What kind of filmmaker would I be if I didn't know how to throw together a soundtrack? This is where I share, primarily, mixtapes-as-soundtracks to movies that will never exist via 8tracks.
Weird concept, I know; but then again, I'm kind of a weird guy.
Do you think you could give me advice on which camera I should buy for film?
(I should start by saying that the camera I use is the Sony Z5U, because I wanted something that would shoot in 1080p. For years, I’ve used my old rinky-dink (and long ago discontinued) Panasonic DVC-80, and loved it.)
There are three ways to answer this, based on how much you’re willing/feel the need to spend:
1. If money’s totally no object (hey, some people have it like that) and you want the best possible device to shoot something that could be shown in a theater, then the Red One is the move.
2. If you have a few grand saved up and you want something that will look good, but could be edited on a (fairly up-to-date) computer, then something along the lines of the Sony Z5U (on the lower priced end of the quality “prosumer” cameras) or the Sony EX3 (on the higher end of the “prosumer” cameras.)
3. If you don’t have a camera, and you can’t afford to buy one right now, then that honestly shouldn’t hold you back. Other than resolution—which is dictated by where you want the movie to eventually be displayed—one camera versus the other doesn’t matter nearly as much as what you’re shooting.
Option one is a theatrical release camera; option two are broadcast quality cameras. Most people want a particular class of camera because they assume that’s the only away to achieve the look they have in mind. Honestly, though, being able to control lighting, focus, set design and of course shooting something good are what will make your work look great—not some fancy, expensive camera. There’s a concise three-point lighting tutorial here, to get you started with the fundamentals: http://www.mediacollege.com/lighting/three-point/
I hope all of that answers your question, good luck with whatever you’re shooting!
