ramtour420 wrote:

nixluva wrote:In terms of image quality bang for the buck DSLR's really offer a great value. Sure they have some issues in terms of functionality, but you can do some amazing things with them.

If you're willing to spend a little more the Camera makers have caught on to the DSLR craze and now offer some very interesting combo cameras. The Panasonic AF100, Sony NEX FS100 and the yet to be released RED SCarlet are all in the $4,800 to $6,000 range. The functionality and flexibility of these cameras is AWESOME. The things they offer for the price is unheard of. I'd kill to get my hands on RED or SONY FS100!!! It's worth saving up for one of these cameras.

If i had to spend 4-5K on a camera, i'd rather have not, but then again, I am not a student filmmaker.

Yeah that's why I listed the low cost but really good image quality cams like the $400.00 Sony HX100V, the Canon T3i for about $900.00 or the Panasonic GH2 for about $1,500.00. These include the kit lens. Then there are the small Consumer HD cams like the Canon HF G10 Which is $1,500.00 and has great image quality and video functionality.

nykshaknbake wrote:

nixluva wrote:

nykshaknbake wrote:

Knicksfan wrote:1. Mac

2. Macbook Pro with Final Cut Pro and Adobe Creative Suite to start.

3. Hardware in terms of video recording? If so, a video camera (DSLRs are great for video and photo, especially for short films etc.) Many more equipment depending on final project.

If you were a filmmaker you'd probably want a dedicated video camera. Dslrs can't change focus automatically which is huge especially if you change the zoom and distance of the subject.

Actually there are AF Video DSLR's, sort of. One is my favorite, the Panasonic GH2. It's got a lens that is specially made for silent Autofocus. The lens is the 14-140 which is offered as one of the kits. That and a good wide like the 20mm f1.7 or the more expensive but awesome Voightlander 25mm F0.95. I believe the whole package runs about $1,500.00

A cheap alternative which is AWESOME is the Sony HX100v, which is a point and shoot, but has great image quality in it's video mode. You get 1080/60p!!! There's a manual focus ring too. but you can't change lenses. The lens is a good one tho. Zeiss 27mm-810mm zoom.

As for the Mac or PC. Get a Mac!!!! The main reason is that you get the best of both worlds. In fact you can load any OS you want on it. Linux, Umbuntu, MacOS, Windows. I've had Macs for 20 years and they all still work! My G4, G5, Mac Pro, Imacs all in service no issues. I use them at MAX Load all day everyday. The thing is get as much ram and Processor as you can afford. Don't buy the ram from Apple and you can save a ton. Get highly rated ram from a reseller that can help you select the best match.

Cool I didn't realize the 4/3rd could AF. I wonder if the Sony sales with the translucent mirrors can too?

Right now the top cameras if you are willing to pay about 5-6K are the RED and Sony Super 35 cams. They're really great cams that rival some of the best cams you can buy. The GH2 can get you most of the way their for way less.