Question by Justin: Is the Sony HandiCam good for amateur filmmaking?
I am currently developing a script for my new film. And was wondering if the sony handicam is a well-made product to use. the film is 40 minutes long (perhaps more) and i don’t have enough money to buy a professional video camera. Thanks for the help.
“handycam” not “handicam”. sorry for the misspelling.
Best answer:
Answer by Little Dog
Handycam is Sony’s brand name for all their consumer camcorders. This includes DVD, flash memory, hard disc drive and miniDV tape based camcorders.
If the Handycam you are using is DVD based, then no, I would not waste any time with that.
If the Handycam is flash memory or hard disc based and there is no fast action, the lighting is always good and the audio is being captured by something other than the camcorder, then maybe.
If the Handycam is miniDV (or Digital8 based) and an external mic is used and the camcorder has a mic jack and manual audio control (or audio is captured externally) – then maybe… if the camcorder is a HDR-HC1, DCR-VX1000 series, DCR-VX2000 series, HDR-FX7, HDR-FX1 or HDR-FX1000, then pretty close to definitely… if you aren’t expecting “Hollywood”…
Film length is irrelevant – compelling content and good audio are what draw the viewer in.
The camcorder is only part of the “system”. Mics, lighting, wardrobe, a good story, talent, makeup, and planning, planning, planning… story boards, shot lists, and all the other stuff that goes into a successful project… and when you shoot a scene, shoot it again. And again. And again. And again. And just when you think you have it good to go, shoot it 3 more times. Patience is REALLY helpful.
What do you think? Answer below!