Tripodtv.com

So, a friend and I started a production company last week, Tripod Studios. Last year I finished a Master’s degree in Documentary Film + Video production, and I’ve been itching to get going on some projects. The biggest obstacale, by far, was not having enough capital to purchase or rent equipment. Problem sovled. Long story short, I’ll have my hands on a full production suite before the year’s out. Here’s what we went with:

Canon XL2 – Used on ebay $2700

3x wide angle lens – $ 1,169.95 from B&H or from the camera box for $999 from the same store as the xl2 (they are price grabber certified, so they’re reputable)

Canon FS-72U 72mm Filter Set – $114

Porta Brace Soft carrying case – $249

EQ-XL1 Equalizer Windscreen for XL-2 – $120.95

4-Year Extended Warranty for Pro Digital Camcorder – $199.95

Quick Release Plate for tripod ¼ – $22.95

Lightweight Professional Video Tripod with fluid head – $647.95

Dual G4 with keyboard and mouse (no monitor): $1075 shipped.

Samsung Syncmaster 19inch LCD Monitor – $375 (if we’re going to shop around, the monitor needs to have digital inputs, and a minimum contrast ratio fo 700:1. Here’s an acceptable viewsonic for $319 and here for 257 (open box). The $50 difference between the first monitor is a higher refresh rate, and twice the response time (measured as ms). The first monitor was just released, and the others are a couple years old (new, but old technology).

Lowel DV Creator 3-light kit – $949.95

Currently bidding on a Lowel DV 55 Creator kit: http://cgi.ebay.com/Lowel-DV-Creater-Light-Kit-55_W0QQitemZ7564495081QQcategoryZ3860QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I put a max bid of $1000.

Apple Final Cut Studio – $499.99

Sennheiser Audio Wireless Lav – $475.99

Sennheiser Short Shotgun Mic – $179.95

External LCD Monitor – $279.95

Total: $9784.66

I’m pretty stoked about the deal, as a number of projects have been offered to me and I’ve had to turn them down.

Anyway, i’ll keep this site updated with my documentary production adventures, as well as include links and sources for those interested in documentary film.