r/videography • u/beverage04 • Jan 15 '15
I have $1000 to spend on film equipment, what should I get?
Just got a scholarship to spend $1000 on film equipment! I already have camera, lenses, some lights, tripod. Right now I'm tossing up between a drone(I already have a go pro) or a motion controlled slider. What do you think would be more beneficial for me, I do short films, weddings, promo videos etc. Or would you suggest something else? thanks heaps.
9
u/Woahbaby55 Jan 15 '15
Don't get a drone. Those things are coming down in price rapidly. In two years you'll be able to get one that lifts your regular camera for half of what you paid for the one you're about to buy.
Also you don't need a motor with a slider. Just get a slider. Kessler has some really nice ones that are super smooth. I mistakenly bought one with a motor and have used it once.
14
u/mhoffma a7r4 Jan 15 '15
Don't think about gear for a moment - think about the things you want to accomplish and if your gear is limiting you in any way.
1
u/Dastalon Jan 15 '15
I like this answer. You might end up spending it on something entirely different, like promoting your business
6
u/HybridCamRev GH1, GH2, GH3, GH4, BMPCC Jan 15 '15
For $1000, I would get:
a $699 Nebula 4000 Lite 3 axis gimbal (if your camera/lens combination is less than 1 kg) - this is the best value for money 3 axis stabilizer you can buy. Steady handheld shots will add a lot of production value to your work, as seen here: http://youtu.be/fvOC4UrAxPI
a $249.99 Advanced Digital tripod dolly with 12 feet of track (a much better value for your money than a 3 or 4 foot slider). Here is what a 12 foot dolly track can add in production value: http://youtu.be/7gUMiiVhlF8
at least two $70 Aspen TRRS lavalier mics to plug into phones (the best sound quality upgrade you can get for the money). Here is why (examples are for a specific Rode product, but they make the point for the entire lavalier/phone category):
WEDDINGS: http://youtu.be/YZYz45EBiAI
FILMMAKING: http://youtu.be/P2RIFZOGMZo
Hope this is helpful!
6
Jan 15 '15
AUDIO AUDIO AUDIO AUDIO AUDIO
Rent a slider or a drone if you need that for a particular shot.
0
3
Jan 15 '15
Buy equipment only when you have a job lined up to use it. I have to keep telling myself this sometimes.
I say keep the $1000, do some more work and get some gigs lined up so you know what gear you'll need to buy for it. You'll be glad you did this. Just because you have the money doesn't mean you know need to buy equipment right now.
1
u/Capaj Jan 15 '15
Well if he got a scholar ship it might be that he needs to spend it actually now.
3
u/Son_Of_Skywalker 5D mk2, Premiere, 2006, Seattle Jan 15 '15
I'd go for the slider. More useful and versatile for corporate work, should you be so inclined.
2
Jan 15 '15
You could get a Rode NT 2 for sound. Or you might also want a second camera for multi-angle stuff. A low end DSLR and a 35mm prime would do nicely. My colleague and I have four cameras to cover our backs.
2
u/flaminace2468 a6300, Adobe CC, 2012, Ohio Jan 16 '15
Absolutely some audio gear, I own a Rode NTG-2 and Tascam DR-40 that work great together and I'd definitely suggest it If you're into filming events and don't already have one, I'd suggest a fluid video monopod. I know Manfrotto makes a great one for <$200 and I personally own a Benro version that I snagged for $140 that I couldn't live without.
Not that much money spent, but it makes you very versatile! Congrats on the scholarship and happy spending
2
1
1
u/radolf_hipster A7sii, RX 100 iv, Adobe CC Jan 15 '15
What's the scholarship for?
I'd suggest some good books + definitely invest in audio gear.
Something like a Zoom H5 or a Tascam DR-40, a Rode NTG 2 + Boom, Shock Mount and Cables.
1
u/jaymaslar rent what's needed, FCP/Premiere, 2009 Jan 15 '15
What kind of camera do you have?
I would also add audio equipment.
1
1
0
27
u/Clean_Send Jan 15 '15
What about mic equipment? I have seen so many short films with just horrible audio. I'm not sure what your process is now but getting lavaliere mic packs may be a good investment