Posted by nobody special on 02/16/06 19:48

I would spend money on a trip to a film or video school and some
lessons and books first. When you have the knowledge, the actual tools
are not as important. A pro can make beautiful product with
ghetto-level tools, and the most expensive camera in the world will not
give good results in the hands of an inexperienced user.

Every beginner or person new to production thinks buying an expensive
camera automatically makes everything look good. Wrong, wrong, wrong!
Knowing how to light a scene, how to direct the talent, compose the
shot, how to edit, and how to write the creative and fresh script or
storyboard in the first place, is what makes a good product. Having all
the tools: a good light and grip kit, good sound gear, good tripod and
maybe a dolly... all these things contribute significantly, regardless
of what camera you have on hand. If you have to ask questions of such a
basic level as the first post, you really are not ready to actually
MAKE a better video than what you are seeing currently. That's not to
say you will NEVER be ready, just that you are trying to do things out
of sequence. Get some training first, then the rest will fall into
place for you. Sure, you can learn on your own, but you will spend a
lot more time and money making and learning from your mistakes using
that method. Asking people to just give you their shopping lists of
gear will not prove too useful either: everybody shoots differently for
different projects, and what one guy will suggest is the best set-up
for HIM may not be all that great for YOU and your needs. Once you get
some training, you will be in the best position to know what to obtain
to meet your specific goals. Until then, you are just making yourself a
target for every trickster and con man who finds you.

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