03-09-2008, 12:27 PM
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| Junior Member Standard Definition | | Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 8
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 New York Camcorder Deals - Help Please!
Greetings, I’ve left a few posts on different forums recently about filming live concerts and like everything video and audio, each answer results in 20 more questions. Although I have been advised to post each question separately: a) I would lose track b) I might get answers not relevant to the subject c) While casual readers might be put off, serious filmmakers & media junkies should find some tasty morsels to chew on. I’m flying to New York in two weeks time, and with the good exchange rate I can make savings but I must get the right equipment. Thanx in advance for any advice you can give. J Quick Overview I have recently started a one-man business filming gigs and other live performances. My aim is to offer a high quality, reliable service mainly to buskers and new bands who wanted promotion using live footage / documentary / video but couldn’t afford it. Their only option so far had been to get a friend or fan to film the concerts. Thanks to You Tube my videos are getting lots of views and more importantly I’m getting enquiries and bookings. There is a long-term business plan and vision but I need to make the right decisions now if initial interest is to sustain and grow. Those decisions will involve substantial cost and risk, especially because camcorder technology (like all broadcast / reception technologies) is in the middle of a revolution, changing the possibilities for the established media and increasingly every online person on the planet. Product Questions New York Stores – Does anyone have any experience of B + H photos http://www.bhphotovideo.com/ and 42nd Street photo stores? http://www.42photo.com/ Are they reputable dealers and are there others stores I should investigate? Budget – What the options are (relating to equipment below) in pounds sterling: 1) 500 – 1000 2) 1000 – 5000 3) 5000 and above Camcorder format – Mini DV, Hard Disk, Mini DVD or AVCHD cards? There are quality, performance and redundancy issues with the emerging formats so should I stick with Mini DV for the time being? Camcorder type – which models have worked well specifically in indoor low-light / extreme light variation venues? Microphone - is there a definitive camcorder/ event mic for each of my three budgets? Audio Recorder - What is the best portable one to use with camcorders? Does it take a combined feed from the sound desk or is each track (vocals, guitars, drums etc) kept separate? Accessories – What other bits of kit should I consider, e.g. XLR adaptors, lenses, wireless mics, boom poles etc? Manufactures dispensing with headphone jacks and mic input sockets on camcorders – is everyone in agreement that this is a good thing? It’s understandable for organised events with sound desks but what about when on the move? I need everything in one box, life and equipment is complicated enough. Thanks again  |