how much does a good camera cost for making movies?

Question by lasdkj: how much does a good camera cost for making movies?
How much does an average “good” camera cost for making low budget films? I want my film to have a “professional” look, camera-wise. So I don’t want it to look like a it was filmed on a sony cybershot or what not. 90% of all “indie” films made by film students on youtube have that grainy, have poor lighting, and have a shot-this-for-a-school-project type of look.

I’m looking for a camera that will not look like this (i know a lot has to do with technique and other factors). So how much would an average camera that would do the job cost? And what would you recommend?

Best answer:

Answer by Little Dog
Film caeras like those used in movies include Panavision, ArriFlx and CineAlta. They start at about $ 100,000 and the lenses can cost more than the camera. Audio is captured on a separate audio system.

The Red cameras (One and Scarlet) and Silicon Imaging are getting lots of work – figure around $ 50,000.

Moving down the $ ladder…

Then there’s the Sony XDCAM and HDCAM series… and the new NX series.

Then Panasonic DVCPRO HD series.

Then the Canon XLH series…

Then the Sony HVR series, Canon XHA series and Panasonic AG-HVX200…

Then the JVC GY HD and HY series…

Then the drop into the Prosumer range with the Sony HDR-FX1000 then the HDR-FX7… This is probably the level to start – at the FX1000…

Then the drop to the consumer area with the Canon HV40 and Sony HDR-HC9.

So… What is your budget? Does the budget include mics, tripod and other steadying equipment, lighting, extra rechargeable batteries form the camcorder manufacturer, cases…

No AVCHD.

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