I am starting my own digital video production company and need to buy a camera.?

Question

I recently moved from Los Angeles to Richmond, VA and in Los Angeles there were many local places to rent out video equipment to get a taste of the equipment before committing to buy one. There aren't any video camera rentals locally for me in Richmond, so does anyone have any suggestions on a good reliable camera for video shoots. It will be used for producing music videos, weddings montages, corporate videos, surf videos, etc.

Answer 1

If Standard Definition is okay for you, I'd recommend the DVX100A for its flexibility and relative affordability.

It has a "film-look" when in 24p mode, and has several CineGamma controls/presets for control over contrast, black level, knee and color density.

Also, its sound capabilities are great for a prosumer camera including two XLR inputs for mic and line level audio, and its audio compression scheme has been touted for its fantastic quality.

The Carl Zeiss lens is sharp also with real 1:1 focus ring to motor ratio, so hard stops are possible.

Make sure you get a good fluid head tripod also, I'd recommend a Manfrotto 501 or 503 head with carbon fiber lets for strength and lightweight stability.

Hope this helps

Answer 2

Surf, in Richmond? Now that you are professional and not a hobbyist, your first consideration will be your clients needs, not which camera has the most whiz bangs. Nothing that happens at a wedding is going to be enhanced by Wide Screen. The proud parents that pay for the video don't have a TV set that can play 24p programs either. Editing is part of what a client expects from a professional production. SD miniDV format is easy to edit, and since you only have the one camera, that is the format that best allows you to match shots taken by others. Not all your friends are going to have a HDV camera laying around for you to borrow to help on a big shoot, but the uncle of the groom might have a miniDV with tripod for the cover shot.