similiar to the 5D Mark II and some type of on camera editing facility.
The DIGIC processor wasn't upped... :P
Has the...
Freeholding can make anything look sub-par if you don't take the time to make yourself good at it. It's a practice thing. I can't believe how many people cannot hold a camera without a fancy rig that does all the work. The pros don't wear the rig to do the job they are wearing the rig because it...
No reason to do this. Cheat!
1) You run through the scene at least twice and each time you focus only one actor. Figure out where you want the cuts roughly. You may want to subtly reposition slightly to mimic Hollywood teardown/setups between each of the actors lines. (and I mean SLIGHTLY) You...