Advice next piece of gear

[Steve Crow]

You definitely need

* a Variable ND filter with around 6-9 stops of neutral density

* SOUND!!! Zoom H4N, at least one pair of wireless lavalier mics (preferably 2), Rhode VideoMic for your camera (to improve the quality of the built-in audio), headphones. Optionally a shogun mic and stand so that you can hang a mic over subjects in a sit-down interview situation.

* Any money left over? A Konova slider

* Start thinking about your storage and backup solutions – video files are huge and you tend to create multiple versions of videos as you edit….everything has to be backed up

[John Young]

Thanks Steve. You are right about the need for sound. I do have a basic sound setup with a Zoom H4N and headphones. Some lavs are a good idea and something i should think about.

[Steve Crow]

Oh, I forgot to mention, the Vari ND filter is so that you can get shallow depth of field shots outside even in bright sunlight and I meant to mention also something like the Zacutto Z-Finder so that you can see your LCD screen while filming outdoors – that’s pretty critical!

[Liam Hall]

If you want your interviews to look better your next purchase should definitely be lighting. The best bang for your buck is a Photoflex Starlite QL kit that comes with a 60cm x 90cm soft-box.

I’m not a fan of vaiy-nd like others are, so I’d recommend a set of Tiffen ND filters.

Take a look at the LCDFVF. It’s a great cost effective solution.

Spend the rest on glass:)

Liam Hall
Director/DoP/Editor
http://www.liamhall.net

[Colin Mcquillan]

[Liam Hall] “I’m not a fan of vaiy-nd like others are, so I’d recommend a set of Tiffen ND filters.”

Likewise. Over the summer I purchased the Genus variable nd filter and was not pleased with the softening and colour shifting through the various strength of ND. I find it only usable with wider lens’ and I stay away from the stronger levels of ND. The only time I see myself using it in the future is in fast paced run-and-gun situation, keeping in mind the limitations I just mentioned.

I purchased a set of Tiffen Water White ND filters and am very pleased with their performance.

Colin McQuillan
Vancouver, B.C.

“Live, love, laugh and be happy.”

[Steve Smede]

Beyond the h4n-consumer rode combo, what’s your workaround for audio? Good clean sound is never sexy as a new lens or jib, but bad audio will undo any and every other purchase you would make. (Not that I assume your audio sucks because you have introductory equipment!) You mentioned interviews. If your sound sucks, it all sucks. I’d suggest a good wireless lav system plus a plug transmitter ($800), a mid-range field mixer ($600), a pro shotgun ($300) and boom pole ($200).

[John Young]

You are totally right. My “work-around” strategy up to this point has been to beg/borrow/steal good equipment from others. I am just trying to find the right mix of gear to give me the best quality for my small budget. Thanks for replying.