MGH_PA

Sorry for the cross post, (and it's a bit offtopic, but I know Video is a hot thing right now), but I was thinking this may get viewed more by the guys who may not visit the videography/photography forum. Curious as to what you're thoughts on this...read below:

Ok, I would consider myself quite a technology nut (I actually teach TECHNOLOGY education), and, well my true passion lies in digital media. I'm only in my first year teaching, but I've been building websites, creating flash projects, and doing general graphic design work since I was a senior in high school. I taught both digital photography as well as video production (with some traditional photo tossed in) during my student teaching, and fell in love with it. I took a photography course my senior year of college (last year) and learned a TON as it was all 35mm, and we did everything from developing our film, to processing, as well as special effects (burning, dodging, adding filters, matting, etc). I'm currently in the process of trying to get myself my own equipment in the field to get some relevant experience I can bring into the classroom and place on a resume as well.

Now, to the point of my post... with what I've experienced, I really am torn with what I enjoy more between photography and videography. I love the fact that videography lends itself to NEEDING editing which allows me to bring in my creative post-production skills (Photoshop, Flash, Illustrator, After Effects, etc). Equipment can be pricey, however, so that's somewhat of a turn off.

I have MORE experience in photography than I do in videography, and I love how you can truly capture a moment in time and really get a WOW effect from just one shot. Equipment is nice in that you can spend the bulk of your $$ on quality glass where it matters, and then get a middle ground body, and over time you just keep the lenses as you upgrade bodies.

Eventually I want to be able to have both a decent video camera (we're talking prosumer here) AND a nice DSLR setup, but I'm 23, and although I have a fulltime job, I'm saving for some land and my first house, so I do have priorities. So if you guys could pick, which one would you start out with first and develop? Photography or Videography? I would love to hear ANY and ALL thoughts on this, so don't feel like you're taking sides against one or another. Thanks in advance!

MichiganWhitetails74

I would go for the video. When you make your first production you will sit for hours watching your talent in action. Music, slow motion, titles, it truely is amazing...I think you will get more satisfaction out of watching a movie that is your finished product...especially with friends and family!

You could be totally styling with:

A 3CCD Cam - Near new - 1200 bucks
Video Editting (Basic Pinnacle) - 50 bucks
A PC with a decent processor and at least 1Gig 2 Gig preferred - 600 Bucks

If you really want to cut corners go with a standard mini DV cam but you will suffer somewhat in low llight condition.!!

I started my first vids with about 300 in gear and it still came out great...

Have Fun!

MGH_PA

Thanks Michigan, I was hoping you would read this post. I built my PC around video editing/photo editing and general desktop publishing...but that was 3 yrs ago, and in computer terms, that's like half a century in dated technology[8D] I have the software, I would just need to get more HD space for a scratch disk, and capture disk space...a bit better video card as well wouldn't hurt.

What I did love about Video Production was, ironically, the post-production side of things. I do love the shooting, but really when you get to sit down and tweak every little thing, that's when it truly sets it off (much like you were saying).

Good points, and thanks for your input.

TEmbry

As Cuba Gooding Jr says in Radio, BOF!(BOTH) lol

Id go with photography first simply beacuse you are on a budget with priorities in line. Prosumer video equipment is very pricey, and a awesome camera can be had for 1/3 to 1/4 the video setup. Plus the camera will be something you can take on every hunt, they are relatively small. Video equipment, on the other had is heavy, bulky, and almost needs a two man crew although it can be done solo.

Go with the cheaper route first, then later on when you have more money than you know what to do with[8D], get the video setup.

MichiganWhitetails74

You're welcome buddy. Remember its all about what gives you the biggest rush...Remember years down the road you will look back on yourself and those moments in video...

BUT - There is something about a still that is unexplainable....

Buy the way...My first production

was with a Hi-8 cam, pinnacle studio 8, and a DELL with a Celeron & 40 gig hard drive....I was able to produce 30 minute vids but I had to burn them and dump them...

My opinion on drives....always get double drives so you can burn from one DVD to another...

I'll be lookin out for ya

HuntingBry

I was torn with the same decision you are and I went the photography route to start. Unfortunately, an opportunity presented itself which required me getting hardcore into the videography and I couldn't pass it up so I bought that shortly afterwards.

Video is very expensive when you get into the camera, audio, tripods, tree arms, editing PC, software, etc. You may want to start with that and build up over time. Then you can add some photo gear here and there when you have a chance.

They're both fun so I don't think you can go wrong either way.

Justin

I personally went the photography route to start off. First and foremost because of the sheer cost of getting into it, secondly because I found it to be a lot more versatile in other aspects of my life. I can carry it around when I go to a new city and want to snap photos of buildings or lanscapes, I can use it at parties and e-mail the photos to friends/family,and so on down the line. Having a nice prosumer video camera is nice, but I just don't really use it for anything other than hunting.

When it comes to price you can pick up a decent DSLR body with a kit lens for under $800 and then if you want you can find used glass for pretty cheap and you're off and running for not much more than a grand. When it comes to digital videography you're looking at $2K-ish for a good prosumer camera or $1000-ish for one of the small form 3CCD cameras, plus tapes, boom mics, wireless mics, tripods, camera arms, camera bags, editing software, computer hardware, etc etc. It's kind of a never ending list as you progress and as I found out, it's not cheap.

I probably have $1,000 into my digital photography setup which includes a Nikon D40 with 18-55 kit lens, Nikkor 55-200 F4-5.6 AF-S VR lens, camera bag, extra battery, extra SD card, bogan tripod, and a bogan ball head. I'm happy with it and like you already mentioned I can purchase better glass as I go and upgrade camera bodies when I'm ready.

I probably have over $4,000+ into my video setup and already I'm looking at a camera upgrade. Current setup is a Canon GL2, Sennheiser wireless mic, Audio Technica shotgun mic, Huntercam Cradle arm w/Bogan head, Bogan Tripod w/Bogan head, a bunch of tapes, extended life batteries, camera bag, shoulder mount, two Varizoom controllers (one for the camera arm, one for the shoulder mount), editing software, and pretty soon I'll need a new computer as well since mine is getting older. Not to mention there's a ton of time that goes into sorting through hours of footage and splicing it together w/music, sound, animation, etc. IMO video is the much more intense and expensive of the two hobbies. At least from a beginner/amateur standpoint.

MGH_PA

Thanks for the feedback/input guys. Good stuff here.

Bry,

What camera setup did you get for your photography (I assume you purchased something before you decided to head into videography)? Kind of a side note, but who does the photography for RVGC? Their website product photography/general photography is very nice.

Justin,

The initial investment cost and versitility aspect of photography is what has drawn me toward that more. I find myself in a LOT of situations where I wish I had a nice 400D (ok in a perfect world, maybe a 1DS-MkII) with a nice 700-300IS out on my walks. I have so many nice photo opportunities around me (I can already tell I will be primarily into scenic/wildlife photography). I almost comitted to a camera setup back in February, but I'm very leary of dropping a huge amount of $$ down right now, because like I said, I'm also hoping to possibly purchase some land within a year or so. I'm just feeling the market right now so to speak, and I like to hear others opinions on this.

RockinChair

While Wildlife Photography is a passion of mine, I would have to say videography. My family just put together a video this past Januray recapping our hunting season with footage from several hunts, one succesful, and all sorts of hunter interaction.