Advice For Beginner (camera, software, etc.)

Hi - I'm a Mac virgin. I want to start shooting and editing and need some advice on what to buy.

I got a 17" MBP and a 24" Dell screen for starters.

What's a good starter camera? I'm really wondering about format - I understand there are new HD based cams? Is that the way to go?

Also what software?

It all depends on what you want to do. If you're doing this to actually pursue some sort of career in video, HD is most likely the way to go since it is more easier to sell than SD. If you're doing this just as a hobby, than SD should be just fine. It's all personal preference really.
What is you're budget for a camera?

I think macwannabe might be referring to hdd cams, as in video cameras that use a harddrive instead of a DV tape.

Leecho7 means HD as in high definition - ideally I'd look for a camera with both

But most high definition cameras use HDV I think - high definition DV tapes, which is fine as well. The tapes are re-useable and transferring material to your computer doesn't really take that long. A harddrive based model is a bit easier to transfer data back and forth, but I'd make sure a new camera is high definition instead.

Aptmunich said:

I think macwannabe might be referring to hdd cams, as in video cameras that use a harddrive instead of a DV tape.

Leecho7 means HD as in high definition - ideally I'd look for a camera with both

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Good point, Apt, but I wouldn't tend to go for an hdd camera unless you really want the convenience - they pre-compress the footage, meaning that you have already lost quality before you get it onto your Mac - tape is much better.

Consumer cameras do not shoot in true HD - those that do cost about 80,000GBP!

The best consumer level system is HDV, such as Sony's Z1, which some people argue is as good as the professional SD Betacam (but not as good as HD).

The Sony is a good choice if you have the money and are prepared to spend the extra time working with HDV (bulkier files, longer renders), otherwise go for a good MiniDV camera such as the Canon XL2 or XM2.

If you are going to edit a lot, it's worth investing in Final Cut Express, which has all the basic features of FCP (though obviously get the latter if you can afford it).

All the best with your editing! There's nothing like watching your own films, however inane!

(apologies if I'm using UK model names - I don't know what they are internationally)

If you are thinking about the xl2 then you would have to get final cut pro not express if you want to shoot in 24p, express can not handle 24 frames a second, it only does 60i, which is not bad if you want your stuff to look like it was shot on video, where 24p looks more like film

disciple said:

Consumer cameras do not shoot in true HD - those that do cost about 80,000GBP!

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This statement is not true, you can get a true HD camera for alot less then that. I don't know how much 80,000GBP is in USD but I know that red will be selling for under $10,000 with out a lens, and the red lens will be 4500, unless you want to buy a standard 35mm lens instead.

Red is also shooting at higher resolutoins then professional HD

www.red.com

(its not released yet, but once it is, its going to be amazing, coming Q1 2007 most likely)

Thanks for the heads-up, I wasn't aware of this. Looks good, but I wonder how it will translate to the UK - we usually end up paying about 40% more than the US price or have to do without a warranty!

PowerBookG4 said:

you can get a true HD camera for alot less then that. Red is also shooting at higher resolutoins then professional HD

www.red.com

(its not released yet, but once it is, its going to be amazing, coming Q1 2007 most likely)

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Further investigation suggests that this could be a hoax - I thought it sounded to good to be true! Or do you have more info than this, PBG4?

http://www.hdforindies.com/2005/12/new-digital-cinema-camera-coming-red