Complete noob here

[tms202]

I am a college student who is a complete beginner with absolutely no camera experience. However I am seriously interested in shooting video and not looking to take it up as just a hobby, but to hopefully one day develop into a filmmaker. For now I am interested in learning to shoot short films, music videos, concerts/events. I am looking to buy my first camera that would be suitable for those types of things. I understand that the best does not come cheap and I do not want what I shoot to look amateurish, so I'm looking at around $600-700, as $1000 is just too out of my price range. As a noob with pretty much zero guidance and a lot of interest, I am also unfamiliar with all the technical jargon that goes into buying a camera. However I am eager to take it all in, so don't hold back but at least dumb it down a bit if you can! I want a camera that I will be able to grow and get better with.

Once again as I have no experience, I am open to any suggestions on any of my requirements. I am just looking for a good starting point. Any help is appreciated!

[happysmiles]

Panasonic GH2.

you could go from absolute shit to pro with this one camera.
The only way you're going to learn is to NOT use auto settings.

[tms202]

Originally Posted by happysmiles

Panasonic GH2.

you could go from absolute shit to pro with this one camera.
The only way you're going to learn is to NOT use auto settings.

Hello, thanks for your help! This is it right?

As a beginner, what do I need to know about this camera? And how would you say it compares to this one

Are these cameras capable of video like this? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ob3ktDxAjWI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnnYiW5dnhQ

(sorry if your not into hip hop, thats just what im viewing at the moment haha)

[happysmiles]

hack it

and it can do better https://vimeo.com/26818589

[CuriousMike]

Is he going to get those results with the kit lens?
Per the video above, that's shot with a Sigma 30 f1.4 which undoubtedly is giving it the narrower DOF than the kit (although the Amazon listing doesn't make it obvious what it's undoubtedly variable aperture is.)

Just throwing an extra "Undoubtedly" here.

Edit - 14-42mm f3.5-5.6

[tms202]

Originally Posted by happysmiles

hack it

and it can do better https://vimeo.com/26818589

thats amazing. haha im a bit daunted now. got a lot of research to do.

[tms202]

Originally Posted by CuriousMike

Is he going to get those results with the kit lens?
Per the video above, that's shot with a Sigma 30 f1.4 which undoubtedly is giving it the narrower DOF than the kit (although the Amazon listing doesn't make it obvious what it's undoubtedly variable aperture is.)

Just throwing an extra "Undoubtedly" here.

Edit - 14-42mm f3.5-5.6

everything i need to know to get a video like that. would you recommend picking up the sigma 30 lens?
Also could you maybe recommend some books?

[blastingcap]

Get some neutral density filters once you learn more about videography, too.

Panasonic 20mm not that great for video (a little slow). The 25mm PanaLeica is good and f/1.4 max aperture, but expensive. You could also try a power zoom for smoother zooming action than you can get by hand.

[Anteaus]

Originally Posted by tms202

Also could you maybe recommend some books?

There are lots of books out there but I find most of them are crap because they spend too much time talking about processing images in photoshop and not enough about the basics. I'm sure everyone has their preferred books so ask around, but one I found to be very useful is "The BetterPhoto Guide to Exposure" by Sean Arbabi. It focuses on the basics of photography and gives you a solid foundation to work with.

I agree as others have said in that you should practice with manual controls and start building a working knowledge of what shutter speed, aperture and ISO mean in relation to other and what is appropriate for certain situations.

Photography is not difficult but once you become competent you'll beat yourself up for waiting so long to learn.

[tms202]

Wow you guys were much nicer than the other forums haha. Thanks to all of you, I can't wait to get started. Picking up some books while I save up money but reading just has me more anxious!

[JerryOneMillion]

Yes, the GH2 is for you!
'Was on sale at Amazon last week for 499.00 with 14-42 lens - Wish I had...
The GH3 is out now but it is 1200.00.

Good luck.

[tms202]

Well I'm about ready to purchase. Still at the same level as before, but I was wondering if there were any better alternatives that have become available? Or is the GH2 still the one to go for