On 26 Feb 2002 13:03:50 -0800, WWQuestor@yahoo.com (Leo) wrote:

>Take pity on this hapless soul - >please >
>At work, my bosses have tasked me with buying a DV setup to use in our
>light manufacturing plant. I've done some research over the past week
>and the deeper I dig in the more confused I get.
>
>What I've 'figured out' so far.
>
>The computer for use in editing is not an issue. A Dell super
>whoopee(tm) box has been ordered - lots of HD space and RAM with
>sufficient processor speed and a nice large monitor.

You may wish to add a video drive dedicated to video
files, and possibly a second monitor (assuming you have the
FireWire port and capture/play/edit software...) and a
good monitoring TV (useable with the Raptor card, described
below - and the Sony D->A/A->D converter box is a very
useful accessory with the Raptor for providing hardware
preview overlay and analogue input).

>Doing my research I found the most positive info on the Canon GL1.
>This is not to disparage Sony or Panasonic or any of the other brands
>with good 3 CCD cameras. I've been given the go-ahead to purchase the
>GL1.

Then you have not found my comparative reviews, at:
www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/camcorder-comparison.htm
For a price close to the VX2000 and considerably more
than the TRV900, its picture and sound are generally
inferior to either - it is the least desirable of
the available 3-chip Mini-DV camcorders in terms of
overall image and sound quality, at a premium price...

>The problem stems from how best to utilize the equipment. My bosses
>want to make training video's - and they >>DO NOT<< want to hire a
>professional - as much as I've argued with them that our best bet
>would be to hire someone that >knows< how to produce and direct a
>video. So what we are going to end up with is a fancy 'home video'
>quality. That's what >they< want and they are willing to buy
>equipment of sufficient quality to achieve that level. Additionally
>they are willing to devote >my< time to learning how to make a decent
>video. I've got some decent knowledge from still photography, but
>nothing from moving flicks. :(

Hey, looks like a good opportunity to learn on their
time and with their gear...;-)

>So it's now up to me to choose from the myriad of choices out there on
>the accessories and other "stuff" that we need. If you have
>recommendations, please tell us what they are and why you are
>recommending them.
>
>I'm thinking that we need:
>
>Lights - on camera - which brand? Wattage?

This is the worst-looking kind of lighting. Even a couple of
cheap low-wattage "hot lights" will look better...

>Tripod - single stage or two? What kind of head?

The best you can afford. "Barely-acceptable" begins with
the Bogan 3021 + 3063 or the similarly-priced Matthews-
Libec...

>Shoulder mount. - There's going to be lots of shots taken of equipment
>and there is a need to really get inside the machinery.
>Steady-cam mount? I can't think of a better way to follow the
>process.

Up to you - see what you need and can deal with once
you get the gear (holding a steady-cam very long can be painful...).

>Hard case for the camera and accessories.

Needed only for trips - for in-house soft camera bags
may work better...

>OK - what else do I need? We're going to order all this as a package
>and I need to get it all at one time.

Bad idea, if avoidable. You will need mics (lavalier,
shotgun, boom(s), maybe a wireless set), possibly an
XLR adapter, at least a good UV filter (Hoya,
single-coated - not Tiffen) and maybe a good circular
polarizer if shooting shiny surfaces, and probably
a good WA adapter (the Canon WD-58 .7X is good on
most cameras it can be fitted on).

>Editing software? Adobe 6.0? Something better in the $500 to $800
>range?

Canopus Raptor is a good package at a good price with
Premiere and an excellent codec included... It is easy
to set up and use.

>Finally, is there a digital review site where I can read and learn
>about equipment, techniques and all of the rest that goes along with
>producing a video?

Probably - others may chime in with the details...