Camera and lighting suggestions for content production?
 

Have the canon XL1's but want something smaller also, but need some ideas. Also need to know what still cameral to get and what lighting to get.

MM

shoot for clicks.

shoot to command the surfer's attention, invoke the surfer's imagination so he wants to click.

this usually means provocative images, or edgy images in today's market.

use lighting to create mood.

there is no one "right" way to do it.

but you must be able to see the image in your mind, before you pick up the camera.

for still digicam get a camera that can get excellent flesh tone and saturated color with a high dynamic range.

probably best for the price for web work is fuji pro which can use nikon lenses, nikon d1x also gives accurate flesh tones, white teeth. etc. avoid early nikon slrs which gave very poor flesh tone.

nikon d100 series is ok also, and canon slrs are pretty good.

lots to choose from re: hardware.

you create the image first in your mind. some people can do that, some cannot.

if you cannot a camera will not help you.

Both Nikon and Canon produce cool cameras at good prices.

Lighting for stills work, there is only one choice Pro Photo small size great price and you can use it all over the world 240/120 volt system.

Do not buy Photogenics, i hear some people have bad experiences with it, if its used hard ( more than 150 flashes an hour ).

ProPhoto is good shit if you've got money. Most of the rental houses in LA rent out ProPhoto because it's heavy duty, reliable and hardly breaks down. The downside is that they are overly priced for someone just starting out in the biz.

I'm sure people have had problems with Photogenics, but more people have not had problems with them. I know several people who have used them for content production for years with no problem at all. They are a great little light for the money.

I use Paul Buff Ultra White-Lightings lights myself - monolights (with the power built in to each light). I've been using the same set for over 10 years - and they've performed flawlessly. Hell, these lights are so old they don't even make this unit anymore.

I would suggest visiting a couple of camera stores in your area and discuss your needs and your budget with the sales person - he'll steer you in the right direction.

d*

Pro Photo 2400 R. Acute 2 outfit cost around $3000 from Samy's and are worth the money believe me. The quality of the flash output far exceeds any other flash outfits i have used in the last 20+ years of shooting Glamour. I have used Photogenics flash and besides the fact that they will not stand up to hard professional use they are mono lights, which in simple terms means you have a lot of weight sitting on top of your light stand, should they accidentally get knocked over they will do some serious damage and the price is not so much less than the Pro Photo out fit at almost $900 per head for the 2500 heads plus stand plus reflector etc. etc. If you have the cash go for the Pro Photo outfit Try Samy's in LA they did me a great deal on two outfits last year. The dual voltage is very cool as i shoot in Europe and the USA.

The Nikon x1 is a good camera but the 5.71 meg size is now showing its age I hear rumors that a new larger size Nikon is on its way this spring so it may be worth waiting a few months.

Although i have used Nikon for 20 years if i where starting out now i would choose Canon. The image quality is great and more important their customer service is excellent.