Posted by ben on 03/29/06 09:06

I am new to video production and know very little about the equipment
involved (except what I've been able to research online). I have a
low-end Panasonic MiniDV camera (NV-GS35) which has no accessory shoe
or XLR connection (but does have a standard 3.5mm audio jack).

I am planning an indoors project that I want to make look as
professional as possible, but I have a very limited budget ($300 AUD in
full). I need advice on suitable lighting and microphone options. A
two-point lighting system would most likely be the best I could hope
for, but there appears to be a large variety of different equipment to
choose from and I don't know what I would need. On the audio front, as
there will be scenes where someone behind the camera is talking to the
person in front, a unidirectional microphone is probably out of the
question. A bi-directional or cardioid microphone may do the trick (I
don't know enough about these to know for sure), but not having an XLR
connection probably limits my options anyway.

If anyone could give me an idea of the kinds of things I need to ask
for at my local lighting/audio store to get suitable equipment
(preferrably portable - the shoot location will be hired) for close to
my budget, I would be greatly obliged.

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