NEW INDIE filmmaker seeking advice.. « Videomaker Community Forums

RAgame59
Member

Hey guys!

I am a beginning independent filmmaker, and I am just seeking some advice on which camera I should buy. I've saved up some money and am ready to order a Sony Z1U / Sony A1U, but I am not sure which to buy!! I want to make / direct FULL independent films but without knowing which camera so it should have a decent good quality, I am not sure which to buy. Please let me know which to buy , which is narrowed down to the A1U or Z1U. Also tell me which accessories I need to get such as what type of lighting, fluid head tripod, lens etc. ANy other advice pleease post thank you!!

Rish

Posted 5 years ago #
compusolver
Member

Now Rish, I know you didn't just fall off the turnip truck and decide to become a filmmaker, and that you're really just pulling our legs to see who'll fall for this. X-D

We all know, and surely you do too, that you don't just "decide" to become an independent filmmaker. You work your way up to the good cams with lesser cams and earn your "wings" by flying copilot with more experienced shooters, or creating crappy films that gradually get a little better every six months or so.

Therefore, with all the time you've spent working your way up that ladder, I'm sure you've learned exactly what you do and do not like about your old GL2 (or AGD-C7 or whatever) and you now know exactly what features, bells and whistles you want in your new cam.

Good luck - let us know what cam you end up with and how you do at Sundance!

Posted 5 years ago #
RAgame59
Member

Hank Castello.. your response did not help me. I have been doing some filmwork for 2 years using a crappy Panasonic 10 year old camera. Yet I still consider myself a beginning indie filmmaker. I worked hard to save up for a Sony V1U/ A1U, so instead of giving me BS and acting like an ego maniac can you help me answer the question.

I did a lot of research into the V1U/A1U, except I don't freakin understand the difference really except that the A1U is lighter. But is that a good enough camera for indie films? Instead of avoiding the question please respond as to which camera is better for indie filmwork in general. Which would you prefer to use, the A1U or the Z1U. Thank you.

Posted 5 years ago #
compusolver
Member

Your criticism is quite fair. My response was intended to be humorous with a touch of sarcasm. Maybe just one too many questions this month on the lines of, "I'm on my way to Sundance, and by the way, what kind of camera, lights and tripod will I need?". On top of all that, it's late and I get a little grouchy when its past my bedtime, so I'll leave it up to others to get you down your Indie path.

Best of luck!

Posted 5 years ago #
RAgame59
Member

Lol its ok. Honestly I don't think I'm ready for Sundance for about 5-6 years to be honest. If I submit something its going to be my best. But I AM ready to start filming independent productions for practice and for just doing it for the sake of learning the art of filmmaking. I just want to make sure I get the right camera since I'm going to be spending thousands of dollars. Once again I've narrowed it down to HVR-Z1U or HVR-A1U , I'm actually thinking that the HVR-A1U would be a good choice for indie films.. am I right?

PLease respond with detail thank you!

Posted 5 years ago #
;0)
Member

For what it's worth, I have the hc1, which is the lil' bro the a1u.
The video is outstanding.
I get around the audio differences (between the a1u and the hc1) by running a rode mic and a sony wireless lav into a homemade splitter/switch box that allows me to lay either mic onto both audio tracs, or one each (in mono) onto each audio track.

I rent the a1u when needed, and use the hc1 for most other things. (my rig cost about $1000.00 less than the a1u, and NOBODY can look at one of my weddings and tell which shots were with which camera!)

The a1u should do great, but some people tell me the z1u does film like 24 frames/sec footage better, and low light better.

Posted 5 years ago #
Ryan3078
Member

How ironic. I'm going to school in an hour to pick up an A1U to use in a film I'm making. Let us know exactly what types of film you want to make, and your budget. As I will have the A1U in my hands in a few hours, I can tell you anything you need to know about it.

Posted 4 years ago #
Andrew Burke
Member

RAgame59,

The picture from both camcorders is great. I've been whitness to heaps of footage here at Videomaker.

I'll say it comes down to controls. Will having access to deep controls be a hindrance or an asset? The A1u has many controls buried in its menus. On location, digging around will cost some time. The flip side is the small size. If you'll be in compromising situations where mobility is a factor, then my suggestion to you is the A1u. If you'll be in "tame" environments, and would like easy access to your controls, then the Z1 may be better for you.

Best,
Andrew Burke

Posted 4 years ago #