Good camcorder for porn?

April 5, 2006 2:10 PM

After finding some local porn models on myspace, I became interested in making my own porno movie. What camcorder should I get?

Is this overkill? I will be making a DVD

http://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_AG_HVX200/4505-6500_7-31520842.html?tag=sub

posted by thebbxx to technology (17 comments total)

How nice do you want it to look?
posted by drezdn at 2:16 PM on April 5, 2006

I want it to look like a real porno
posted by thebbxx at 2:17 PM on April 5, 2006

I like the Cannon GL series. They're a couple grand, but you should be able to get the GL2 used for significantly less.
posted by Netzapper at 2:21 PM on April 5, 2006

well, I hope this helps: a couple years ago I read this story (New York Magazine, I think, or the NYObserver?) about a guy (unemployed documentary film maker or something) who taught cinematography/editing classes to shoot your own homemade porn, good classes apparently because went on to have good careers in amateur porn; he had many couples from amateur porn sites who went to his classes. maybe you could email somebody from an amateur porn site and ask them
posted by matteo at 2:23 PM on April 5, 2006

When reading this query, I can't help but think of the porn video story from Chuck Palahniuk's "Haunted"—but that's probably just because of this thread earlier today.
posted by limeonaire at 2:24 PM on April 5, 2006

Sorry, let me be more specific. I want it to look professional enough to be sold in the normal porn distribution system. Also, camcorder weight and size is an issue because I will be doing this Point Of View style. Holding the cam myself
posted by thebbxx at 2:26 PM on April 5, 2006

I feel bad that I know this, but the style you're referring to is "gonzo". I would not go with the Canon series as they are rather unwieldy. I think any high-quality DV cam will do, lighting and scene setup will be much more important than the camera.
posted by geoff. at 2:28 PM on April 5, 2006

Going by what geoff said, you can find a decent 3-chip DV cam for 2-3K.
posted by drezdn at 2:46 PM on April 5, 2006

The Sony HC32 is used (although not as primary camera) on at least two MTV series that I'm aware of. It's got an impressive zoom, and decent image stabilization, and it's extremely light and compact. You'd probably want a wide angle adaptor, though.

Your next step up after that would be something like the PD-170, which is much higher quality, but SUBSTANTIALLY more expensive (and less bulky than the Canon camera mentioned above.)
posted by dersins at 2:48 PM on April 5, 2006

And remember, with porno you don't want to use the zoom for the close up shots, just jam the camera right up next to the phallus.
posted by shanevsevil at 4:38 PM on April 5, 2006

If you can afford it, get two good cameras instead of one great one. The second will be a backup and, if you have a buddy who can help, you could maybe film two scenes at once on different sets when a schedule is tight. Also, a second camera would let you get two angles on important shots. You might film all day with one camera for the relatively boring stuff but have just a few seconds to get the money shot people pay to see but that are not easy to reshoot. You can't just say, "Cut! Sorry, Sylvester, sorry, I didn't catch that first big spurt. Chartreuse's hair fell in the way. Can we try that again?" With an extra camera set up on your tripod and aimed at Sylvester's tripod, and maybe with a mirror if necessary, you could get two angles on the same eruption.
posted by pracowity at 5:04 PM on April 5, 2006

I second the lighting idea. That is a BIG deal. A good DV will work well given the lighting is right on. Also, you might look into one of those home-made steady cam rigs. (unless you are "acting" at the same time-that wouldn't work.)
posted by snsranch at 5:04 PM on April 5, 2006

The canon you're looking is very much overkill. It's an HDV camera- shooting High Def on a DV tape. Pain in the ass (Right now) to work with...and no real delivery (as there are no HD dvd's realistically)

You'd go through a nightmare in downconverts.

From Canon I'd suggest the GL series (which has this great lens)- either the GL1 (used) or 2 (new.) The XL series is a bit 'bulkier' - but has more options (lenses, professional mounts etc.)

Realistically? You just want a 3 chip DV camera
- 3 chip has better color reproduction
- DV, as most editing done on the desktop level, works best with DV footage.

Make sure it has firewire as well as your computer. Otherwise editing will be a PITA.

Two tips about making your 'homemade' porn.
1) Lighting.
You want to evenly light everything - I know, you're thinking turn on camera and everyone get naked. You'll find that people just don't look 'right' without being evenly lit. They'll have (don't titter now) hot spots, and shadows, just where you want to see clearly.
2) POV looks...you want to work with a wider lens...and really, really really not use the zoom on the camera. Practice moving the camera forward.

What you'll like about the GL series, is the pop open LCD on the side to help you manuver the camera where you like.

And as long as your thinking of selling your own stuff...find a distrubutor first (even if it's going to be yourself.)
posted by filmgeek at 5:57 PM on April 5, 2006

Word to the wise: If they're on MySpace, make sure they're 18 before making them &$@# on camera....
posted by fvox13 at 6:33 PM on April 5, 2006

Check out some of Ed Power's Dirty Debutantes series. (I won't post the link but Google will find it for you instantly) His are basically amateur productions without the attempt at a story, or fancy butterfly lighting, or soft focus but they are as interesting as porn can be. And they are popular as hell.

Ideally you probably want two cameras. Because when the stars are going at it, you really don't want to interrupt things so that you can change the camera position.
posted by JJ86 at 6:41 PM on April 5, 2006

Word to the wise: If they're on MySpace, make sure they're 18 before making them &$@# on camera....
posted by nakedcodemonkey at 8:46 PM on April 5, 2006

I help people produce and distribute digital video for a living, much of it porn. If you're doing POV stuff, you really can get away with an affordable DV cam. As mentioned, make SURE you've got enough light. But on thing that can really help is finding a camera that features image stabalization. They're not much more than regual DV cams, but your product will look ALOT more professional.

Also, the idea mentioned above about having a second camera (and cameraman or tripod) for wide shots is good. A little variety in editing goes a long way.
posted by mattoly at 1:04 PM on April 6, 2006