What kind of video camera do I need to make a documentary?

Question

I have a limited budget and want something small and light. I might even want to "hide" the camera in a bag or purse. There will be outdoor footage, and I want everything to look great when I'm done.

Answer 1

The following are for you to become cognizant with various known cameras: JVC (A), or PAnasonic or Sony(B). Regardless the size and price, the aim is to get your vision on screen. One could use a Digital Stills camera with Video recording features, and still make a good movie. When purchasing, be aware of space limitations of video, ability to play the videos directly on TV via composite cables or copy files to computer through a USB 2.0 connection or firewire cable. Note computer requirements as well.

With your completed film, cutting is important in such a way that film segments dissolves or transitions in smoothly. That is what ideal seamless film editing is.

For this, you may require a motion graphics compositing (editing, touching up and special effects) program where the film is captured (copied) to a computer within Premiere(1) and broad brushed by repositioning and omitting film segments.

With the suitably placed shots, attention to Visual details can commence in After Effects(2) to spruce up and give clarity to pictures. Once visuals are tip top, Audio can be similarly fine tuned with foreground and background music in addition to voice-overs and sound effects (follies) in Audition(3), before final release.

An abridged version of capturing and broad brushing film can be performed similarly (5) for US $100, totaling US $450 with post-production audio editing(3).

Conversely, leave out the audio editing(3) and bear US $100 only or spend US $50 more to use an encompassing film transpositor to computer that allows basic editing and touchups on Visuals AND Audio is possible through an all rounded editing tool in Studio(6). Text and animations may also be inserted with video on top of film to provide contrast and contextual depth. Mac users might want to consider Final Cut Pro.(7)

Cheaper temporary post editing softwares are available, bearing in mind the short comings.(8)

E-tutorials are available for beginners.(9) The above choices are main stream industry standards. Parallel to the above recommendations, are complementary tools in the market.

Answer 2

This is kind of ghoulish, but you can get amazing cameras, in fact just about any high end electronic stuff from pawn shops in Las Vegas for great prices, and often the pawn shops will specialize in one area, like electronics, jewelry or cars, Also you might even check out 'spy stores' that specialize in small or miniature surveillance equipment. There's several of these stores around the country. Sometimes, they can be pricey, but you can probably do some research online to check out those options.

Answer 3

Canon Poweshot S3IS

Answer 4

Documentary.. everything to look great .. You need a semi-professional camera .. I'd recommend looking into Panisonic. Expect to spend between $5K to $25,000.00 . It ain't cheap. Good Luck ! :)

Answer 5

any- there is a movment of short films being filmed with cell phone- so really any camera is ok