Ive directed a feature film, so heres what I can tell you. 35mm film, Super16 film, 16mm film, Super8 film, HD Digital, DvCAM, DigiBeta, MiniDv, etc. You have to figure out your shooting ratio to do this. 1, and it goes up from there the more money you have, or the more FX, action sequences, etc. Next, add up your above the line and below the line talent costs. The way to do this, is you first hire production heads, who pick who works under them. You get a casting agent to find your above the line talent. Your DP will hire his favorite gaffer, who will hire the grips, etc. You need office help, PAs, etc. Next, you need to budget post production. FX houses to get rates. This is the hard part; if youve never done it, you dont know how long its going to take. There is a LOT more I could go into, but this post would be even longer than it is. This is by no means a complete list. Theres probably a lot on the internet you can find.

For sure, get some production budget forms.

That will give you a good idea of what items there are, how to organize them, etc. Most pros shooting digital will be using a camera made by one or the other. The huge election of lenses and accessories is what most attracts pros to these brands. They know they can buy or rent lenses for any kind of photography. Asking for an opinion on who is better between Nikon and Canon is like asking for an opinion on religion.

Both sides will argue until they are unconscious. The truth is, both Nikon and Canon make fantastic cameras and lenses. Its almost pointless to debate over who is better because the other company will announce something even better next year.

You cant lose with either choice. Whatever camera you choose, it will go out of date eventually. Thats the nature of electronics and you cant escape it. Both Nikon and Canon are very competitive and both of them invent new cameras continuously.

What is important for you to consider, however, is the lens and accessory SYSTEM you are buying into. Once you start investing money into lenses, flashes and accessories you will be more and more invested into one brand or the other.

Cameras will go out of date in 2 years. Lenses and accessories will last you much longer. Have a look at the lenses, flashes and other gear available from Nikon and Canon. Think about what you will be interested in doing pictures of and look at the lenses and accessories each company offers to get you there. Consider the availability of rental lenses and other equipment in your area.

Being able to rent a lens for your camera can give you a lots of creative choices without needing to buy expensive lenses.

Finally, what matters the most is picking the camera you most love to use. Features and specification mean nothing if you dont love using the camera. Try equivilant Nikons and Canons at your local camera store.