Q. I'm a junior-year college student/aspiring journalist with extensive experience reporting and editing for my university's top-ranked daily paper. I'm looking to diversify my skill set as I prepare to search for jobs in the coming year, and I'd like to purchase a digital video camera so that I can provide supplementary web material for my reporting.
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Basically, I'm wondering what caliber camera I should purchase to cover events/record interviews, then edit in Final Cut Pro and put online. Can you recommend any models for a college student's budget?
Thank you,
Vince in PhiladelphiaA. The key factor in your case is time, not money. The sooner you get into shooting and editing video, the better.
So, don't wait until you can afford the right camera. I guarantee you: You can produce respectable video with equipment you can buy today, and there will never be a time when you can afford the best available. So, let's get cracking.
If you have a simple, digital point-and-shoot, you might already be able to shoot video. I learned just last week that the first video we posted by one of our reporters was something he accidentally shot in video mode, not even realizing it was in the camera.
Still at the bargain-basement level, some people swear by the utility of the $119
Flip video cameras. One of these can get you started.
Here is a wiki on video equipment.
And here is a brief, practical buying guide from new-media professor Mindy McAdams.
The key factor is when you start, not what you start with.
Coming Friday: This student is finishing her undergraduate degrees and feels a strong desire to go to graduate school but wonders if it would be worth it.
Joe, Thanks for the tip on not waiting for the...
