Equipment Part 1: Cameras, Lights and a Tripod

Here's Part 1 of my video equipment recommendations for all the Videographers sloshing through the muddy alleyways of the NYC (Music) Video production scene. Borrow, buy, research and rent these pieces and... GEAR UP!!!

Cameras
The Canon HV20 (you can also check out the Canon Vixia HV30, although it's apprently not as cool) is causing all kinds of commotion with it's small CMOS sensor and awesome footage (which apparently can stand up to the visuals from 3 CCD cameras)! This line of small Canon HDV cameras are crazy! The visuals are gorgeous (see Solomon Chase's HV20 footage-- he apparently shot it with his Canon HV20 and then uploaded it) and since you'll probably be showing it on a small screen, I don't think it's a problem that it doesn't have 3 CCD (Charged Coupled Devices) chips.

Of course, in general, you want a 3 CCD chip video camera when you shoot for broadcast and film, but I've edited footage that was shot in India on a Canon HV10 (the little brother of the HV20 and HV30) and it knocked my low/no budget socks right off! Keep in mind that this is a camera for those in the market for a sub $1000 camera that will produce beautiful true HD footage! Honestly, I'm going to buy the HV20 as soon as my "low budget" allows!

Lights
The Smith Victor KT1000 Light Kit at Adorama is next on my list. I'm actually going to be buying this model or one that has three units very soon-- the price is right! As many of you already know, lights can be extremely expensive, so I'm pretty psyched. They should work on a small video shoot just fine and include several umbrella reflectors to shed diffuse light on your subjects.

Headphones
Good headphones that don't break are important. The Sony MDR-V6 are durable and not only do I own a pair, but I had them recommended to me by an NYU film student (apparently $160,000 to attend NYU, by the way). He was so right on, that I recommended them to a company I freelance for and they loved them too! Built to last, the head brace has a sturdy metal band in it (not plastic) and they can fold up into the included pouch. All for the price of around $80 dollars!

Tripod
The last thing you'll need is a Tripod. The Velbon PH-368 will get the job done, if you have a small camera. Obviously, the bigger and sturdier the tripod, the better your shots will be, but this puppy is easy to transport and has lasted me 6 years! I've used it a lot with my Canon GL-1 and it's reliable. It also comes with a carrying case which is very useful when you're transporting gear.

So that's it for Part 1 of my equipment list. If any of you have further suggestions, please email me and I can add them. See you back here in about a week for Part 2: Sound! Good luck out there!

UPDATE: I just read about the Panasonic HDC-SD100 & the HDC-HS100 cameras which look really great for around $1,200 and $1,400, respectively. They have 3 CMOS sensors in them- talk about awesome! I bet they can compete with some 3 CCD cameras! Check them out!