Hi, I'm an undergrad at a film school in the USA and I want to know what camera I can buy that would make the quality of the music videos on MTV, for example, or any Britney Spears video. Is it only doable with a film camera or can I buy a digital video camera and get the quality? Do you know what the price ranges these cameras come in? Thanks so much!
Pranesh
A camera is only as good as the cinematographer.
A good cinematographer is better than the best camera.
If you ain't got it, the best equipment in the world won't help you.
A film camera will give you better quality than any digital camera you can afford (unless you're George Lucas) mostly because film requires more attention so you have to make a better shot. You also have better lenses, variable film stock for different conditions, a better response to differing light levels and a better handling of highly contrasting light levels (you can always tell a video camera by the way any bright light source leaves a trail across the screen). However, film cameras are hugely expensive (many studios hire them from the manufacturer rather than going to the expense of buying them) and film stock ain't cheap either. It's also a hassle to handle.
Any digital camera will produce a film that's fine to watch on your TV. If you want to show your movie in a cinema or other large space (with one of those big boxes that hang down from the ceiling) one of the top-end digital cameras will do fine. every year new technology is released that gives you better quality recordings on better quality equipment, but if you don't start now you'll be waiting forever.
If you will be using a big computer to edit your shots you should buy a camera that has in camera digital storage which you can then transfer straight from the camera to your hard drive. It costs a lot of money but it's essentially what George is doing on Star wars. The cheaper option is to get a camera that records onto video tape and make sure you only use the highest grade tape that you can find. Use a professional editing suite to cut your film and everything will be fine.
If you need to conserve money, check out the notice boards at film schools as they often have notices from people selling things off cheaply. If you trust the internet, check out an auction site like ebay. if you want to visit a non-virtual shop, do that (it's also a good way to get a feel for something you might want to buy elsewhere). You can also get a friend to buy something duty free if they're travelling overseas. In all cases, caveat emptor (let the buyer beware).
You might also like to check out what the Director said to Taylor.