I know what I like to use in terms of equipment, but this is one of those areas where I really couldn’t tell you what the best choice is for you.
Also, technology changes so fast that I could mention the latest and most optimal camera and then two weeks later could be considered obsolete.
Well, that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but there are so many websites dedicated to reviewing specific pieces of equipment and keeping up with all the latest technological releases, that I feel it would be a disservice to you to summarize such a vast topic on one page. Besides, that’s not really what this website is about.
All you have to do is a google search for “DV camera review” and you’ll find more than enough information.
In my opinion, it is best to get equipment through the crew that you bring on to the project, because they know best how to use what they’ve got and that will help the quality and speed of your production. Better to not have them learning new equipment on the job, even if they are already familiar with the technology.
Second choice is to borrow equipment. Then rent. Then buy.
Once you are clear on what your needs are and you decide to rent, find a rental house in your neighborhood where you can rent what you need and reserve the equipment.
There are certain times of year that get really busy for rental houses, so to be safe, put in your reservation a few weeks ahead of time. They will probably want a credit card number to hold the items that you want, but if you end up finding the item through a friend or other means, you will probably be able to cancel your reservation if you give them enough notice. Just don’t wait until the last minute or not show up to pick up the goods, or else they probably will charge your credit card for the full amount.
If you’re going to buy the equipment you need, do your research thoroughly and buy equipment that is basic and able to cover a lot of your future filmmaking needs, whatever they may be. My feeling is to also go with something slightly older that has been around for a little while but not too long. Long enough to know that the technology has sticking power, but not so long that it is incompatible with the way things are done now or will be done in the next few years (which is sometimes hard to predict, but do your best).
