First camera

Hello guys,

I have a short script that I want to film, but I have no experience in filming before, except some videos with a compact sony cybershot, but it wasn't something special.
I want a camera that: can produce a descent output,
can (if possible) pluged in an external mic,
can handle night and exterior shots as possible as it gets.


The budget i tight at 400 euros max.

To be realistic an d honest, filmmaking is just another hobby of mine, but I want to have a descent product to work with and edit in order to learn that art.

I'm between Nikon D3300 DSLR and Canon HF R700. Both can be pluged an external mic. The dilemma is the following. The DSLR cost a lot and maybe the 18-55mm lens is not appropriate for filming and there is the video time limit, but can handle better low-light-shots though. Another con with Nikon that is that I don't have any experience with a DSLR. In other hand the Canon camcorder has unlimited video time, (I believe) fewer chances to screw things up, cheaper than DSLR, but the lens and sensor isn't as good as the Nikon's.

By far all the search I have done point out the D3300 is better for what I want.

What's your opinion about that?
Any suggestions are welcome.
Thanks in advance.

P.S Sites I have checked: No film school, learn Filmmaking and review sites about DSLRs and camcorders.
 
Welcome to indietalk.

The Canon HF R700 is a fine first camera for your needs. But
if you feel the D3300 is better for what you want then that's
a great start. A steeper learning curve but learning is good.
You'll need more equipment to make the DSLR ready for making
movies and even though you can plug in a mic, the audio on
those cameras are not good. So all in, you'll need to spend more
for the DSLR. I suggest that as a hobbyist you get the Canon.
 
Thanks directorik for your quick reply.
Can you mention what extra things I have to get in order to work properly with the D3300?
I now, I have to buy a stabilizer, but what else?
Thanks in advace
 
Seems like you've decided on the Nikon. It's a fine camera – I own
the 5300. A stabilizer and/or shoulder support is necessary. With
either one you'll need a monitor. Since the audio isn't acceptable
on any DSLR you will need an audio recorder and shotgun mic. A
tripod is essential, too but you need that even with the Canon. So
all in you'll go over your budget to get it up to filmmaker standards.

Of course you don't have to buy any of those things. Get a cheap
RODE VideoMic and start learning the art. As you get more involved
in filmmaking you can buy the rest of the gear.
 
With a small sensor camcorder like the R700, it will be a challenge to get shallow depth of field.

And I would avoid Nikon DSLRs for filmmaking. In this price class, Nikon DSLRs lack:

- The ability to change aperture in Live View (video) mode

- a usable viewfinder when you switch to "Live View" (video) mode (the optical viewfinder is blocked by the reflex mirror)

- compatibility with affordable power zoom lenses

- an intervalometer

- compatibility with silent, video optimized lenses. Here is the problem with noisy Nikon autofocus motors:

https://youtu.be/DuX8CDaDUaw

With a 400€ budget, you can do better.

Instead of the R700 or the D3300, you might want to consider a 379,95€ used Panasonic G6 with the 14-42mm kit lens and extra batteries. It will cost 9€ to ship this camera from Germany to Greece.

This camera can record 50 fps slow motion at 1080p, and has

- a built-in intervalometer for timelapse

- focus peaking for accurate manual focus

- a built-in electronic viewfinder with on-screen audio metering and a histogram

- compatibility with affordable power zoom lenses

- lenses with silent autofocus motors

- a standard 3.5mm mic input

Here is the image quality the G6 can produce:

Narrative

I've Got My Fingers Crossed

http://vimeo.com/78037118

Fashion/Glamor

Federshooting ("Feathershooting")

http://vimeo.com/142052368

Music Video

Ann Sophie - I Think It's A Love Song

http://vimeo.com/88584840

Documentary

Just Action - A "Behind The Scenes" Documentary on Jamaican Filmmaking

http://vimeo.com/97274302

Creative Spaces: Kathy Ponce

http://vimeo.com/73561266

Mick Buencamino is RNDV

http://vimeo.com/87978429

Volcom In Color Bangkok 2013

http://vimeo.com/78507820

Timelapse

Mauritius

http://vimeo.com/107742536

Slow Motion/Sport

Leeward

http://vimeo.com/100512839

Wayward

http://vimeo.com/76503135

Przygotowania Stali Gorzów do sezonu 2014r.

http://vimeo.com/89381266

The are many more examples in the Panasonic G6 group I moderate over on Vimeo.

Hope this is helpful and good luck finding the camera that best meets your needs!
 
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Thanks for your reply burnerww.

Sadly I have to go with canon camcorder though as it more straight up shooting and easier for an amateur like me, and the rest of the money will be invested in a mic tripod/grip.

If you have anything else in mind, please post it up!

Thanks again.

P.S It seems very cool camera, can handle good numerous of styles, sports, cinematic, etc.
 
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