5k Budget Recommendations

[Grinner Hester]

rent as required until you learn what you need…

[Hunter Hempen]

Thanks for the input.
Unfortunately, most of those suggested go over 5k…hence the name of the thread..

—–
Too bad she won’t live! But then again, who does?
-Gaff
—–

[Craig Seeman]

You have to be realistic about both cost and what that limits you to.

DSLR is going to nearly as much once you add all the things to actually make it usable as a video camera and you’ll still have the 12 minute limit and if the camera overheats you’ll be dead in the water.

Beachtek Audio in to DSLR – $399
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/674344-REG/Beachtek_DXA_SLR_DXA_SLR_Active_Audio_Adapter.html

or
Zoom recorder $369
double system sound and sync in post
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/731495-REG/Zoom_H4N_H4N_On_Camera_DSLR_Audio.html

PluralEyes $149
so you’d need to add this software for double system sound sync
https://www.singularsoftware.com/pluraleyes.html

Red Rock Shoulder mount – $469
for steady hand held work.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/673395-REG/Redrock_Micro_8_003_0022_microShoulderMount_for_35mm_Adapters.html

Zacuto eye piece – $252
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/682689-REG/Zacuto_Z_FIND_JR_Z_Finder_Jr.html

Tiffen ND filters since there’s none built in – $55
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/674639-REG/Tiffen_58DIGEK3_58mm_Digital_Essentials_Filter.html

Maybe this Tamron lens – $459
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/423714-REG/Tamron_AF016C700_17_50mm_f_2_8_XR_Di.html

So your DSLR could be over $2000 with ancillary gear and you haven’t factored in the cost of a good fast lens for shallow depth of field shooting as the stock lens with the t3i is not. All this gear will take longer to set up then just using an inexpensive 3 chip camera with lens and XLR built in. Don’t forget there’s no zoom control and you may need to buy a follow focus as well if you’re shooting a moving subject.

The Canon XA10 would be a more practical camera choice at $2000
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/749467-REG/Canon_4922B002_XA10_HD_Professional_Camcorder.html

With the Audio Technica shotgun – $197
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/495302-REG/Audio_Technica_AT875R_AT875_Short_Condenser_Shotgun.html

[Mark Suszko]

I can tell you as an ENG shooter, a short DOF is nothing but a PITA when doing run-and-gun work. It is great for doc shooting where eveyrthing is well-controlled and planned, not so much when you are being totally spontaneous and candid.

[Richard Herd]

the new canon xa10 looks like it might fit your needs:

— XLR inputs
— manual aperture/shutter
— small footprint

It’s hard to overestimate how important the microphone is.