videographer

The Gear

OK, so I wasn’t able to find ONE place that told me just what I’d have to have in order to shoot video with these new DSLR’s. How about just a simple list, with the gear, where to get it and the price! How about some kind of order to what you should get first (my opinion, so you MAY not agree) and what about software? What the heck do you need? I figured this would be a good thing to do in case anyone (or my wife) was looking to buy something for me for Christmas. Well, here’s my list:

• Z-Finder from Zacuto - just a MUST have to see the back of the screen better and to help focus. It also helps stabilize the camera for video - $395.00
• Manfroto BHDV 561 Monopod with a fluid head - this works great for stills too, but you can sure get some more stable video for not so much money - $274.95 OR
• Miller 1643 Tripod with DS20 Fluid Head - this is one of those EXPENSIVE video tripods that they say you MUST have because a stills tripod will just not work - $1,324.95
• Rode Videomic - camera mounted shotgun mic - $149.00 OR
• Zoom H4N Handy Mobile 4-Track Recorder - this would go on top of your DSLR to record a separate audio track - $299.00
  HOWEVER, you need to mount this to your camera, so you also need the next item if you get the Zoom
• Zound Hotshoe from Zacuto - this mounts to the top of your camera hot shoe and allows you to then attach the Zoom H4N - $183.00
  Of course, if you then have the Zoom H4N AND the Zound Hotshoe, you need lavaliere mics to hook people up
• Sony UWP-V1 Wireless Lavaliere ENG Microphone Package - $525.00 - but then, if you mic TWO people double this! AND - if you have a separate audio track, then you MUST be able to sync the audio and video up
• Movie Film Clapper Board - $37.99
• Zacuto DSLR Rapid Fire - $551 - this is for run & gun filming, but it will help stabilize the camera as well
• Vari Neutral Density Filters - $390.00 - to control the amount of light coming in and still let you keep the depth of field that you want (make sure you get the correct size for the lenses you are going to use them on)
• Canon TC80N3 for Time Lapse Film making - $136.95 - if you want to put together a series of still images, taken over a period of time, this is the device to do it.
• Final Cut Studio 3 (for Mac) - $819.00 - you’ve got to have software to edit this stuff - iMovie can work, but this is the pro deal
• Sony Vegas Pro 9 (for PC’s) - $499.95 - I’ve tested the 30 day demo a bit - a LOT to learn, but once again, you need SOMETHING to edit the video with!
• F-Stop Academy Training DVD’s for the 5D and 7D - $135 or $120 depending on which one you get!

OK, so I could keep going because there are MORE things on my list (or they should be on yours if you are serious about becoming a film maker), but it’s really starting to get up in price. Matte boxes, follow focus devices, monitors that connect into the HDMI port, it can go on and on. So, for me (I have PC’s AND I already have a Z-Finder) I’ll want these minimum things: Manfroto BHDV 561 Monopod, Rode Videomic, Vari ND Filters, Canon TC80N3 for Time Lapse AND I need the license for the Sony Vegas Pro 9 software.

Well, what’s all of this come to? $1,460.85 - what are the odds?

The Converstation

Honey, you don’t understand all the things I’ll be able to do with my 5D Mark II and this additional gear…honey?

(insert long pause)

Honey, can I get a clapper board for Christmas? ($37.99)

(insert LONG moment of silence)

Of course you can dear, just make sure you play with it outside.

Final Notes

And, in the interest of full disclosure - OF COURSE I’ll make some money if you buy from the links above! How do you think I’m going to buy the rest of the gear I want?

Merry Christmas everyone… Hope you get everything on YOUR list.

{ 3 comments }