I've been scouring the internet for days trying to get a handle on my one question: which camera should I use for my documentary? And all the information I've found seemds to contradict itself and it's a muddle that has only left me more in question.
I am a screenwriter, and have directed two narrative films (35mm). After several years of only writing I got bit with the desire to make a documentary after an idea stuck hard with me. Ok, so my doc will be more of a cultural explorative piece with mostly talking interviews (experts, artists, etc.). I'm interested in seeing this film broadcast for tv, and at minimum do the academic circuit. (i'm thinking all this background info will help in answering my question.)
I'm now trying to figure out what camera to use. SHould I buy? Should I rent? Well,I can afford up to about $1200 and I've seen used Sony PD 150's and Panasonic AG-DVC20 and AG-DVC7 within my range. But the internet boards are filled with this warning that to shoot in anything but HDV is ludicrous considering that it will soon be the industry standard. Whereas, other's have more of a 'who gives a crap, just shoot your movie by any means necessary' philosophy. Now I believe in my film and I have hopes that it will have a shelf life longer than 5 years, but trying to figure out this tech side of what cam to use (yes, I will be shooting, it's a two man crew) is starting to slow me down. Therefore, I'm asking for any help.
I care first and foremost about my story, which I really believe in, so I'm falling more into the category of 'screw it, get a pd150 and just shoot!'. but i want to be smart about it too, and I just haven't been up on the tech debates to determine once and for all the best camera route to go. Any help? thanks.
I am a screenwriter, and have directed two narrative films (35mm). After several years of only writing I got bit with the desire to make a documentary after an idea stuck hard with me. Ok, so my doc will be more of a cultural explorative piece with mostly talking interviews (experts, artists, etc.). I'm interested in seeing this film broadcast for tv, and at minimum do the academic circuit. (i'm thinking all this background info will help in answering my question.)
I'm now trying to figure out what camera to use. SHould I buy? Should I rent? Well,I can afford up to about $1200 and I've seen used Sony PD 150's and Panasonic AG-DVC20 and AG-DVC7 within my range. But the internet boards are filled with this warning that to shoot in anything but HDV is ludicrous considering that it will soon be the industry standard. Whereas, other's have more of a 'who gives a crap, just shoot your movie by any means necessary' philosophy. Now I believe in my film and I have hopes that it will have a shelf life longer than 5 years, but trying to figure out this tech side of what cam to use (yes, I will be shooting, it's a two man crew) is starting to slow me down. Therefore, I'm asking for any help.
I care first and foremost about my story, which I really believe in, so I'm falling more into the category of 'screw it, get a pd150 and just shoot!'. but i want to be smart about it too, and I just haven't been up on the tech debates to determine once and for all the best camera route to go. Any help? thanks.