you're making a short-short film (3-4 minutes) with a budget of 2 grand.

you want lots of close shots, stunning and surreal visual language (bla bla bla a 'film look')

what camera would you like to use?

HV20's are good. So are used DVX's, though that'll eat through the majority of your budget.

get more money... get an HVX with a red rock 35mm converter. Amazing.

And also completely unecessary...

Adapters are for those with too much money and too much time. They're cool, but for this price point completely irrelevant.

are you renting a camera? since it is a short and all? If you are renting, go for a HVX200 if you can. If you a buying, i would say DVX100 (used)...Anything less (hv20) will prove endlessly frusterating when you need to be in control of the image.

i agree with cinematical somewhat regarding the redrock. You can work your way around a 35mm adapter, and still get a shallow depth of field.

Given that the film is so short, i might suggest 16mm (a bolex or something), since you have a budget which could robably support it. I would only use 16mm if there is little to no dialogue, though.

Yeah for your money go with the HV20 or HV30. Buy a decent mic, and some cheap lights.

I'm really tired of the whole 35mm adapter look. It can look fantastic, but people fall into the trap of having EVERY shot with only one thing in focus. It seems like people see them as an easy solution to make a good movie, but really it's just adding more snazz. I have seen just as much awesome footage with an adapter as footage without. I guess it really depends on the look you're going for, but I kinda prefer footage shot without one.

The HVX can produce amazing footage, but for a fifth the price, the HV20 can also produce pretty awesome footage.

Yeah, when anybody gets there hands on an adapter, the first thing they do is load their shorts with tons of rack-focus shots!

Of course, I'm a little two-faced on the subject, considering I am in the process of building an adapter...

I own the HV20 and it is an amazing camera. I also own the Rode Videomic (shotgun) for it.

If you can rent, I'd do that. If you'd like to buy on the other hand...an HV20 is a good choice as mentioned.

I put together a camera recommendation list, with prices so you can take a look at that if you'd like...perhaps give you a better idea of what to choose.

-Kegan

LILY!

How's UCLA? I need your email address, we did everything through my later discarded UCLA email addy.

hey jayimess!!

wow, it's cool to have a familiar voice... i sort of fell to the wayside with this AWESOME place since i got caught up/busy and now i'm BACK!

this place rocks. i will PM you my email.

also, thanks everyone for the responses, great fodder for thought.

so i hooked up with a really great DP, and looking at his reel, and given the hyper-graphic nature of the short (and almost complete absence of dialogue) and my budget, we've decided when factoring in to aim for a super 16mm.

although i have been hearing so much talk lately about the 'red' camera. it's like some beautiful mythical beast.

my next question is on sound design/strategy/approach - think i'll post another thread.

WORD EVERYONE!

I put together a camera recommendation list, with prices so you can take a look at that if you'd like...perhaps give you a better idea of what to choose.

-Kegan[/QUOTE]

hey kegan-
did i miss something? i clicked on this link looking for a list...

Ah, sorry Lily..I didn't actually post the link. The link is:

http://forums.studentfilms.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1486066451/m/5901083125

It definitely does not include the RED camera but...you likely would not be able to shoot on the RED with a budget of 2 grand (if that's JUST your camera budget, possibly depending on how fast you shoot and if you're able to find a decent deal at a rental house). Keep in mind, it may not be a good idea because of the RED workflow.

I'm probably going to revise the list in the near future, considering the HPX170 is coming out, the HVX200a is already out and its seeming like a much bigger year for cameras than ever before (NAB was a big hit...not that I got to go though )

Anyway, if you have any more questions either shoot me a PM or respond back in the thread.

Been pretty busy lately, so I apologize for not being around more - I'll give it a shot to be more active.

-Kegan