Christian Filmmakers

Aw, Caleb, you beat me to it…

Having manual control and knowing how to use it is a must if you intend to become a serious cinematographer. There are people who’d even say to shoot stills on a film SLR first… it’ll get you thinking about f/stop, shutter speed, FOV, DOF, metering, film stock, filters, and lighting right away without all the pressure of getting good performances or a story. It would probably be cheaper, especially if you can borrow the SLR.

I am decidedly not a serious cinematographer, but a few good ones have learned that way.

J. MacAlpine wrote:

Would it be better to save up for a good camera such as the the Canon XH-A1? I am familiar with the concept of “You get what you pay for” yet my thought was to buy an inexpensive camera and practice shooting techniques and ect with it,and when I did buy a good camera ,maybe then I would know what to do with it? I don’t really know..What do you all suggest?
Thanx,
J.

NO.

The XHA1 is outdated by quite a bit. If you’re into saving your money for something good one of the video DSLRs or a Red Scarlet would be your best bets.

If you want something of “good” quality and low price, the Canon/Vixia camcorders have most of the best reviews.

The more important thing than what camera you have is knowing how to use your camera and how to manipulate light (this includes a knowledge of colour correction.)

The best camera in the world will do you no good if you don’t get out there and learn by EXPERIENCE and knowledge how to get the best images. (10,000 hours is considered the minimum for mastery of a skill.)

Camera work and lighting is most definitely a skill, a good DP could get amazing images out of a cheap camera. Those same images would look better out of a better camera but guess what? there will always be a better camera out, or about to come out. So go shoot some stuff with your still camera. (assuming you have one) learn about framing and composition. Read books on cinematography and most of all DO cinematography until you can make something truly amazing.

I’d also recommend that you wait on buying a camera until you are knowledgeable enough to be able to read all the specs you can find on each camera and comprehend them so that you can make the best decision on your own.

But if you simply have to have a camera now I’d recommend the Canon/Vixia camcorders. I have one and I am happy with what I get out of it.

Here’s a review of the HV20 (precursor to the HV 30 and 40.)

http://www.outside-hollywood.com/2007/12/camera-review-canon-hv20/

Gabriel Everson wrote:

Camera work and lighting is most definitely a skill, a good DP could get amazing images out of a cheap camera. Those same images would look better out of a better camera but guess what? there will always be a better camera out, or about to come out. So go shoot some stuff with your still camera. (assuming you have one) learn about framing and composition. Read books on cinematography and most of all DO cinematography until you can make something truly amazing.

Exactly right. 

I think any advice I would have given you, J, has already been given.  :D

So - ahem - ditto. And ditto again.

BTW, how much money are you currently willing to spend?

J. MacAlpine wrote:

If I wanted A very junky Camera to practice shots and such with,Is the Panasonic PV-GS31 OK? There is one I can pick up locally For 60$.What do y’all think?

It depends on what you mean by “practicing shots”. If you are talking about directing the camera, and learning shot flow and how to shoot a scene, then really any old camera will do. Keep in mind that whatever digital camera you buy today will be out-of-date in three years—probably less.

If you are talking about learning the fundamentals of cinematography, then I strongly concur with others in this thread who suggested getting an SLR. I think you should get an actual film camera, and not a digital SLR (since you won’t be able to “cheat” with a good viewfinder).

J. MacAlpine wrote:

Hello to all,
I am and have been looking for a good camera to use to practice with until maybe, hopefully,prayerfully…I am able to get a red camera.But for now What do y’all suggest.What features should I look for in a camera?
Thanx,
J.

Go with something like the Canon 5D Mark II or the 7D.  Erwin brothers used footage from these interchangeably with RED footage on their last docu, The Mysterious Islands.