What camera to go with?

[Junior]

I am planning to get a camera soon, some thing that my budget(very very low budget) can handle.

My question is should I get a 8mm cam corder for now and try to make things look good throught software for transfer to video tapes; Or shuld i save and get me a cannon dv(which will take a few years to get $3000.00)?

Any of you guys/girls use a 8mm(not super 8mm) and achieved a decent video out put?

Thanks for all comments and suggestions.

-Junior-

[Crynot]

Good god man, don't buy it!!! Wait if you can - that's my advice. Anything lower than HI-8 is practically worthless - compare tape to CD - you can still play them but the quality sucks and they aren't putting out anything compatible for them.

I am personally waiting for the HI DV which is apparently the shite! It's what Lucas is using to film the Episode II.

But........... if that's all you can afford and you're real edgy on getting something fast, then you can use just a plain jane 8MM and it will give you practice, but I wouldn't recommend it.

Crynot

[Tuukka]

When your saying 8mm do you mean 8mm film or 8mm video? 8mm film cameras are very cheap (you can get one for under 100$), but film and it's transfer to video is very expensive. I usually advice people to buy mini DV cameras, because they have a broadcast quality picture, but a good DV cam will cost up from 2500$. If you wan't to start making your own short films etc now, and not after a few years, I would advice you to buy either a 8mm camera or a VHS camera. They have a bit crappy picture quality, especially after the editing process, but I guess that doesn't matter in your case. It's going to take at least two years of training before you are able to make GOOD films, and THEN you can buy the DV cam. 8mm cameras and VHS cameras are old fashioned nowadays and you can get them really cheap, if you buy them second-hand. New VHS and 8mm cameras are almost as expensive as cheapest DV cameras, but have a lot worse picture quality. So I definitely advice you to buy a used camera. You can get it for under 500$. Try www.ebay.com (http://www.ebay.com) and other internet second-hand stores to find yoursel a suitable camera.

Do they have any public editing equipment in your home town? How are you going to edit your short films?