[mrmotivation]

Hey guys I'm starting a small videography company and I'd like to get suggestions on what gear to purchase ( cameras, vcr decks, monitors midi, etc. ) in order to get the ball rolling. I've already got all of the basic hardware and software to set up a fairly decent worksation, so any suggestions outside of that would be greatly appreciated. FYI I'm willing to spend around 7,000-10,000. Thanks

[cdrgonzo20]

Good luck! It will probably be pretty difficult for the first few months, but if you become established there's a ton of money in it, and you don't even have to be any good.

Here is what I would suggest. Buy 1 of the following cameras- JVC GYDV500- The best MiniDV quality camcorder at an under $5000 price tag, this is what I have and its really a great camera. The lens is crap, but its just fine for video production- Canon XL-1- cheaper and more versatile than the JVC GYDV500, it has a warmer film-like tone, but the lens is junk for any serious manual shooting. You can buy a manual lens for it instead of the stock, but you begin to approach the JVC pricepoint- Sony VX-2000- Another great camera, but the lens is fixed... If you're going to go the fixed lens route i would go with the Canon GL-1- its got a great lens and basically the same gear as the XL-1...

After the camera you should consider buying some wireless audio. This should be secondary because you can always rent. Same goes for lighting.

Buy a G4 tower, FCP, DVD Studio Pro. The ability to make DVD's will completely floor your customers, and DVD Studio Pro is insanely easy to commmand.

All of this stuff can be rented, but if you are going that route you will have to search for larger corporate gigs where you can develop a large production and rent all of the needed equipment. If you mean to get into weddings, you really need to have 1 camera and a solid sound system. Until you get some money influx you can rent the second camera, but you'll really need the first one. That business will keep you busy, but there's a ton of pressure and the most you will make is around $800-$1200 depending on the number of cameras.

Out of curiosity, where are you setting up shop?

[jatala]

Originally posted by mrmotivation:
Hey guys I'm starting a small videography company and I'd like to get suggestions on what gear to purchase ( cameras, vcr decks, monitors midi, etc. ) in order to get the ball rolling. I've already got all of the basic hardware and software to set up a fairly decent worksation, so any suggestions outside of that would be greatly appreciated. FYI I'm willing to spend around 7,000-10,000. Thanks

Hey there, good luck with your new company. First of all, where to buy your gear, b&h is the best online store, they have EVERYTHING you will need. you can also purchase supplies on the Studio dept, Here at L.A.

The most important is the camera, you will need XLR connectors, so the vx-2000 (sony) and the Xl1s (canon) are off the deal, you could by XLR plugs and then plug them into your camera, buy yet-no good.
You could purchase the sony pd150, very good and you can use it in any job, from under water, to birthdays. The JVC GYDV500 is also a very good option, its colors are very good, thus it has a 3ccd +1/2.
After your imaging is all set, you can go to audio, you can always record your audio on the camera using the XLR connectors.If not get a portable DAT recorder or a md recorder-the dat gives a better audio. Get a decent boom mic and stick, on-chest mics, and a decent mixer (field one, you can also use it w/ your workstation).
lighting- this is the most vast field of filmmaking-in terms of needs and options. your job will call for your lighting type...in other words, what are you doing? do you need a on-camera light( the frezzi SSG-200 ), for events, or do you need a good set of 4 arri 300w lights, for a motion picture....
Monitors- you should invest on your monitor, thus digital imaging have a small tendency to need a very good and fluid light and color set up, thus later you wount be able to correct BIG errors. You can get one of those portable ones too- again it will reflect on your job.
Sonys PVM-20N5U 20" is a good option, and it can be used on your workstation. For field get a sony PVM-8045Q 8".
consider getting yourself one of those decks that are Mini-DV and DV-CAM positive -it depends on your camera-
Also get some camera support-what do i need?- tripods??(bescor TH-650 very good )
consider renting any further gear, but you need -for now- the stuff i listed above, so you can produce your motion pictures without any investment (other than the initial investment)...

consider getting FCP, Adobe After Effects, and Pro tools for audio work. Adobe photoshop is also a very good tool.

Good luck and dont let your gear dictate your rules. creativity is your best tool.