A fair few films like Boy in A Sari on FourDocs have obviously been shot with your common-or-garden high street DV camera, as opposed to the more professional flash look of the PD150s of this world.

Do you think the standard mini DV look is good enough? Bearing in mind the expense of buying even the most basic broadcast-quality camera, lots of people won't even have the choice. But is that extra few hundred pounds a price worth paying to get on in your career? Does it matter anyway if the story is good?

Visually, for FourDocs and many other situations, I can't see any reason not to go with a high-street camera - especially now that '3-chip' cameras are reasonably priced. As for sound, that's another matter. Unless you use a good mic or have good post-production software, that could be an issue. Most people don't care that much what something looks like as long as the sound is sweet.

However, if the intention is to make films that can be shown outwith the internet, if you really want to build a career - I'd eventually get a better camera (having recently invested in one of the HDV types). The leap in both image and sound quality has been worth it. But I agree completely, a dull story is a dull story, no matter how highly its resolved.

Totally agree. Content is paramount, but it's true that good production values can make a very good impression and dare I say it, cover a few cracks. I'd say that for the most part, the lower end DV cameras are up to the job, unless your shooting in low light, where they aren't so clever. If you've got a good grasp on sound and know I few post production tricks you'll be fine. The need will eventually arise to upgrade and when you do, there's no doubt it's worth it, but you've gotta start someplace and these cameras provide a great launch pad.

I think we can get too bogged down talking about the technology. Expensive cameras are great but documentary is really all about ideas, access and relationship with the subject. Much that is good can be achieved with the minimum of equipment with a bit of thought.

I'd agree with much of digitalis's comment on sound though. A reasonable external microphone and a set of headphones would be a good investment. Also I'd consider investing in a tripod for steady shots. I'd have all that and a "high street" camera any day in preference to blowing it all just on the camera only.

quote:

Originally posted by soundmary:
I think we can get too bogged down talking about the technology. Expensive cameras are great but documentary is really all about ideas, access and relationship with the subject. Much that is good can be achieved with the minimum of equipment with a bit of thought.

I work for a company currently pushing HD TV technology. When you see the HD television, it does actually look better than normal television, especially if they are put side by side.

If the content you were watching was sufficiently compelling, you'd hardly even notice if it was in splotchy low quality black and white.

Craig, it's really briliant that you said that. I'm sure HD is going to be amazing and I'd love to have an HD tv for watching movie DVDs and the like.

What worries me though is whether TV companies are going to spend a load of money on changing technology at the expense of content?

Not every programme would benefit from being HD, most of the time it's just going to show everyones wrinkles! For feature drama and wildlife where a lot of money is already spent and film is currently used then fine. However if it's just an excuse to sell us all new TVs that let us see cracks in the sets and how old everyone looks then let's not bother!

HD means raising production values (sets, costume, make up, the works) it's not just a button on a camera.

To return to the original topic, if you are a good documentary maker you will make a good documentary with a £300 camera. If you are a bad documentary maker, owning a £2000 camera will not make you a good one.

What I love about Four Docs is that it gives everyone with access to any sort of camera the chance to have their film viewed by a potentially huge audience, including the lovely people at channel four. How cool is that?

Yes.

*Looks behind for Salome*

quote:

Originally posted by chickenlips!:
Yes.

*Looks behind for Salome*

ooh - you are a disruptive chicken!!!

I bought a £200 camcorder (mini DV) and it's rubbish! If you pay peanuts you get monkeys...