[Pablo Aura]

Hi Jamie!,

I believe a C500 will be quite problematic for a one man camera crew also. Yo need an external recorder to go to 4k, real monitoring, etc. I believe in this price range you are starting to speak about more professional filmmaking and having at least a focus pulling/camera assistant is a must. The Epic could easily go to 35k-40k with accessories so maybe it’s way to high. Have you looked at the Scarlet?, it’s a good entry point, can record 4k raw, and later you can upgrade it to Epic and use the same accessories you already bought. You should also check the sony F5 and F55.
Blackmagic cameras are not a gimmick but not in the same league of an EPIC or C500.
Regarding your MacBook question, you shouldn’t need to edit in 4k resolution, I would use a proxy format not to make it a nightmare.

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[Pablo Aura]

Hi Ashley!,
60d is a very solid choice for an entry level, for some people looking for an all purpose amateur camera can work wonders, but on the other hand could be a bit bulky and heavy for some. Quality of pictures is, as you know, very good.
I wouldn’t be against the 18-135 as a starter lens within a tight budget. It has a very good range and stabilizer, It has some little problems but in general is an ok lens for a beginner.

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http://www.pabloaura.net

[Pablo Aura]

If the rest of the video is 24p then go for that, the same if it’s 30p. If there is no “rest of the video”, and planning to go only on the web then 24 will give you a more filmic feel. Your audio setup is ok, just remember if you record directly to the camera the sound will not be very good, try to get an external recorder if possible. If you can have separate channels for the shotgun and the lavs you will have greater flexibility in post, and if one of your mics stop working for some reason you will have another clean source in the other channel. That can save your day.

[Pablo Aura]

Would be great to know what kind of “pretty good video” you are planning to do. For example if you plan to do some narrative short films with very controlled setups then why not, T3i can be good for you.

[Pablo Aura]

I will go for the story you are telling, audio tells much more than image in some situations. As you don’t have any lip-sync problems, you have the luxury of taking the sound from anywhere. Is it a sportscar?, a family sedan?, an adventurous SUV?, all must sound different in a subjective manner. Get the sound from a soundbank, from another car, mix different sounds, use effects to enhance the experience, you can get very creative here and it doesn’t need to lose the realistic aspect of your piece.

[Pablo Aura]

Hey David!,
go for the FF. Just use it. At first it might be awkward, but after a little bit of practice you’ll start to love it, and your rack focus shouts will be much more precise.

[Pablo Aura]

Hey Luke!,

I agree with the other fellow members on camera choices. Consider that: For any camera you have you need to get a decent tripod, shoulder mount, monitoring solution and, in DSLRs you need lenses. I’d advice to go to a cheaper body (used 7d, 70d, 60d, GH3, etc.) and spend the extra money in accessories and lenses.
Later you can always sell your old body to get a new one and keep the rest of your gear. Remember that if you start with, let’s say a nikon DSLR you might stay very long with this platform since your lenses and accessories will match this brand.
On Video cameras, remember that FS-100, AF-100, C100, etc, are actually digital cinema cameras, they don’t have the servo/autofocus ability, ENG lens, etc. of a real video camera. They are enhanced DSLR sensors for video. For event videography it can be better to have a real video camera if you’ll do a lot of concerts, ceremonies, theater, etc.

For example a 60d and a XF-100 are very easy to match in post.

[Pablo Aura]

Hi Burt!,

First of all congratulations on taking the step to become a freelance videographer. From what I see you are growing your business and have already a good amount of equipment you can work with. Of course there is always more and more stuff you could buy, but if I were you I’d probably will go for:

– A Rig to mount rods, follow focus and mattebox with NDs and ND Grads, your ability to do more filmic shots will increase dramatically if you can pull the focus properly, control the depth of field and grad the sky in a wide shot.

– A zoom is definitely a must for event videography, I’d go first for a stabilized one.

– A wide angle, your clients will love some 14mm shots

– A second camera body. Always handy to make several angles for greater coverage and two camera editing in conferences, speeches, concerts, plays, etc.

the list is endless isn’t it?

[Pablo Aura]

Hi Trent!

Congratulations on your first wedding gig!
Regarding your camera questions and some of the answers of other fellow members, I’d tell you to be careful on going to Panny just as a quick solution. If you are starting to build your rig for a more formal production business consider your first purchases as investments to the future. With this I mean that if you go for the Canon then the following equipment you will buy will need to fix your Canon body, the same for Nikon or Panny.
All the DSLRS have the same problems and I’ve shot weddings with 60d’s, if handled properly they can render amazing results. The same goes to the other brands.
If I was in your situation I’d consider the following:
– If you go 60d then match it with another Canon. xf-100 renders beautiful color and can be matched to the 60d, the same goes for the xf-300
– if you plan on going handheld get some support for your dslr, and try to keep a stabilized lens on it, it will make a difference, even if it’s the kit lens (careful with the focusing here, can be very tricky!)
– don’t forget a good tripod for the ceremony that could be handled with the zoom lens too
– shotgun mic is your only option if planing to hear some of what people are actually saying. But remember dslr audio is mostly useless.
– don’t discard the idea of using the camcorder for handheld also,as they can give better results sometimes, because they don’t have the imaging problems of the dslr. Plus a real autofocus.
– some onboard light might save you in difficult situations
– go for the beauty shots with the dslr and the more wide descriptive with the camcorder
– try to make a shooting list so you start to work on the creative aspects beforehand

Have fun!