What cameras did they use?

[Tom]

andyf said:

thanks for the info, appreciated

If you're starting out for entry-level film making and your main aim is to shoot small things for YouTube etc. etc., I would leave Z1's and the like well alone. Get yourself a small DV or HDD camcorder and start knocking around ideas. It's a good cheap start and you're not going to be overwhelmed by technology, but you will get decent results.

If however you're beyond the first steps and are looking to shoot something serious, take the above advice and invest your time before your money. Ask to see some demos and go to all the right places first.

Or you could just hire guns for your movies. That's what I do because the turn over for my film shoots mean that I don't need something super sparkly gathering dust in the corner. Getting a superb camera is a mistake that too many film makers make. Unless you're shooting a high turn-over of films, it can be a costly investment. And with the smart gear coming in at under £500, getting stuff that looks sexy isn't that difficult on a budget.

All the equipment for Icharus was begged, stolen and borrowed, and the whole film cost less than the price of the (then) brand new Z1 that we used to shoot it.

Weigh up your needs first, then start shopping. A good film maker thinks with their resources.

[jimmy975]

Hi Jody, yeah i totally understand mate, I did tons of research but had to settle with a Z1 for work purposes as it's the most commonly used camera for paid gigs i.e. working with other freelancers for matching the cameras up. I would love to get my hands on a Canon XL H1 but people have been saying it's bad for drop outs despite it being more stylish in its output; it is getting a rep as being unreliable. As the Z1's got a rep of being sturdy and reliable i went for that. Since the Canon is 6 grand it's a bit risky spending the money on it if its not suitable for freelance gigs. I would love an HVX but i've been hearing that the industry has not caught up with the tapeless system and the industry (not the camera) has been going through lots of teething trouble.