Buying camera kit can be daunting, but on the bright side - it doesn't date as quickly as equipment for editing.
MiniDV is going to be here for a little while yet, and at the time of writing these cameras give you a higher quality picture than a DVD camera or a hard disc camera, and the material is easier to edit with.
For schools and small groups who have their eye on doing lots of filming in the future, use your budget to invest in equipment for longer term use, rather than using up precious money on hiring
It is better to choose a cheaper camera and keep the sound kit budget high. The problem with cheaper cameras is they are always small and it is difficult to get in and out menus quickly. Buy the best you can afford, not just for quality but also because it will probably be bigger and easier to teach with. Unfortunately there seems to be a reluctance amongst manafacturers to produce anything that bridges the gap so you are looking at tiny domestic cameras around £500 or leaping up to around £1300 to get something easy to handle.
An average bag is often included by a dealer. Get them to throw in good one, it protects your kit properly. If you can stretch to it, get a flightcase: you can cut out foam sections and know exactly what kit has not been put away from the case.
If you need flightcases made up:
Gothard Flightcases
24 Park Avenue
Sherburn in Elmet
North Yorkshire
LS25 6EF
01977 685 497
info@gothardflightcases.co.uk
The battery that comes with a camera is usually a small one giving about an hour's shooting: buy a heavy duty spare battery (£100) and you can film for most of the day (btw. all batteries are useless if not charged). Some cameras only charge the battery on the camera, get a separate charger.
(skylight or similar) This is a nearly clear filter that goes on the front of the lens with the intention of doing nothing except protecting your camera; it can be smudged, cleaned, scratched and replaced without damaging the actual lens - essential with very young participants working on expensive cameras.
There are a number of good makes, including manfrotto, vinten etc. Allow £200 for a solid one. Having a fluid head helps, not just because its easy to pan & tilt but they also spring back to a safe position if unlocked.
Tripods & sound kit are good investments, because they don't date, even when HDTV and hard disc cameras become the norm
If you have money consider getting a light or three Arri and Ianiro are the most common makes.
lights & stands can be very heavy - get boxes with handles at both ends so two kids can carry them together
reflector a lastolite collapsible style reflector is very useful on location, and is a cheap lightweight alternative to more lights
gaffa tape buy above average quality - as this stuff can be a lifesaver - also known as duck tape
Equipment often presents even the most knowledgeable filmmakers with difficulties, it is brilliant if you can find some technical support. Often your establishment has a technician who can help out, but a fellow filmmaker's advice, or a supplier's support number can be very useful.
If you are investing in equipment, it is sensible to go to suppliers who understand your needs. It may cost you 10% more than if you buy off the net, but a good supplier will be able to tell you what things work with what, make honest recommendations and might offer you genuine support.
Many low budget camcorders are now coming with a single mini jack socket, used as both the microphone and headphone socket, or worse many have no audio minijack at all, this is disasterous if you want to do any serious sound recording
717a Great Western Road
Glasgow
G12 8QX
0141 339 3722
info@camcordercentre.com
78 Haymarket Terrace
Edinburgh
EH12 5LQ
0131 313 5166
info@camcordercentre.com
Crown House
John Street
Shipley
West Yorkshire
BD18 3HU.
01274 533996
sales@cke.co.uk
Although Maplin Electronics are not really able to supply camera or sound equipment. They do supply lots of useful bits. Full mail order service through their comprehensive website.
CPC offer the same sort of bits and bobs as Maplins but have no stores. Their brochure is gargantuan.