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BEST CAMERAS FOR MAKING DOCU FILM IN 2022

One size fits all…in documentary filmmaking, this rule definitely doesn’t apply. It always really depends – are you a beginner planning for your first documentary? Or a professional doing it for the umpteenth time?

1. Canon Vixia HF G40

There is a big difference between digital cameras and digital camcorders. Digital camcorders can record not only to flash memory cards but can also store content internally as well. Camcorders are often designed with more functionality for documentary filmmakers.

2. Panasonic Lumix GH5

A firm favorite amongst documentary filmmakers is the Panasonic Lumix GH5. While some people may argue that the newer edition Panasonic Lumix GH5s is a better camera, the GH5 might remain the better camera for documentary filmmakers.

3. Sony DSC-RX10 IV

Sony DSC-RX10 IV is an all-in-one camera perfect for amateur videographers, casual shooting and travellers. However, with the rough price of $1500, advanced filmmakers might be tempted by its impressive list of specs and features.

4. Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6k (and 4k)

The BMPCC 6k is a popular camera for filmmakers. Why’s that you may wonder? The footage it produces feels cinematic, all in a compact and lightweight body. The BMPCC 6K features the S35 sensor, EF mount and shoots ProRes 4K or 6K BRAW.

5. Canon EOS C100 MK II

Canon EOS C100 MK II is made for event videographers, documentarians, and independent filmmakers. It’s an 8.3 Megapixel cinema camera with a Super 35mm CMOS Sensor, Full HD, Dual Pixel CMOS AF and Face Detection AF. ISO ranges up to 102400.

6. Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H

Panasonic developed a game-changing technology for its GH5 series cameras. However, Lumix DC-S1H is not too far behind!

7. Sony PXW-FS7 II 4K XDCAM

The Sony PXW-FS7 II 4K XDCAM is marketed towards documentary filmmakers. It is a product of years of conversations with people within the industry.

8. Canon C300 MK II (vs Canon C500 MK II)

Canon C300 MK II is the industry high-end gadget, and one of the brand’s most popular professional video cameras. It is cased in a slightly larger body than a standard mirrorless or DSLR camera.

9. Sony PXW-FX9

Sony PXW-FX9 is a full-frame 6k camcorder with a large format CMOS sensor and first full-frame electronic variable ND filter. It can shoot 4k at 60fps and features 190fps slow motion. It has fast hybrid AF with face detection and prices around $10,000 which makes it one of the more expensive camcorders on the list.

THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR LOCATION RECCE IN BANGLADESH

If you are going to shoot in Bangladesh, you have to know more about our culture before you roll out your camera. The more ambitions your video production requirements are, the more likely you’re going to find yourself in need of specific locations to produce your films. Before you can start filming, it is not uncommon to visit the location to make sure it meets your production requirements from both a creative and practical point of view. Here are six things to look out for when performing a location recce.

1. Transport & Parking

Production days have a tendency to belong. Ease of access for the cast and crew is essential if you want to ensure you’re production gets off on time. The crew will love you (even more) if there are good transport connections nearby. When a production overruns, it can be terribly distracting when at the back of your mind the clock is ticking ever closer to that last train.

2. Space

The size of the production footprint can be really quite surprising. When you are scoping a potential location always factor in enough space for the lights and the camera and the small army of people who will sit behind the monitor.

3. Places for departments

The size of the spaces allocated to the hair, makeup, and costume department will vary based on the number of people they have to look after. The larger the cast the more people you will have working in these departments = the more space they will require. The camera department will also require space to build the camera as well as to download the footage. The grip and the lighting department might also need a space to call their own as well.

4. Power supply

Video productions can be very power-hungry operations. It’s really important that you have a handle of what your energy requirements might be.

5. Toilets

A critical part of any recce is establishing there are working toilets nearby – your production team really won’t get far without them.

6. Hazards & Security

When you hire a professional production company like ClipCulture to produce your film, one of the first things we will do when undertaking a recce is a thorough risk assessment. It might sound obvious but it is impossible to foresee every possible risk you might encounter.