• Wondering which camera, gear, computer, or software to buy? Ask in our Gear Guide.

Don't Have Cash to Throw Around - Sub-$300?

So I'm looking to spend in the neighborhood of 300, preferably less, to begin my foray into playing around with making movies. Is there anything to be had in that range that will give me a decent quality along with enough control to tweak things manually? (Sound isn't an issue - I have a basic Tascam DR-05 and a shotgun mic (I know alcove, it's not the best, but it's all I can do :( ) I was here once before, but the thread turned to sound. I'm interested in finding a decent camera at this point. I imagine not much great stuff is to be had, but I'm willing to go used, as well as work with something that will just give passable results. Side-note - my scripts I'm working have a modest spattering of action scenes and such, so I need something that isn't going to cave under this pressure. One of my scripts is heavily based around a dark, possibly rainy, sort of setting for much of it, so low-light performance is a plus, though I imagine I'll just have to hack through this with creative lighting in my price-range.
 
Look around for something used. Save a few $$$ for some good 'ol Home Depot clamp lights and maybe a C-stand or two.

How are you set up for video and audio editing?

*disclaimer* I'm still in the planning phases yet and won't be pulling the trigger on purchases until I've got all this lined up, a few scripts edited several times, looked over by friends, and storyboarded, etc. Right now, I'm thinking about downloading and giving Lightworks a try since it's freeware. It looks like a pretty decent editor, though I'll admit, I haven't really looked too much into it quite yet. I'll probably tinker around with random footage and see how it fares.


Hi brandonman - there are a few Panasonic GH1s listed on eBay for less than $300. With an inexpensive adapter and classic Nikon or Canon FD glass, you'll be in business.

Here is what this camera can do:

http://vimeo.com/43625636 (Warning: NSFW)

http://vimeo.com/19308687

http://vimeo.com/32597417

https://vimeo.com/19858547

Hope this is helpful and good luck with your projects!

Bill

Hm... I'll have to take a closer look at that. Nice footage, especially if I can reach that under $300! I haven't really looked at the more expensive cameras on eBay yet, probably primarily because I don't want to research which expensive ones I'd like and get myself all built up and expecting them :P
 
Back
Top