Making an independent film requires professional equipment, but not necessarily the giant film cameras used in Hollywood. Many independent filmmakers acquire good equipment, both used and new, that meet the needs of the production.
Basics
To get started, you will need at least one camera, lighting and sound equipment. Even if you intend to shoot your film outdoors in bright sunlight, you need reflectors to light the actors' faces. The first thing, however, is the camera. There are several ways to go at a professional level. If you want to shoot on film, you can choose 16mm or 35mm cameras. The 16mm variety is popular with novice filmmakers because these cameras are cheaper and the film also is less expensive. If you choose to go with video, there are many professional cameras available. Pro-level video cameras let you watch scenes immediately after shooting them. Digital cameras also let you upload footage directly to a computer, where it can be edited rather than use film-editing equipment.
All these types of cameras are available on Web sites such as eBay or services, such as Alan Gordon Enterprises, where they specialize in professional movie equipment from video to 16mm and 35mm. Services such as Gordon also rent equipment. Fellow filmmakers have camera equipment for sales at filmmaker.com's classified ad section. Online auction site eBay is a good place to get antique moviemaking equipment, especially if you want an older "feel" to your film.
Picture and Sound
While most video cameras --- and sound film cameras --- have built-in sound-capture technology, get a separate digital recorder that syncs with the film or video. Get a digital recorder with several inputs to allow for multiple microphones to capture the sound. You also will need a boom --- a long pole on which the microphones are attached --- in order to get the microphones as close as possible to the subjects. Recording sound with an on-camera microphone is problematic because the microphone is non-directional. That means you pick up a variety of sounds, some of which will be unintended. Even following actors down the street with the microphone pointed at them may not record their voices well because the ambient sound of traffic. Digital audio recorders also are available online at places like Musicians Friend or at the local musical instruments store, such as Guitar Center. You can find used units at eBay and at Filmmaker.com.
Motion Pictures
Most pro-level video cameras have anti-shake technology, originally called the Steady-Cam. Still, it's important to keep the film camera steady while shooting, unless you are shooting the movie with a hand-held look. Use a tripod for static shots, where the actors are in the screen and you don't have to move the camera. Otherwise, you will need a dolly so the camera can smoothly film the moving action. Hollywood uses tracks to guide the camera dolly. You can use a regular dolly, like the ones used to move boxes and crates. Placing your camera and cinematographer on this dolly produces smooth shots, as long as those pushing it are steady.
You can buy professional camera dollies from a variety of companies online such as Microdolly.com. This company specializes in lightweight dolly kits. You also can buy non-camera-specific dollies at places such as Office Depot. Some of those offered are simple flat dollies with wheels while others have upright handles.
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