Can someone help?! I am making my first short film and I have a limited budget to hire equipment. Now, I cant afford film, so I thought I'll shoot on digital (24p) and when I get enough money I'll transfer it onto film- so I did my research and apparantly my only options are 1) Sony HDW F900 Cine alta- (which is soooo expensive) or 2) a Panasonic varicam. Do I have any other options of cameras seeing as I want to transfer back to film in post production? Thanx

If you're not going to be happy with a MiniDV or even HDV to 35 blow-up you should probably go with 16mm film. For your case and seeming purpose, that's probably the best bet. That, or stop being a baby and accept the outcome of a MiniDV/HD blow-up. Or, rob a bank to afford the Varicam. Heck, even look into digital projection, it really does the lower formats justice.

elliott (otiose)...

hang on a sec...pardon my ignorance but..isn't 16mm more expensive to shoot on than HDV?

It's more expensive to shoot and process 16mm, but the equipment is far cheaper. So, if you HAVE the HDV camera, you're in a better position to shoot HDV, but if you don't, and can't get it cheap, it will cost a lot more than 16mm.

Well you could get a DVX100, offering 24p and the 35mm blow ups don't look too bad. You can check out DVXuser.com if that's an option for you. The HVX200 also shoots variable frame rates and is HD but again, that is going to cost you a lot. Look into a few different cameras and you'll find that you don't necessarily have to spend all the money that you think you do.

-Kegan

Are you talking about renting or buying?

That's a good question, I didn't even consider that...

-Kegan

Why are you going to transfer to film at all? If this is your first deal chances are it's going to be viewed online or on a dvd. Plus most venues outside of the boodocks have digital projectors.
Go with the DVX and concentrate on your story! Good Luck

thanx guys, I was actually going to rent but not buy.the transfer to film was because It will be screened in cinemas in africa and also projected= thought I needed film fo this but u along with others have now finally convinced me to just use bloody cheap digital video and not be so stubborn!hate being poor!!

quote:

hate being poor!!

Welcome to the film world

We thrive on other people's money!

Indeed we do, indeed we do...

I'd suggest getting a DVX100, I love mine, Looks great and the only other camera I'd consider would be an HVX, but I personally love the "filmish" quality of the DVX100