Starting Video Production

[Tayproductions]

Hi. We are about to start video production at my church. Our budget is around $20,000. It will basically be used for an overflow facility on the campus.

We are looking at 3 DVX100's, PD170's, or XL2's. I am most familiar with the DVX100's , but it has the weakest zoom. The pd170's are the best in AUTO mode(which is good when you have all volunteers), and the XL2's have the best zoom (20x) (good for when we will move into our new facility)

We are also looking at the TRICASTER PRO for editing. Should we go with this or the DATAVIDEO SE-500? In other words, is it worth the extra $6000? We do have the budget for it, but I just wanted to get some other opinions.


My background is video production, but never live switching. Any advice would be appreciated.

THanks,
Derek

[billmi]

The SE-500 doesn't edit, it's a switcher, so it would not be an option to go with for editing.

The big questions are what do you plan to do?
Are you going to live switch only? Are you going to live switch and edit? Live switch, with titles to tape/DDR for later use?

The Tricaster Pro is built more as an all-in-one box - Editing, switching, titling, etc. If you need all those functions it might not be an "extra" cost to have them, but rather a savings compared to building a system compared of a separate titler, editor, streaming machine, DDR, switcher, etc.

[kbob]

is to look at some of the hd camcorders that have recently come out-the canon a1 (see review here: http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content...der-Review.htm ), which also has a 20x zoom, with the added benefit of being ready for hdtv later on. relatively compact, good in low light, good color, etc-it is right up there the the xl & pd 170, from what I've seen-its made our list of wishes, for sure.

[Nathan J]

Another important thing to note is your lighting. That will dramatically impact your video production.

[MPCC Media]

With a $20,000 budget, I would not recommend saving $500 here or there, use it and get the best stuff possible; you will not regret it. In your situation, I would recommend hiring a consultant or some other professional to come in and survey your project. It will be worth it.

The DVX-100 is a fine camera; we use one around here as a handheld for special productions. I would suggest that you consider training up your volunteers on using manual controls; this will enhance your video immeasurably (esp. with focusing). However, I will say that we have had good results with the DVX-100 auto-iris. This frees the operator from worrying about exposure so he can concentrate on composition, zoom, and focus.

[Diversecity106]

I am definatly going to second the HIRE A CONSULTANT idea. You can dodge alot of problems by hiring someone that does the "equipping" business on a a daily basis. These guys are paid to offer the best price available within your budget. HOWEVER, one downfall, I have worked with consultants in the past who's proposal was something completly different from someone else's proposal.