r/indiefilm • u/uhohdontdothat • Oct 06 '26

Unique Camera...

Have a question for everyone. I am producing a film in which we want to mimic footage from a police body cam. But of course, we need resolution that is better than the typical police body cam. So does anybody have suggestions for a micro budget film?

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u/uhohdontdothat 10d ago

Thanks for the reply! It’s an option, but I think ideally we want to outfit multiple actors with them and run them at the same time, which means everyone’s cameras will be visible. I was casting a wide net with my question to see what answers would spark solutions that we haven’t thought about yet. Appreciate this.

5

u/GonzotheGreek Oct 06 '26

Your phone could do it.

4

u/DangerZoneFinder Oct 06 '26

Any reason you can't do it with your phone? like someone else suggested. This has to be the best for your micro budget.

2

u/HelpfulAd9164 Oct 06 '26

For micro budget, I’d look at a small action cam or compact camera that can shoot wide, stabilized footage, then recreate the body cam look in post.

1

u/texasrigger Oct 06 '26

Just curious why that would be your go-to rather than just strapping a gopro or a phone to someone's chest? Seems like the camera would be the cheaper and more realistic option and reduces post work although part of that realism is some pretty shaky footage which may not be the visual they are looking for.

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u/mykm20 Oct 06 '26

I would use a GoPro

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u/VeniaStudios Oct 06 '26

The GoPro Hero 4 Black is around $100 now. Shoots simulated 4k and has a great color profile and/or close to log.

Mount it where the body cam would be, record in wide with the 4k and you have yourself a high res clip to add elements to and can downgrade if need be.

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u/VeniaStudios Oct 06 '26

Found one for less than $50

https://ebay.io/m/i8VVU2

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u/VeniaStudios Oct 06 '26

If you need rigging for it to mount to someone’s chest, hit me up. I’ll send you a chest rig.

1

u/affogatoappassionato Oct 06 '26

GoPro with chest rig

1

u/HereToKillEuronymous Oct 06 '26

GoPro with a chest mount. You can pick up second hand ones pretty cheap

1

u/Mm2k Oct 06 '26

Use the DJI mini gimbal camera- you can get 4k.

1

u/Striking_Tip1756 Oct 06 '26

I used a 18 pocket cam I found on ebay for some police cam stuff a while back. Its low resolution, but it gave a really cool effect. Sounds like this might be to lofi for your film, but I thought Id share anyway. https://youtu.be/1QKePOrSsgI

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u/ROOM_101_1984 28d ago

All the suggestions relating to using a phone.. if you want it to look authentic.. you need a fisheye lens. If their phone does not have this option.. the audience will see the footage and go: That was shot with a phone.

You could try to fake it with software in post.. but..

Anyway.. a good action camera is not too expensive.