Good cameras for beginners?

Post by **skankinchan** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 2:40 am

I'm a high school student and hopefully, a future filmmaker and I am seeking recomendations on a camera to buy. Right now, I am considering the Canon 1014-XL S but am open to any suggestions. Thanks in advance to any suggestions you can offer.

- Chandler

Post by **Lucas Lightfeat** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 5:14 am

Good choice. The most reliable camera there is, by all accounts. Great lens, features, registration. It's a bit too noisy for my liking, so I now use a Nizo 6080 with a blimp.

Get the Canon. They hold good speed too. It's a great cam, but get or make a really good blimp too.

Lucas

Post by **skankinchan** » Tue Feb 11, 2003 12:36 am

Thanks for the advice. One question though, what is a blimp? I am assuming it is a sound deafening device or something...

Lunar07 · Post by **Lunar07** » Tue Feb 11, 2003 1:16 am

skankinchan wrote:Thanks for the advice. One question though, what is a blimp? I am assuming it is a sound deafening device or something...

It is!
Also, let me recommend the Bauer S 207 XL (or S 209 XL) as a beginner camera.

Post by **skankinchan** » Tue Feb 11, 2003 2:50 am

Thats interesting, there is a Bauer S 209 XL for sale on Ebay that ends in a few days but is currently, just over $40 USD right now.

It comes with the following; a Bauer RM200 Boom Microphone (how useful would this be now that they don't make sound film anymore?); a Bauer Slide Holder (don't know too much about this.); Bauer Remote Control; the Manual; The Amateur Film Maker by Malcolm Stewart Fellows (good book?); a case and a tripod. Does that sound like a good deal? Of course its not over yet so the price may sky rocket...

Lunar07 · Post by **Lunar07** » Tue Feb 11, 2003 3:19 am

skankinchan wrote:Thats interesting, there is a Bauer S 209 XL for sale on Ebay that ends in a few days but is currently, just over $40 USD right now.

It comes with the following; a Bauer RM200 Boom Microphone (how useful would this be now that they don't make sound film anymore?); a Bauer Slide Holder (don't know too much about this.); Bauer Remote Control; the Manual; The Amateur Film Maker by Malcolm Stewart Fellows (good book?); a case and a tripod. Does that sound like a good deal? Of course its not over yet so the price may sky rocket...

I bought the Bauer S 207 XL 15 years ago when I was a freshman in film school. And I have to give it to this camera: never failed me even once. It has automatic AND manual control of metering. The ability to switch between normal and macro lens functions seamlessly etc... etc... In addition to a fine intervalometer.
I personally never used the automatic zooming on it.
I paid for it $250 back then. Right now, if you do not care that the automatic zoom out is not working, go ahead for it, but do not pay more than $100-$125.
However, Bauers are offered all the time on eBay. I'll go with one without the extras. You can make your own remote cable, and you can use another microphone later. The tripod in that bid does not seem particulary stable.
Sometimes a Bauer 207 or 209 XL is offered with the chance to BUY NOW for $50-$75. Wait for this, if you want to and snatch it

But all in all, this is a camera that is worth the money you pay for.

Post by **skankinchan** » Tue Feb 11, 2003 4:49 am

I will take your advice. Thanks alot. I will most likely be around these forums for quite a while with the many questions I will undoubtly have...

Oh, by the way. Is there any advice about filmmaking as a whole you would give a newbie like me?

Post by **Lucas Lightfeat** » Tue Feb 11, 2003 4:59 am

I would advise you to use the archives of 8mm.filmshooting.com!

Lukas

Post by **skankinchan** » Tue Feb 11, 2003 8:01 pm

I have been doing just that for the past week or so. I think I have learned alot...