Q&A: Video camera choice for amateur directors? & other camera questions…making a ‘professional’ looking video…
Question by Pbelle: Video camera choice for amateur directors? & other camera questions…making a ‘professional’ looking video…
Hello! I’m very interested in directing movies but I can’t go to any schools at the moment. So I’m going to see what I can teach myself. But! I would like to have a good camera. I’ve tried experimenting with an old sony (by old I mean about 15 years old) that I have already but that…doesn’t work so well. But maybe I just don’t know how to use it yet! 😛 What is it that makes professional movies look professional that regular video cameras don’t have? Is it just lighting? Or the angle? Composition of the scene? I don’t know of course, but it doesnt seem like its any of these to me. I know that it isn’t the clarity of the picture because my old Sony takes some rediculously clear and vibrant videos. What are some cameras that aren’t terribly expensive but are a relatively good quality?? Or is there anything I can do to make the videos I take with the Sony look any more “professional” ? Thank you very much for your time!
Best answer:
Answer by Mat N
You’re kind of asking a lot of different questions under one topic. Most video cameras (especially older ones like you are talking about) are missing a few things that pro 35mm cameras have. Pro movie cameras tend to have very expensive lenses on them, which give a better picture. Video cameras are generally lower resolution and have a longer depth of field (meaning everything in your picture is in focust). Film also works at 24 frames per second, while video cameras operate (usually) at 60 frames, giving film a less “real life” look than that given by video cameras.
That being said, a lot of the other factors you mention are also essential for a “good” film image. You need to properly light your scenes, come up with interesting angles, compositions and camera movements in order to make it interesting to a viewer.
You are comparing two very different formats. If you want to have video which looks more like film, then look for a 24p (24 progressive frames per second) video camera like the Panasonic DVX100 line or cameras from Canon like the XHA1 or the more moderately priced Canon HV20/HV30 cameras…those are available new for under $ 750 and shoot some incredible footage, as long as it is properly lit.
There is also a lot that can be done in post to make your footage look more film-like, but getting the best possible images to start is most important. We’ve all heard the old saying “crap in, crap out.”
I hope that helps.
Mat N.
http://www.FilmSensei.com
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