Where do I start with my Sony Handycam DCR-DVD105?

[creativeguy]

Hey all,

I've got a Sony Handycam DCR-DVD105 Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar camera that I'd like to attempt to use to make a low budget film with.

On the front of the camera near the lens it says

Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 1,8/2,3-46

I'd like to attempt to build/purchase some great add on equipment for this little camera. The wide screen option on the camera is a joke. I'm hoping to put together a set up that allows for good depth of field and will allow me to use lenses and adaptors to get a true widescreen look. Not this crop and zoom garbage the camera currently offers.

Unfortunetly it also looks as if this camera does not allow for a external microphone set up so a boom mic seems out of the question when using this. I guess there will be a lot of ADR going on huh?

Another question I have is how do I keep the quality up when ripping the footage off of the dvd disk on my computer?

Where can I find DIY guides on builds for this camera and where can I purchase the proper lenses and products for pushing it beyond its potential?

Thanks.

[punkandska66]

You're a creative guy. You figure it out...
*See what I did there? 'Cause you're name is... it's funny with the - ahh nevermind...*

Just kidding. About the mic: Take a look at this thread (http://forum.indymogul.com/showthread.php?t=26242), and PM the OP (http://forum.indymogul.com/member.php?u=17799) about it. I'm sure he'll help you out.

And it will help a lot if you take a look at the front of your camera and see if it has threads (like a screw) around the lens. I think it should, because the "46" that you said was written on the lens; that's most likely the thread size.

And also, what's your budget?

[WakeUpStudios]

i have a dcr-dvd610 so i know where youre coming from. as far as thread size, be sure to measure to be absolutely positive. mine says 1,8/1,9-76 on the lens but its actually 30mm, so be really sure about thread size.

audio? Mine's pretty good as is on my 610, but i had to learn how to avoid that sorta clunky sound when you move around you know? and i always use alot of ADR anyway so i didnt have to change my methods...

[creativeguy]

Punkandska66: Haha. I knew this name would get a bit of taunting on here but thats okay :) I'm in the planning stages of the project. The film script isn't complete yet. My budget is a tight one but I have no problem taking the time to save up cash to purchase items as long as they aren't going to take me 5 years to save up for. :D

My budget is decent at best. I don't want to put a actual amount on it as that might make it seem more limited than it really is.

wakeupstudios: Thanks! Is there a place I can find out proper lens sizes? The camera does have a threaded section on it for a lens.

I'd like to build a nice rig onto the thing to get a better picture or at least true wide screen and DOF.

[WakeUpStudios]

i tried searching for my personal thread size but couldnt manage to find out. in the end i got help from the folks here and measured the threads myself.

just post some pictures and im sure someone will help you. honestly though im guessing that yours is 30mm. my mom has a sony handycam that does tape instead, and has completely different information on the lens and it's 30mm.

[creativeguy]

WakeUpStudios: Thanks again!

Here is a photo of the type of camera I have available to use. I also have a big old VHS Camcorder too. LOL

http://www.fotoonline.hu/pictures/articlepics/big/sony/sonydvd105.jpg

[punkandska66]

You know, just a thought: But since you have a little but of money to spend on modding up this camera that you have, have you though of just getting a more advanced camera. Generally (there are exceptions) DVD cameras are something many indie filmmakers try to stay away from. They can just be a real pain. But I guess if you're good with that camera then it won't really be an issue for you.

But consider stuff like the HV20/30/40. They are handheld cameras roughly the size of what you're using. But they are HD, have a mic input, a headphone output, and plenty of manual controls. They use tapes, which you would think is a pain, but it's really not at all. Or the HG series which is pretty much the same as the HV series except that the HG's are Hard Disk, so you just plug it into the computer and you don't have to worry about tapes/disks/ memory card/ etc. Plus they are very popular cameras with low-budget filmmakers (I actually have an HV30 and love it) so there are lots of places to go to find out tips, advice, mods, and stuff like that.

Like I said, it's just a thought. But it might be better in the long run.

[KMProductions]

Just looked up some info on your camera. The filter size is 25mm. I would take PunkandSkas advice and consider maybe using the money on a new camera then save up to make your film. It's not that it can't be done with your camera (I have a little bit older model of your exact camera and I made films with it for 3 years) it'd just be a little easier.

[countevil]

I have pretty much the same camera and yeah the lack of an mic jack sucks. I'm facing the same problem as you. If you don't want to mess around with the camera I guess you could get a mixing desk to record externally.

I'm gonna save up and buy a camera more designed for film production.

[creativeguy]

Okay,

3 questions.

What were you able to do with the camera you had like mine? What were you able to work out with using it and making good films?

Also, what is a good affordable camera to purchase that can have add ons attached to it easily, either DIY addons or manufactured add ons, that is under 1000 dollars?

[punkandska66]

http://forum.indymogul.com/showthread.php?t=7166

That thread is super helpful for looking at different cameras.

[KMProductions]

http://forum.indymogul.com/showthread.php?t=7166

That thread is super helpful for looking at different cameras.

Sadly I haven't updated it recently though. I need to completely revamp it.

A great camera under 1000 is the HV30 or the HV40.

[creativeguy]

KMProductions: Thanks! That topic is full of great info!

I was wondering though if you could tell me how you went about setting up/improving the camera you had that was similar to mine?

Thanks!

[KMProductions]

KMProductions: Thanks! That topic is full of great info!

I was wondering though if you could tell me how you went about setting up/improving the camera you had that was similar to mine?

Thanks!

You don't really have to do anything special. The only thing I did was buy an external mic. to put on. I know you aren't able to do that though. But you can do a few things to all cameras to get a better shot.

1.Go into the menu and set the white balance. This can be done manually or you can pick a preset. i.e. Indoor, outdoor, fluorescent. This will vastly improve your shot.

2. Get a tripod. You really need one. This can help your videos look more like you tried and less like the standard youtube videos.

3.Light your shots properly. This is probably one of the most overlooked processes in indie films. Make you you get some clamp lights and light you scene.

[countevil]

White ballance adjustment is a good tip. It really does make all the difference. I shot something on default setting, then manually set it. The change was impressive, much improved colours.

This site explains it all: http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/white-balance.htm

There should be a white ballance setting to calibrate it from a source of white. All you have to do is hold up a white piece of paper and the camera will adjust itself.