Help with “best bang for the $” accessories?

[William Mims]

B&H Video, out of NY, has a Cartoni HiDV Fluid Head ($ 749).
Let me just say this, save the difference elsewhere and get the Cartoni. Hands down, the sweetest fluid head I have ever used. You will not regret it. 75mm bowl, and a nice tripod for under $ 250. The Cartoni handles my EX3 with extra stuff on it just fine, it’s velvet smooth, and has some nice lock down features and you can tilt it +90 degrees.
I learned this the hard way-cheap fluid heads are not fluid, they are friction with a honey like substance that will ozz out on a hot day in the trunk-then your sunk for sure. trust me. A tripod/fluid head is not the place to cut corners. At one time or another I have used them all, Sachs, O’Connors, Vinten, etc. This Cartoni is the best I have used. As far as the EX1, I can only say Sony is your best choice, hands down. The EX1 is a great camera system, however for what you are about to do, I suggest you give a lot of thought about your future needs. There is wisdom in being careful not to over spend your budget, on the other hand, for a little more you can buy the EX3. A camera system that will allow you to produce network quality work long into the future. Another option is to buy a EX1 used from a safe place like the used section here at Creative Cow. Use it for a while, switch to a new EX3 and keep the EX1 for a second camera. Sony Vegas NLE is something you should consider-I know that goes against what others here will tell you, but I have been quite pleased with how fast I got to speed with the Vegas NLE and with the extras it has without having to buy other software.

Mims

[Peter Lefebvre]

Thanks Mims – great advice, but I’ve already blown the theoretical budget by climbing up from our original idea of getting a Panasonic AGHMC150P…

We also already bought FCP, so we’re pretty much committed to that path now too!

We’ve been watching for used EX-1s but they get snagged-up pretty quick and the thought of taking a chance on shipping a used one across the border, only to find something wrong, gets me all clenched-up in the worst places!

Any thoughts on a decent (low cost!) lighting setup to get started? I figure I will need at least one decent keylight (spot with barndoors?) and a softbox kit…?

Cheers & thanks – Peter.

[Chad Johnson]

Peter

With as much money you will blow on getting the EX1 at Canada pricing, you may as mell just buy a ticket to New York, and go to B&H in person. Think about it, how much does a round trip weekend to NY cost? I bet it’s less than 1,500.00US. So get your butt on a plane to B&H.

EX1 6,099.00

You need a decent wireless system:
Sennheiser EW112P G3 LAV SYS (B) EK100/SK100/ME2
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/618741-REG/Sennheiser_EW_112P_G3_B_EW112P_G3_LAV_SYS.html

And the G2 can be had for cheaper while supplies last, but I’d hold out for the G3 personally.

You need BOTH a shotgun and a hyper mic. Shotguns aren’t for indoors remember. Rode has some great mics. You’ll also need a boom pole, wind muff etc.

Rode NTG-2 Shotgun: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/400806-REG/Rode__NTG_2_Battery_or_Phantom.html

Though I prefer the Sennheiser ME66/K6: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/421933-REG/Sennheiser_ME66BK_ME66_K6_Shotgun_Microphone.html

A great Hyprecardioid for indoor dialog, or even music or a play. I use 2 in conjunction with a Rode NT-4 Stereo mic for stage performances, but they do great on a boom, or getting a nice VO on location in someone’s office who doesn’t want to come in for a testimonial or whatever: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/233750-REG/Rode_NT3_NT3_Cardioid_Studio.html

Throw in a few long XLR cables, some Magic Bullet Looks software, maybe a Roland R-44 4 track field recorder if more than 2 track audio is important.

All in all if you add up all the basics: Camera, Tripod (400.00 – 2,000.00), Shotgun mic, Hyper mic, 2 Shock mounts (one for boom, one to go into the mic holder on the EX1 because the NT3 won’t fit) cables, large battery, SxS cards (frickin’ expensive), then compare the US pricing to Canada pricing, and decide if the difference is more than the cost to travel straight to B&H, I think you’ll find some savings there and have some gear you won’t want to replace right from the get go.

Good Luck!

Chadfish

8 Core Mac Pro
9 GB 667 Mhz DDR2 FB-DIMM
MOTU Traveler Firewire Interface
Mac OX 10.4.11 Tiger

My Music: http://www.humboldtmusic.com/chadjohnson

My Fun Video: https://www.youtube.com/chadfish

[William Mims]

Peter:
Chad has some pretty good advice on the NY trip as well as his choices on equipment-and while you are at it, check out Chad’s demo reel/website. Nice reel, Chad.

Mims

[Alan Lloyd]

I, too, am a non-Manfrotto person. I have used multiple Manfrotto heads and not liked any of them. Cartoni makes good stuff, as does Vinten, as does Sachtler.

You’ll want some other, smaller lights as well. With a 1K in a bag, a couple Arri 300’s and a 150 (Fresnels) will be a good start. Don’t forget the stands! And color, diffusion, blackwrap, and some miscellany such as a grip head or two, the short (28″?) grip arm, a couple Cardellinis and Mafers, and whatever.

You get to go buy gear – enjoy!

[Clint Fleckenstein]

As far as lights, you’d be well equipped with one of these: link. We have a pair of them and have been very happy with them (we have other supplemental lighting for big stuff).

I’ve also been very happy with this tripod and head for both cameras. We have one unit that we “share” but I have approval to order a second.

Cf

[William Mims]

Clint is right about the Lowel kit (link) with such a kit and knowing 3 point lighting you can light anything. If the Lowel kit is beyond your budget right now, check out ImageWest or cowboyStudio photography Equipment. The Lowel kit will outlast other products so consider that as you make that decision. Personally, I like the Lowel VIP series as cameras these days need less light and the VIP series is smaller and lighter.

Mims