Cameras for dummies?

The long answer? It depends. Since I only shoot in DV, the following just addresses that. Someone with more knowledge can throw in on Digi8, Super 8mm film, and the like if they wish...

For the absolutely no-budget filmmaker, look for a single-CCD digital video camera. You can get a nice Canon Elura on EBay for around $500-800, or buy one new for around $900-1000. The quality of a single-CCD isn't great and you will be giving up some control over your image (manual focus, iris control, etc..), but for the money its a great camera.

For the moderate no-budget, look to the Canon GL-1 (or 2) or the Sony DV-1000. These are a little higher in quality and give you MUCH more control. These will usually run you $1800-$2300 or thereabouts.

For the upper echelons of no-budget, the Canon XL-1S is for you. Interchangeable lenses, close to full control of your shots, and big enough to get a good balance on your shoulder, a lot of network remotes use the XL. I love mine (so my bias should be showing through), but it has taken me through two years of filmmaking and I have very few complaints. The XL-1S runs for around $3500 and comes with a servo-based lens. (Manuals are better, but they can be freaking expensive, relatively speaking - $1700 or so)
If you've got more money, start looking into HD and 24p. These are video cameras that photograph at many higher lines of resolution, and shoot 24 frames per second, giving it a more film-like look. This is also helpful if you plan to transfer your movie to physical film stock someday.

Some cameras to look at:
Canon - Elura2, GL-1, GL-2, XL-1,, and the XL-1S
Sony - DV1000, DV2000
Panasonic - AG-DVX100 (the first 24p to shoot on MiniDV)

By the way, don't let anyone tell you that you can use a DV camera as a digital still camera. IT can take okay stills, but they don't come CLOSE to a "real" digital still camera.

Any questions, post away!

(Multiple post, don't know why...)

Absolutely true!! Both times you said it! *grin*

The digital stills are akin to a screen cap on your computer. The pic stays at video res. They're okay for quick news broadcasts, but if you want a true still, use a damn still camera.

DV stands for Digital Video. It is a format that is becoming extremely popular among indie filmmakers because it has good quality with a cheap price. Full Frontal by Steven Soderbergh was shot on DV.

And I'm not sure why it double posted, I only clicked submit once.

And no Alex, you're still 600 miles away. But I'll see you at Thanksgiving!

From what I've been hearing lately, Hi-def video is a good choice. The new issue of Indie Slate wrote pretty much the whole issue surrounding Hi-def.

Personally, that's the type of camera I plan on buying. If Mr. Andrew Sweeney has any input, I'd love to hear it.

- Fixxxer