AAAhwsome!! Tips
Shooting Your Own

Where to get your equipment.

Always buy the best equipment you can afford. For many that is not professional gear like the broadcasters use. But don't despair there is very good equipment available in what has been called the "pro-sumer area". Pro-sumer is somewhere between consumer and professional.

Pro-sumer equipment is often available through electronic chain stores , so watch their advertisements and check out their "clearance" areas.

Recently I purchased a VCR normally priced at $450.00 for just $150.00. It was on the clearance table at a local furniture/home electronics store. Visit your favorite stores often - these "bargains" move fast. Also it's a good idea to get on mailing lists, read magazines, and talk to friends.

Your responses are most welcome: Comments, questions, suggestions

Here are my ideas:

Get AT LEAST S-VHS or HI-8. These are far above the regular VHS and 8 mm cam corders.

I shoot most of my work with Hi-8, it's small and easy to handle, uses small tapes (but two hours possible) and gives what most think is slightly better pictures than S-VHS. Hi-8 also has MUCH better sound ( almost always Stereo). You can carry half a dozen Hi-8 tapes in your pockets! Try that with VHS.

Get the best lenses you can.. at least a 10x1 zoom. I use a 15x1. Longer than that is hard to hold steady or pan. A wide angle adaptor is also helpfully for cab shoots and interiors. It's also important to protect your lenses by using a clear filter guard. I'll discuss lenses in debth in a later article.

Don't be impressed with bells & whistles. They only get in the way and add to the price.

One last idea: Shoot only one hour tapes and get the best tape you can. I use only brand names (a three letter brand). Keep the tapes clean and cool .

E-mail me your tips and hints, in the future I'll add a page for them.