Need Video Camera Advice

[Ricky B]

Hey guys, bout to make a very large investment in legit, or at least as legit as I can afford video cameras.

Matter of fact I sold my dually to in part buy these cameras . . . yes I know I have lost big manhood points for that, but business before pleasure.

There have been very big recent developments in my business that is going to warrant me having video crews every weekend, and more than likely two video crew every weekend, and a possibility of three sometimes.

There are 50 freakin billion different types of cameras out there, I have no idea where to start, and don't want to go to some electronics store and get my butt handed to me by some salesman who has no idea what he's selling.

So I guess a minimum of 4 cameras but if i can squeeze 5 or 6 i will as well.

-I do know whatever I get a big concern is a no questions asked replacement insurance policy since I will more than likely be destroying cameras and accessories and mic's and whatnot left and right almost every other weekend with what we'll be doing. I know there are policies like that out there, just don't know where to find them or if anyone has any opinions on particular companies to check with.

-another concern is obviously quality, i know at a minimum I need 1080p HD

-also low lighting - how or what do i need to deal with those type of situations - lenses, types of cameras, etc?

-image stability, i was told there are two types and one causes a ripple effect vs one type is clear but don't know which is which?

-clip on mic's - wireless that have that little thing that plug to the side of the camera - biggest concern there is quality, I've seen too many clip on mics make that terrible scratchy being ruffled around noise every time you breath. Also need them to have decent range, need a pointer on good mic's

-Zoom, big deal, need a good bit of zoom



now I don't have all the money in the world, and no extra room so once I buy what I buy I'll be stuck. I know there are the pro cameras that all seem to start around 2 plus grand a piece. Screw that.

I'm in the process of pooling all my possible left over resources I can and probably will have a total of 4 grand budget for all this.

I've seen very, very good quality work from smaller cameras, but it seems hit or miss on which ones do well. I've seen 1000 dollar cameras record absolute crap, and a 300 camera look like a legit production quality recording, so idk.

Now granted, I may get unlucky and have to bone up and buy three 1 grand cameras and make do for now, or if I'm lucky maybe I can squeeze 4 or 5 cameras in that budget.




but I know there will be extra costs like spare batteries, lots of the memory chips, maybe lens stuff, holder things, attachable soft lights for extreme low lighting, the wireless clip on mic things (need two of those) and so on.



Just hoping someone might could point me in some kind of direction, thanks.

 

[orange150]

Canon T2i

 

[Ricky B]

Need video cameras, got a decent amount of pic cameras, i mean i see that its capable of doing video, but I need like legit looking video cameras, so people think we're legit video crews not just dudes with cameras from best buy or something

 

[orange150]

oooohhhhhh.

Canon T2i...

I know a few videographers who bought that camera solely for video, you'd be surprised how amazing the video it takes is. They all told me that it takes better video than their dedicated video cameras.

 

[chris]

Ricky check out BuyShield and Square Trade. They are warranty programs that have accidental damage protection. I would call them and be up front and honest with them about what you are wanting to do. Explain to them exactly what you're looking for an that you fully expect to make a claim. If they can't cover you then they may know of someone who can.


Square Trade ADH: http://www.squaretrade.com/htm/pop/popup_sampleWarranty.html

BuyShield: ADH: http://www.buyshield.com/service-agreement.html

 

[chris]

Did a little searching on "camera insurance" and that led to "Professional Photographers Insurance". Call your local insurance agent and see if they offer any policies. I think this would be a better route than the square trade/buyshield.


Another option is to add it to your personal insurance policy. Something such as your homeowners or renters insurance should have some additional coverage for this type of stuff. However, since you use it for business purposes, they may deny any claims if they find out.

 

[Ricky B]

oooohhhhhh.

Canon T2i...

I know a few videographers who bought that camera solely for video, you'd be surprised how amazing the video it takes is. They all told me that it takes better video than their dedicated video cameras.

Yea I'm not arguing with you there, It might be freakin awesome at video, but we are going to look retarded as a camera crew if we are trying to film stuff with pic cameras regardless of how good it does.

Did a little searching on "camera insurance" and that led to "Professional Photographers Insurance". Call your local insurance agent and see if they offer any policies. I think this would be a better route than the square trade/buyshield.

Yea might have to do that, I had a guy tell me he had some co. that insured his gear all he had to do was make a phone call and new stuff would be to him within two to three days, which would be ideal, since I will need my equipment every weekend. Of course I can't get a hold of the dude now, so tryin to figure out who he was using.

 

[2mnyYotas]

This is not a camera forum.