What is the first piece of equipment I should make or buy

[Noah Kadner]

I’d get the viewfinder mag and an ND filter or two.

Noah

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[Phil Balsdon]

Changed the order to a more preferred or essential list (IMHO)

Viewfinder magnifier
Fluid head (ball head no good for video)
Neutral density filter (Fader ND is excellent idea)
External LCD (easier to focus & frame than camera LCD viewfinder)
Sound equipment, start with decent mic into camera and improve upon as you go.

Matt box & Rails
Something to attach rig to shoulder
Follow focus

Steadicam (you’ll need to practice a lot to become competent) If you want to do small moves consider a slider instead.

You sound like a stills guy getting into video. Check out Vince Laforet’s blog and video workshop at
https://creativelive.com/courses/vince_laforet/
He is a stills guy originally and this workshop was aimed at stills shooters. Well worth the money and you’ll learn a lot quickly.

Cinematographer, Steadicam Operator, Final Cut Pro Post Production.
https://www.steadi-onfilms.com.au/

[Norman Pogson]

Polarizing filter is still useful and a monopod.

My Website

[Tony Connoly]

Thank you all for taking the time to reply!

Viewfinder LCD–trying to make my own.

Fluid head–I did some research and found the Manfrotto 501HDV; will that carry me for a long time or would I end up upgrading?

ND–Thanks for the tip on fader ND; the only challenge will be fitting a lens hood at the same time. I will look into polarizer as ell.

External LCD–To use an external LCD, don’t you pretty much have to have a rail?

Microphone: had forgotten the audio!

Monopod–being a film guy I have one. I wonder whether it makes sense to put the fluid head on top.

[Richard Harrington]

Viewfinder. Don’t even try to make
Microphone move up in list with sync sound recorder
Fluid head tripod

These are the esseNtials

be sure o check out From Still to Motion book and DVD. We cover all gear in depth.

Richard M. Harrington, PMP

Author: From Still to Motion, Video Made on a Mac, Photoshop for Video, Understanding Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut Studio On the Spot and Motion Graphics with Adobe Creative Suite 5 Studio Techniques

[Tony Connoly]

Thanks. I’ve read Still to Motion cover to cover; I will watch the DVD next.

Those viewfinder mags are so pricy ($375 for the nicer Zacuto). When I say make, I don’t mean from scratch. I have a Schneider 4x loupe from the film days and I’m looking for a way to attach it to the camera until I acquire a Zacuto. The camera manufacturers have got to improve the LCDs or make an electronic viewfinder option or do something.

[Patrick Simpson]

I wonder if one of these knockoffs are any good:

https://cheesycam.com/lcdvf-nope-lcd-viewfinder-replica/

[Tony Connoly]

I don’t know. Have you tried?

[Patrick Simpson]

I’ve never used one myself; this talks more about it; might have more info.
https://cheesycam.com/evil-little-lcdvf-twin-vs-lcdvf/