Sigh.
I went to my first Cinematography class this weekend, and the teacher confirmed that my video camcorder is "obsolete".
(It's a Canon HV20 tape-based camcorder, new in 2007.)
I might work with it anyway, but it has developed a hiss.
So I am researching cameras.
I can immediately see how much better the new DSLR (digital single lens reflex) cameras are:
their digital sensors are as large as those in film movie cameras, so the images are A#1 fantastic.
Downside: they are still-photo cameras with video capability,
and so they only film continuously for 15-some minutes, then the camera takes a break (to cool off?).
Not great for long interviews, which is what I intend to do.
But video camcorders (that shoot for hours on end) don't offer the fantastic image quality.
"That's so frustrating!" I said.
"YOU think it's frustrating!" the teacher replied.
He's a professional video-maker, and he had to buy all new equipment to keep up.
And all the cameras--plus all their gadgets (audio, lenses, lights)--are expensive.
I think I will RENT pro equipment before I buy anything... I just joined IFP (Independent Filmmakers Project, Center for Media Arts), and they rent pro video cameras (that cost thousands of dollars) for around $125 for a whole weekend.
I'll just have to be creative to work around the limitations--this is a secret of life anyway, eh?--adaptability.
