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1. Re: Video Camera for Commercials
able123 Dec 2, 2011 1:23 PM (in response to nofxspam02)The best solution to start with is to put a sample of what you want to IMITATE re: quality and distribution.
a link or something that shows us what you want to duplicate in terms of quality and how it is distributed.
Normally that is dictated by the client and ad agency for national and international commercials.
However, for local commercials ( car dealerships, or things like " chia pets " ) are not on the same level of production in terms of several elements of shooting ( camera, lights, talent, soundtrack, locations, etc ).
Best bet.. find samples of what you want to do, and show us.. then we can suggest stuff...
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2. Re: Video Camera for Commercials
Colin Brougham Dec 2, 2011 1:39 PM (in response to nofxspam02)Forget the FX1000--HDV is dying, and tape is dead.
Do you plan on doing any amount of on-location audio? If so, get a camera with decent audio capabilities--that means, anything but a DSLR. The AC160 would qualify.
Do you plan on lighting much? If not, something that has good low-light sensitivity is important. The 5Dmk2 will own in this category.
Ever shot video with a DSLR? It's weird. If you're trying to run-and-gun, you'll hate it. If you're locked down, or at least well-prepared to deal with i's quirks, it will create some incredible images (once you know the camera--it looks like crap in the hands of someone who hasn't taken the time to figure it out ).
Plan on spending a fair chunk of change to get a decent lens (or lenses) for a DSLR; good glass makes a huge difference.
Personally, I'd go with the AC160--or even the 130. The 160 is great, but it has a few features you probably don't need, so the 130 will save you some coin for support gear.
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3. Re: Video Camera for Commercials
able123 Dec 3, 2011 6:01 AM (in response to Colin Brougham)oh... another thing to think about...
depending on your location...you may have a camera 'rental' place near you..with a wide variety of stuff available to rent by the day...with lenses and accessories etc...
thats not a bad way to do it if client can pay for the rental ( even if you have your own camera the client would pay something for you to be using it on the commercial usually ).
anyway, by renting you can see what you like from a range of cameras.
good luck and have fun !
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4. Re: Video Camera for Commercials
nofxspam02 Dec 3, 2011 7:15 PM (in response to Colin Brougham)I would get a lighting kit. Would be a lot of on-location tripod shots - push, pulls, pans, rack focus. Nothing too crazy. Obviously it wouldn't be on par with some of the national spots but definitely looking for high quality local commercials - at least the look of spot. It doesn't have to be one of the cameras I listed above either, those were just a few I had looked in to. As far as linking a video that is a good idea but I can't think of a video that is on youtube that would be comparable.
Also, definitely would be doing audio. Probably get 1 or 2 lavalier mics
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5. Re: Video Camera for Commercials
JSS1138 Dec 3, 2011 8:04 PM (in response to nofxspam02)I'm currently working on a documentary shooting with a DSLR. I HATE it. The ergonomics SUCK! Give me a real video camera.
All the options in the list below are real video cameras that record a 4:2:2 image, which certainly isn't critical, but can really be nice for higher end work, especially if you plan on doing any green screen work. There are several models between $1800 and $5300, the last being the new Panasonic HPX250, the only model in the lineup to record Master Quality AVC-I.
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6. Re: Video Camera for Commercials
davidbeisner2010 Dec 8, 2011 7:02 AM (in response to JSS1138)There are definitely some good cameras in that link from Jim. My $0.02 would be to stay away from the Panasonics, because you'll eat up the rest of your budget on P2 cards, unless you have a solid laptop you can capture directly with using OnLocation (which limits you to very set locations--i.e., no moving around). The Panasonics have a great image, but the cost of the proprietary media is just silly.
I use the JVC-GYHM700u on a daily basis and I love it. I would bet that either the HM100 or HM150 (little brothers) would be comparable to it in terms of the quality of the footage. It shoots in XDCAM-EX format, which is very nice for editing--it's a breeze in CS4, CS5, and CS5.5. I've also used the Canon XH line, and I like the image quality of those as well (though stay away from the XHA1 and A1s which use HDV, because as Colin said, tape is dead. You'll also waste a TON of time on capturing your footage to your edit system.
For your needs, a camera with at least two external XLR inputs, that records to solid state media (SDHC cards, etc.) and that can shoot the full range of HD (1080p/i and 720p at all frame rates) would be your best bet. Getting one with an external bayonet type lens like the HM700u which I use is a plus, but probably outside your budget.
Consider very carefully your other production gear, too. If you're going to be shooting in places where you can control 100% of the light, one of the small light kits from Lowel would probably suit you very nicely. If you'll be doing outside shooting, though, or shooting in big rooms, you'll need big light. I highly recommend eBay for stuff like lights and C-Stands, because it's a lot cheaper and the professional gear really holds up well, so you're likely to continue getting many more years out of it. Same with a tripod--if you're going with professional grade gear, it's safe to buy used. Get a tripod with a ball head, because it'll save you loads of time and frustration trying to level it up... A company I work with nearby from time to time has both lights and tripods that are much older than I am, and still work beautifully... i.e., 30+ years old...
Also, when it comes to your lav mics, again, be careful what you buy. If you're shooting product demo kinds of things where it doesn't matter if a lav mic is in the shot, then you're okay with a stock mic. But if you need to be able to hide your mic, consider buying a Countryman B2 to go along with your system... those mics can be hidden in clothes, hair, just about anywhere, and still sound great. I'm a big fan of the Sennheiser wireless systems--they work very well and can take a lot of abuse. I've not looked at wireless stuff in a long time, so they may be completely off the market now, but make sure that whatever you buy is in a "safe" radio frequency band. A couple years ago the FCC took away several of the frequency bands which had been allocated for wireless audio systems, and a bunch of people lost a bunch of gear as a result.
Also, no matter where you're shooting, invest in a good set of filters for your camera. Keep a clear or UV filter on the lens all the time to help protect your glass. It's much nicer to replace a $100 filter cause it got scratched than to either live with a scratch on your lens or have to replace the whole camera or lens unit. And if you're shooting outside, play around with polarizing filters... they can really give that extra punch to your footage.
When I first got into this stuff broadcasters were still really leery of "cheaper" cameras like what you're looking at, and like what I have. Now, however, as long as you can meet their specs on exported footage, they'll take almost anything. I remember when I started conventional wisdom was to check with the local broadcasters before you started and find out what restrictions they had on camera use (a couple of my local broadcasters wouldn't take anything shot with a 1/3" lens or smaller). You may still want to ring up the stations you plan on shooting for and ask them if they have any requirements or restrictions before you settle on a camera.
Good luck!




