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DSLR Shooting Rigs are more expensive than DSLR Cameras
Further into my research on using DSLR cameras for professional video production, you know, those dramatic shots with movements; slides, pull-in, pull-out, focus control… I stumbled upon DSLR shooting kits from Zacuto, Brevis, RedrockMicro and boy, in most cases their kits cost a whole lot more than the DSLR itself.
So the question begs to be asked, why not just get a dedicated video camcorder and a 35mm adaptor. The Panasonix HVX300A or HPX170 with Brevis Cinevate 35 will total $4k vs a 7d + DSLR kits which will also total at least $4k.
But with the recent announcement of Panasonic’s AG-AF100 pro videographers might drop the DSLR for video and get back to a real camcorder with the large sensors found on DSLR cameras.
Ah, purchasing equipment is always a risk and a gamble. What are your thoughts on this?
My creative outlets:
* Audio Engineering, Music Production, Editing, Recording @ https://www.Sound-Weavers.com
* Photography at https://flickr.com/islandman -
13 Replies
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Hang in there, I’m making a range of products for DSLRs Will be downright cheap in caoparison to the Redrock/Zacutos
I’m making about 15-16 things, should be ready to post in 2-3 weeks.
3 hand grips, 2 body mounts, a magnifier, rails, follow focus, LCD mount. As well as Phantom powered box for taking in XLR mics, a special stereo microphone, a slider, and a few others.
Only thing I’m not making is the Matte box.
Keep an eye out for these will post when I’m ready to show.
You can write me at nakul610@gmail.com
All the best,
NakulNew Devices for Audio and Video recording
http://www.embracevideo.com
http://www.oomagamma.com -
Shallow depth of field and interchangeable lenses that don’t break the bank are the cornerstones of HD-DSLR’s.
True most of the add on equipment for rigs etc are expensive, mainly because they are being produced by old school movie supply companies.
As the DSLR has changed the industry from a cost quality perspective, some of these suppliers are still not getting it. There is a huge demand from budget conscious entry level DSLR shooters.
Here is a company that is producing some very cost effective products: https://indisystem.com/
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Couple of years ago a basic Panasonic HVX200 package with a couple of P2 cards could cost you $10K. So is $4K for a nice HDSLR rig that creates mindblowing footage really that bad? It’s never going to be free and if you have a nice business going this should be considered a business investment.
Noah
Check out my book: RED: The Ultimate Guide to Using the Revolutionary Camera!
Unlock the secrets of 24p, HD and Final Cut Studio with Call Box Training. Featuring the Sony EX1 Guidebook, Panasonic HVX200, Canon EOS 5D Mark II and Canon 7D.
Watch Formosa- My indie movie shot with the SDX900 and finished with Final Cut Studio. -
Are you “handy”? Do you own some tools? If so, you could probably make a lot of this stuff yourself. There’s plenty of metal bar, rod & plate stock available on eBay. You can also find the various fittings there. Plus, companies like Manfrotto market adapters, plates, quick releases, bushings, etc via your local camera store.
If that’s too much & there’s a good machine shop in your area, you could probably design something and have them make it for around the same cost as Zacuto’s stuff.
Arnie
Post production is not an afterthought!
https://www.arniepix.com/ -
I could see that if you’re incredibly handy with tools and it’s for shooting your own projects. But showing up with a DIY rig for a paying gig can be a quick way to never get hired again. Most clients like to see high-end rigs and tools in action which helps to put them at ease that they are working with pros, not folks at the bottom end of the budget barrel. Well that’s my $.02 anyways… 🙂
Noah
Check out my book: RED: The Ultimate Guide to Using the Revolutionary Camera!
Unlock the secrets of 24p, HD and Final Cut Studio with Call Box Training. Featuring the Sony EX1 Guidebook, Panasonic HVX200, Canon EOS 5D Mark II and Canon 7D.
Watch Formosa- My indie movie shot with the SDX900 and finished with Final Cut Studio. -
I have to agree with Noah. I’m all for saving a few bucks when you can, but as others have stated, if this is your business, these are your tools. Professional tools help bring professional results. The bigger thing to keep in mind is that while you’re tinkering with making your own rigs, you could be actually working and making your full hourly or day rates. I don’t know about anyone else, but my rates are much higher then what the guy working at the local machine shop makes. 25 years of experience in the industry tells me it never pays in the end to make your own gear. Especially when you factor in the value of your own time.
And that’s my 2 cents! 🙂
~John
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Noah’s point about appearances is a valid point. The market however can be complex. There was a time (pre digital) when high quality content creation was something only someone who was capitalized quite well could do. I can see its hard for manufactures of Rig hardware to market their product as simple, easy to use — while at the same time price it in a way that seems a bit high. Trust me if the market for this stuff was as huge as iPhone, the price would drop like a stone as more and more fabrication came from Asia. But it is what it is, so shop around and get what you can afford. One things for sure, if you pay top dollar for it, you will get good service, and it will last and work very well for you. Noah is right no the money, if how you look to clients is important, it not, hit home depot and have a ball 🙂
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Yeah the prices will come down as volume climbs. I can tell ya the Zacuto gear is top-notch and you’d really have a tough time creating something anywhere near their quality on your own. Well maybe if you’re the guys on Mythbusters…
Noah
Check out my book: RED: The Ultimate Guide to Using the Revolutionary Camera!
Unlock the secrets of 24p, HD and Final Cut Studio with Call Box Training. Featuring the Sony EX1 Guidebook, Panasonic HVX200, Canon EOS 5D Mark II and Canon 7D.
Watch Formosa- My indie movie shot with the SDX900 and finished with Final Cut Studio. -
Noah has a valid point there. DIY rigs just scream unprofessional. Just like how cellphone cameras can take nice photos now, imagine if you got hired as a photographer at a wedding and used your cellphone camera, lol!
My creative outlets:
* Audio Engineering, Music Production, Editing, Recording @ https://www.Sound-Weavers.com
* Photography at https://flickr.com/islandman -
I actually know someone who shot a wedding using nothing but his cell phone. This was arranged ahead of time and I don’t know how much he charged, but he did this to make a point. It’s about the story. He wanted to prove that he could produce an amazing video with minimal technology. It actually turned out to be an incredible piece.
Of course, try telling you client you charged 10 Grand that this is how it’s done! He didn’t do it ever again. It was just to prove a point.
Brent Dunn
Owner / Director / Editor
DunnRight Video.comSony EX-1, V1U
Cannon 5D Mark II
Cannon 7D
Mac Pro Tower, Quad Core,
with Final Cut StudioHP i7 Quad laptop
w/ Adobe CS-4 Production Suite, After Effects
& CS-5 Production Suite. Window’s 7Manfrotto Tripod’s & Heads
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