help on cameras

[in_diana_jones]

i have many, which i consider to be, original ideas for movies. i was just wondering if you could let me know of any good, cheap, digital cameras that come with a film editor for the computer, and all the hook ups you need so i can start shooting asap. (the editing i want to do is basic, just add audio files- voice overs, songs, etc. i also want credits...so...) plz let me know!

[JIM]

First off, what platform are you using?
Windows, Mac?
How much can you spend? What's your total budget?
Depending on your hardware setup, you might need additional equipment.
I'd love to get my hands on one of these:
Soooo nice... I want, I want! (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=230979&is=REG) /forums/images/icons/grin.gif

[code6enterprises]

My cousin has one but he won't let me use it. He will soon pay his dues.

{Turns spinny chair around and looks out a tall window and laughs evilly as a bolt of lightning strikes}

[EternalStrife]

[Walks hunched-back up to code6]

Yesss, Massster. Ssshall we begin with phassse one of the plan. Hehehehe.

[DarthMaulRat]

I don't know of any cameras that come with their own video editing software. If you want simplicity, just go with the Adobe Video program. It's pretty cheap, available at any store, and user friendly.

Actually, if you're jumping head first into movie making, maybe you want to consider starting with a cheap camcorder and doing your editing on a VCR. Your movies will be infinitely better if you start with the basics and then move on. Also, look for a camera with a headphone attatchment. Audio is always the most lacking part of home movies, unless you buy an expensive microphone. Wearing headphones while shooting will help you focus on better audio the same way a viewfinder helps you line up your shots.

[in_diana_jones]

my range is about 300...any ideas? i want a digital camera.

[JK]

There are a lot of digital cameras out there for around $300. I would highly recommend anything with a MiniDV format and a firewire port. The video quality is much better than 8mm or VHS-C and it's a helluva lot easier to plug it into a computer. As far as the editing software, try Pinnacle Studio 8- it sells for around $125 for the software and a firewire card together in one box. (check the sales flyers in your Sunday paper) That's what I started out with and I didn't know a damn thing about what I was doing. Now I'm using a Canon GL1 to shoot, Vegas 4.0 to edit, and Sonic DVDit to burn. But whatever you do, research the software for it's capabilities and support as well as it's price. I first bought some junk software that didn't do anything except cause me a headache and waste space on my hard-drive.

[in_diana_jones]

can someone just give me a link on the net to a good camera under like 300 with video editing included? i also don't know what i would need to hook it up to my computer...this is all knew to me.

[matthew_almeida]

This girl is in dreamland. if onyl the magical fairy's could get a digital camera and components for computer for 300$ we would all be happy

[JIM]

For $300.00 you are not going to get anything good. Anything that will be worth your while.
Ideally, Save up at least $800.00 - $1,000 for your first camera.
All cameras these days come bundled with some sort of editing software. It's usually good enough to get you started. If you enjoy it and want to go further, Adobe premiere is nice.
Go with DV. Analog tape is dying a slow death.
Try going here for some more info. :
Studentfilms.com Forums (http://forums.studentfilms.com/6/ubb.x)
Filmmaker.com (http://filmmaker.com/index.php)
Enjoy /forums/images/icons/grin.gif