Wax (scary), Thanks, & Digital Camcorder Advice

	Re: Wax (scary), Thanks, & Digital Camcorder Advice by Dave LaRonde on Feb 1, 2008 at 11:22:16 pm [Sarah Hemp] "Now, I need a digital camcorder. Any suggestions? Keep in mind, I have no real filming experience, so must be very user friendly, but still good enough quality to make me look good. :) Cost is a factor too, of course." Whenever I see someone with aspirations of being the in-house video person say, "I need a camera", I tend to cringe. Why? Because people think that's all they need. They tend to forget about..... • Lights, gels, diffusers, flags, reflectors • Extension cables • Microphones: a few lavaliers, a good shotgun, perhaps a field mixer, plus associated cables • Camera stabilization (beanbags, tripods... yes, tripods with an s, jibs) • A way to store the items above, and a way to move them from place to place as you shoot • A place to shoot (like a studio) • Backdrops & curtains • Chairs, coffee tables, desks, other set pieces • Chroma key backdrops Now depending on what you're shooting, you may not need the studio stuff at the end of the list. But the rest of it? It'll be instrumental in your quest to look good. No fooling. You might be able to buy stuff as you go along. But the day will come when you'll desperately wish you had more of the things listed above. Better get ready to tell the superior "I'm going to need more than just a camera." Dave LaRonde Sr. Promotion Producer KCRG-TV Respond to this post   •   Return to posts index