http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: gear - Recent Posts en Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:55:10 +0000 http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/to-buy-or-rent-thats-a-good-question#post-74748 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:30:27 +0000 composite1 74748@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p><em>"A client doesn't know, or care, whether you own or rent your gear, just how much the job will cost."</em></p> <p>Jack,</p> <p>True, but.... I've lost jobs because the cost of renting gear and making a profit was higher than if I had the gear. You're right, client's do care about how much the job will cost. I get calls from clients who are hell bent to have their projects shot with RED cameras. That is until I hit them with the rental costs for not just the gear, but all the supporting gear and storage. </p> <p>If you're paying out more money for rental gear than you're going to get when you don't have the gear, that's a 'cut in your profits'. Now I get your point about clients paying. That works when you have an established outfit and your clients are fully aware and fully capable to pay for what is necessary. When you're starting out and or a small outfit, those clients are rare. Most times you'll be doing your best to not freak them out when they see how much it will cost with a big rental package. </p> <p>So when you asked 'how would any cost cut deep into your profits?' that's how. Not being able to do a job because renting will drive up the cost of your proposal is a serious 'profit cutter' in my opinion.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/to-buy-or-rent-thats-a-good-question#post-74683 Sat, 11 Feb 2012 23:07:50 +0000 Rocky 74683@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>&nbsp;If you rent a piece of equipment more than five times in three years, its then more economical to purchase that equipment, with extended warranty. Other advantages&nbsp;to owning is that you become totally familar with the equipment and there is nothing to stop you invoicing its use&nbsp;out at normal rental card rates.&nbsp;Ideally&nbsp;I try to&nbsp;update cameras&nbsp;between three to four years at which time&nbsp;its second hand price and avoidance of any service&nbsp;costs make&nbsp;the venture&nbsp;economically viable.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/to-buy-or-rent-thats-a-good-question#post-74681 Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:30:47 +0000 jackwolcott 74681@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Composite1: I'm confused. Why should any cost "cut deep into your profits?" Profits come above costs, not despite costs. All costs should be taken into account when quoting a price for the job to a client, including your salary, equipment rental and amortization costs, transportation, meals, etc.  Additionally,  added a cushion for unexpected contingencies and percentage above costs for profit. </p> <p>A client doesn't know, or care, whether you own or rent your gear, just how much the job will cost.</p> <p>Jack</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/to-buy-or-rent-thats-a-good-question#post-74680 Sat, 11 Feb 2012 21:41:03 +0000 composite1 74680@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>In my experience, rent when you have a client willing to pay for gear you don't have or if your budget supports it. Renting can cut deep into your profits. Now if you're wanting to work with cinema primes or need a steady rig for a heavier camera, etc. yeah renting is the way to roll. But if the rental percentage cost is greater than your profit percentage, that's when having your own gear comes in handy.</p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/to-buy-or-rent-thats-a-good-question#post-74674 Sat, 11 Feb 2012 15:02:24 +0000 Cinebasics 74674@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I also own prosumer(xf100, 5d etc.) but rent pro when needed. I tell people starting out to at least own something, even a d3100 or and old hmc40 but have something to learn on and use whenever you want. When you get good and can use any camera sight unseen them you move to renting. Whih is the opposite I hear from other people, but that's my take.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/to-buy-or-rent-thats-a-good-question#post-74646 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:03:05 +0000 Mike Wilhelm 74646@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I am a very big proponent of renting gear, at least to start. It's very easy to justify equipment cost to your clients when you have an accurate, per-day cost to use it. After working with rental gear for a while, you should have a good idea of the kind of equipment you use all the time, as opposed to equipment that is merely situational. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/to-buy-or-rent-thats-a-good-question#post-74643 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:44:39 +0000 Don 74643@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>thanx for the video..</p> <p>my take is buy what you can afford, rent when what you own isn't right for the job.</p> <p>that way you always got your gear.... even if you wind up using your gear as "Back-up or b roll" on a job... the main problem with rentals is availability, and familiarity... </p> <p>I own prosumer gear and rent pro gear as needed.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/to-buy-or-rent-thats-a-good-question#post-74638 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:37:04 +0000 composite1 74638@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Whether you've been in the biz for a while or just starting up a hobby, the big question is; Should I buy or rent?</p> <p>In my experience, I've done both and there were pro's and con's with either. These days with gear being truly affordable, there is an incentive to purchase equipment and accessories outright. However, there are unseen costs that come with both purchasing and renting gear. Here's a vid from Caleb Pike that gives a solid analysis of this very important question....</p> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/36359388">Owning Gear</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/calebpike">Caleb Pike</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/fs-zaxcom-wireless-audio-and-timecode#post-73734 Tue, 03 Jan 2012 04:24:02 +0000 MysticMedia 73734@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi Austin, do you still have these Zaxcom wireless audio and time code?</p> <p>Please reply me at: <a href="mailto:mysticmedia.pro@gmail.com">mysticmedia.pro@gmail.com</a></p> <p>Thanks</p> <p>Regards</p> <p>Francescco</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/fs-zaxcom-wireless-audio-and-timecode#post-64775 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 08:18:26 +0000 Austin Upchurch 64775@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p><strong>Wireless Gear and Cables Set - $4,500 + shipping</strong></p> <p><strong>Zaxcom TRX900AA with built-in IFB audio receiver</strong> (<a href="http://www.zaxcom.com/trx900aa.htm">http://www.zaxcom.com/trx900aa.htm</a>)<br /> <strong>Zaxcom RX900s ENG Receiver</strong> (<a href="http://www.zaxcom.com/receivers.htm">http://www.zaxcom.com/receivers.htm</a>)<br /> <strong>Zaxcom IFB100 Remote Control</strong> (<a href="http://www.zaxcom.com/IFB_transmitters.htm">http://www.zaxcom.com/IFB_transmitters.htm</a>)<br /> <strong>Zaxcom STA150</strong> (<a href="http://www.zaxcom.com/stereo_wireless.htm">http://www.zaxcom.com/stereo_wireless.htm</a>)<br /><strong>MTO Straddlebag</strong> (<a href="http://www.trewaudio.com/store/produ...&amp;cat=68&amp;page=1">http://www.trewaudio.com/store/produ...&amp;cat=68&amp;page=1</a>)<br /> <strong>REM CAZPCAMY - Cable</strong> (4 pin Hirose Power Y to Zaxcom IFB100 (760K) and RX900 receiver (761K). 18 inches.)<strong>*** This cable has been modified from it's original 4pin Hirose to a D-tap.</strong><br /> <strong>REM CAZXSTE - Cable</strong> (5-pin R/A XLRF to two 3-pin XLRM, Right LEG 12 INCHES, Left LEG 14 INCHES.)<br /> <strong>REM CAZIFBTC - Cable</strong> (BNC to 1/8 trs, RING FLOATED.For Zaxcom IFB100 Timecode input. 18 inches.)<br /><strong>REM CAZBETAIFB - Cable</strong> (Zaxcom IFB cable From Camera..  1/8 TRSM to Y 1/8TRSF and TA5F.  Fan 3 inches.  Overall length 14 inches.)<br /> <strong>REM BDSCZSTA100</strong> <strong>- Cable</strong> (BDS cable to power Zaxcom STA 100 Stereoline Transmitter 24in.)</p> <p>This gear is from the set pictured below. <strong>***only the gear listed above is included***</strong>  Let me know if you have any questions.</p> <p>Pictures here:</p> <p><a href="http://flic.kr/p/8UnucT" rel="nofollow">http://flic.kr/p/8UnucT</a></p> <p><a href="http://flic.kr/p/8UqzQm" rel="nofollow">http://flic.kr/p/8UqzQm</a></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/shopping-for-a-new-camera#post-51483 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:20:21 +0000 composite1 51483@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>For the unending hordes of newbies that come to the forums to ask 'What camera should I buy?' and for those of you who are seriously looking for camera / audio gear, here's a good video from Videopiea with tips to help you avoid getting fleeced when purchasing gear online.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/2349953"></a></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/making-homemade-electrical-stuff#post-47564 Fri, 05 Jun 2009 06:58:50 +0000 TDedmonSBP 47564@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I am actually working on writing a detailed book on how-to's directed at the DIY-er in the film industry. Everything from stabilizers to cranes, dollies, car-rigs, you name it. I haven't built everything yet, but if you need some help planning something, odds are I've tried and I'd love to help you out if you need it.</p> <p>try <a href="http://www.homebuiltstabilizers.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.homebuiltstabilizers.com</a></p> <p>I don't do a whole lot with electrical these days, living in an apartment, but I'm always up for giving it a try</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/making-homemade-electrical-stuff#post-47563 Fri, 05 Jun 2009 06:33:45 +0000 XTR-91 47563@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>If you are looking for a site that makes electronic components, you should check out DigiKey. It's also a great source for audio and video components.</p> <p><a href="http://www.digikey.com/">http://www.digikey.com/</a></p> <p>I'm doing a little bit of plastic surgery on my JVC Everio camcorder and adding a mic jack that I bought from DigiKey. If possible, I am also getting a condenser mic component and building around it to construct a good shotgun microphone. No doubt about it - consumer electronics are not cheap, but their companies probably buy parts from someplace like DigiKey. The prices aren't bad either.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/making-homemade-electrical-stuff#post-47561 Fri, 05 Jun 2009 04:18:48 +0000 CraftersOfLight 47561@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Here are a few websites that offer plans and ideas for some stuff. Most of it is towards hardware though.</p> <p> <a href="http://www.angelfire.com/movies/nobudgetsfx/nobudgetsfx.html">http://www.angelfire.com/movies/nobudgetsfx/nobudgetsfx.html</a></p> <p><a href="http://homebuiltstabilizers.com/greytipsDIY.htm">http://homebuiltstabilizers.com/greytipsDIY.htm</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.vfx.co.nz/">http://www.vfx.co.nz/</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.instructables.com/">http://www.instructables.com/</a></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/making-homemade-electrical-stuff#post-47555 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:05:22 +0000 fearlessgoddess2 47555@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I'm a film student. Several professors have mentioned that you can make gear for much cheaper than you'd buy it for. Aside from the average zip cord, what else are common self-made items? Is there a good book out there that tackles this stuff? I'm having trouble finding one. Thanks!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-entry-level-but-decent-hd-camcorder#post-45648 Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:27:21 +0000 EarlC 45648@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Dunno specifically a model to recommend - still using the Canon XL1 with interchangeable lens capabilities, but never got around to "interchanging" any lenses. Go figure. In my case, considering SD production, I'd been better off spending less and having 3 GL2 Canons, instead of 2 XL1 and 1 GL2.</p> <p>Anyway that was/is, sort of, my point. Do you really, REALLY need (or just want, or THINK you need interchangeable lenses?) because you're going to spend closer to $7k or thereabouts to get that function, from what I remember reading different places.</p> <p>My focus is the Panasonic SDHC recordable 150 and its recently released JVC competitor. I simply do not have a serious need for interchangeable lens options - not at the premium at which they come. I seriously doubt you're going to find interchangeable at $2K, but heck, I have been wrong before.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-entry-level-but-decent-hd-camcorder#post-45633 Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:29:14 +0000 krazykid035 45633@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>&lt;p class="post"&gt;</p> <p>Hello everyone,</p> <p>I am new to this technology so to get right down to it... </p> <p>We are wanting to purchase an HD video camera that is going to be<br /> used for taking video of live products such as commercial embroidery<br /> machines, etc.  We are also going to need to be able to video a person<br /> being interviewed and NEED to be able to integrate video from a PC<br /> screen into the video.  I have seen cameras that have a cable that go<br /> right into the pc to capture the video.</p> <p> Another requirement would be the ability to have interchangable<br /> lens and remote microphone. We want that professional "movie" quality<br /> look.</p> <p>The output will be split between web video and tv screens at trade shows.</p> <p>We are looking for entry level with some room to grow.</p> <p>If someone could recommend Cameras, that would be great.   We are hoping to stay in the $2,000 price range if possible.</p> <p> As an added bonus, if you would like  to recommend any lighting and<br /> microphones or any other equipment that we would need, it would be<br /> greatly appreciated.</p> <p>Thank You</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/looking-for-equipment-vendor-recommendations-besides-bh-photo#post-36377 Thu, 08 May 2008 14:26:36 +0000 robGRAUERT 36377@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Whats wrong with B&amp;H. If you've been going to them since the early 90s and haven't had a problem, why do you care about any other vendor? I wouldn't recommend anyone else anyway because B&amp;H always seems to have the lowest prices for everything.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/looking-for-equipment-vendor-recommendations-besides-bh-photo#post-36368 Wed, 07 May 2008 17:50:34 +0000 film814 36368@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>B&#38;H is definitely top notch. However, you could also try Abe's of Maine and Markertek.</p> <p>Jeremy </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/looking-for-equipment-vendor-recommendations-besides-bh-photo#post-36354 Wed, 07 May 2008 07:05:44 +0000 Morty72 36354@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I taught video for 10 years at the high school level, and now run an educational access channel for a large school corporation.  I consult the teachers in our district on video equipment purchases as well.</p> <p>My first question would be, why not B&amp;H?  Their prices are always low, if not the lowest (while still being trustworthy).  I was just thinking the same thing yesterday and was looking for monitors, adapters and cables.  I checked a few sites and B&amp;H looked to be lowest again.  Although I've never used them, I have heard good things about Adorama, and their prices seem to be good.</p> <p>Occassionally I will use Full Compass or Markertek... it all depends on what you're purchasing.  If you're looking for a company that will put it all together for you and do the leg work of finding what is right, then I would suggest somebody local.</p> <p>Ah, the times I remember getting the program started... headaches, joy, frustration, excitement, disappointment and sheer amazement at what kids can do.  Heck, I thought I was just bi-polar.</p> <p>GOOD LUCK!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/looking-for-equipment-vendor-recommendations-besides-bh-photo#post-36045 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 03:18:45 +0000 davefinnh 36045@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I also started a high school media class from scratch 2 years ago. I hope I can be of assistance.</p> <p>Depending on what your looking for I have had good luck with adorama photo in New York. Their prices are very aggressive. The staff is helpful (especially Paul in educational sales) and they take purchase orders for payment.</p> <p> Fullcompass.com is also very good.</p> <p>David F.</p> <p>P.S. If you'd like to swap curriculum ideas leave me a post here and we can figure a way to get in touch.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/looking-for-equipment-vendor-recommendations-besides-bh-photo#post-36034 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:38:30 +0000 riVIDEOguy 36034@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hey all -</p> <p>I’ve come upon an interesting opportunity: to teach high school kids the great art and science of video production. Ooooh. Aaaah. I’ll run a newly created department in our town. Here’s the cool bit:</p> <p>Grants have been secured and the money HAS to be spent in order to get more funding in the future. Though I’m not offering up any work right now (sorry), I would be ever grateful for your input on vendor recommendations.</p> <p>Who else would you recommend as a reliable, full-service vendor beside B+H Photo? (I've done business with them since the early 1990's...mostly out of habit.)</p> <p>&lt;!-- / message --&gt;&lt;!-- controls --&gt;<img src="http://dvcreators.net/discuss/images/misc/progress.gif" /> Thanks! <a href="http://dvcreators.net/discuss/editpost.php?do=editpost&amp;p=65254"><img src="http://dvcreators.net/discuss/images/dvc_buttons/edit.gif" alt="Edit/Delete Message" /></a> </p>