If you want to make a movie, the first thing you need, after a script, is a camera. But what kind of camera do you choose? Your choice can make the difference between a one-time attempt and the ability to keep trying.

The two main types of camera available to aspiring filmmakers today are 16 mm and digital video cameras.

The choices between the two come down to two factors: quality of picture and cost. The digital video camera will cost a filmmaker much less than the 16 mm.

Ten 60-minute blank cassettes for the digital video system can be purchased for around $80. Digital video (DV) is a complete system, in that it enables filmmakers to edit and record sound, which costs more with the 16 mm camera.

Sixteen mm film is much more expensive. A roll of film costs the same as a DV cassette. A 400-foot roll of film can record 11 minutes' worth of action. To get the same amount of footage with a 16 mm camera as DV would provide, one would have to spend more than $6,000.

The price of film and cameras won't be the filmmaker's only concern. Hiring talent, finding a crew and getting film permits can cause the price of production to escalate.

To hire an actor with a Screen Actors Guild card will cost the filmmaker a minimum of $100 per day. Actors with movie or television credits will cost $500 per day. A film crew of four will cost between $4,000 and $6,000 a week. Permits vary in price according to the city involved in the film shoot.

One recommendation for a first-time filmmaker is to cut costs as much as possible. Get friends to work as cast and crew to defray what could be overwhelming costs.