Trent Slabaugh
Forum Replies Created
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I looked into the EOS-M a bit and I’m already liking what I see so far (in regards to a “B” cam, that is). I’m going to do a bit more research, but it’s looking like this could be a saving grace to go with my gear. The only downside I see right now is that I wouldn’t be able to mount too much on top of it, so I’ll need to rethink my setup for my audio gear. I was planning on buying a recorder-most likely an H6 or H4n, and renting a Sennheiser G3 lav mic along with possibly a couple Rode VideoMic (one shotgun, one stereo). If you don’t mind me asking, what are your thoughts on how to set this up-or if this is a good set of gear to have in the first place?
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Hey Pablo,
I appreciate the feedback, and thanks for your congratulations! I’m really starting to get excited for this shoot, but I’ve also been nervous since this will be my first one going solo. I want to make sure I get as much right with this as I can, so naturally I’ve been trying to do a lot of research and ask a lot of questions.
That’s a very good point you brought up with the camera I choose to go with, whichever it may be. I understand that either one will have its benefits and sacrifices, but I have to think about what will serve as the best convenience to my needs both now and down the road. I’ll be sure to give this plenty of thought before I make my decision.
As for the points you bulleted, I found that they were all for the most part things that I was already thinking of. I mean no disrespect by that, just to say that it goes to show that my research has really paid off. Like you really hit the nail on the head when you said, “Go for the beauty shots with the dslr and the more wide descriptive with the camcorder.” If anything, that gives me the assurance that I know what I’m doing here 😛 now I just have to get the camera I aim to buy and put in all of the practice before the shoot!
Once again, thank you all for your help and your feedback!
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*whistles* the Nikon looks sweet! And by the way, I’ve also seen the $998 price tag on B&H’s website. I don’t know if that will eventually rise too, but I doubt it. Either way, I appreciate you keeping your eyes open for me.
And if I could bother you for just one more question, it’s about combining footage from different camera sources. Obviously, resolution, frame rate, and aspect ratio have to be the same, or it’s going to look like a crappy music video I tried shooting back in high school (but I digress :P). What I’m wondering is if bit rate plays a factor at all. If it does, is it best for it to be exactly the same or is there a limit as to how far apart they are? This is something that I’ve been wondering for some time now. And seeing that the GH3 can power through to 72mbps, I want to make sure that this wouldn’t overpower any additional footage in any way.
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I plan on operating as manually as I can, even if it means conditioning myself for it. Trust me, I want for both this video and my abilities to excel as best they can. Which lenses and mounts do you think will be the most accessible to me, as far as finding them and along with my budget restrictions goes?
If I want/need to put a good chunk of my money to the necessities outside of the body and lens(es), then I probably will only be able to afford 2 at best. I know I’ll need a prime lens with an f/1.8-1..4 stop minimally, but also some sort of zoom lens if I can (a kit lens may be all I can afford, but I’d make due if it came down to that). If I am stuck with just the prime lens though, would you recommend using one with more of a cropped image so I can get tighter shots from further away (35-50mm), or should I give the shot more space (20-28mm)? Or would you perhaps recommend using both of these kind of prime lenses instead of a zoom?
I apologize for having so many questions, but I just want to make sure I get as much of this right as possible-especially for what I’m going to be purchasing.
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No, by $1000 I meant what I’ll possibly be able to save up in addition to the $1500 I have now. So I’m hoping to have a total of $2500 saved up by the wedding at least. However, I also want to invest in a decent tripod, a Rode VideoMic Pro, a case, and as many accessories and extras I can afford.
Also, I’ve read that purchasing lens adapters is an option many GH3 users have gone with. Do you have any recommendations for that?
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Thank you both for sharing your insight!
Bill, I’ve taken a look at the GH3 and I do like a lot of the features I see. However, I’m seeing that its lens selection in comparison to Canon’s is much slimmer. I have $1500 saved as of right now and would only be able to attribute $1000 (at best) before the wedding. With this kind of a budget, what are some lenses that you would recommend? Also, what are some downsides that you have encountered using this camera?
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Do you have any recommendations of those camcorders under 2K?
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Thanks for your response, Todd! I’ll look into the XLH1. But now that I’m looking back on my original post, perhaps I should have said PREFERRED features rather than MUST HAVE. I know I’ll need to sacrifice and compensate for at least some of the features I’ve listed with with first camera. But I would like to get as many into one affordable camera as I can so I can get off the ground.
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I guess this brings me back to the costs and benefits of it all. I understand that live events will be MUCH trickier with a DSLR alone (exactly why I want to have both a camcorder and DSLR at my disposal). And I’ll admit straight up that I’m getting really antzy to get back out there. But I also know that choosing the DSLR will force me to compensate for what I don’t have. And you know what? A good part of me wants to put myself through those hurtles. You said it yourself, forcing yourself to make up for those necessities will give you a much better understanding of why those aspects are so important. It will teach you to be a more skilled filmmaker than traditional videographer, which is exactly what I want to be.
With that said, let’s talk equipment. I’ve taken a good look at Canon’s DSLR’s, and I’m considering either the 60D or the 7D for my budget. I love the articulate LCD screen on the 60D and that it offers more frame rates (makes editing a bit easier). It’s also less expensive and would allow for me to buy more equipment with my budget. However, the 7D has a more professional look to it (similar to the 5D, which I’d like to work up to) and it will force me to adapt to Compact Flash, which I know many high end DSLR’s and camcorders record on. I’m sure I’ll be doing tons of more research as I continue to save, but I’d like to get your opinion if I may.
As for audio, I’m contemplating either a Rode VideoMic Pro or a good shotgun mic (probably from Rode as well). I’ve heard demos of the Rode VideoMic, and I like what I hear. However, I know it may only be limited to being mounted on a camera. A standard shotgun mic could give me better sound and definitely more versatile use. But I know that will require me to purchase more equipment, which would kind of clutter the camera. If you have an opinion on this matter as well, I’d like to hear it.
Thanks again Steve for your advice!, And by the way, if anyone else comes across this thread, please feel welcome to offer your two cents on the matter. I want to make sure I get as much right as I can before I buy, so I’ll accept any help that I can.
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Thanks for responding, Steve! In the past, I’ve done projects such as promotional videos, plays and dance recitals, sports shoots, and music videos (albeit as a PA, though I’d love to get behind the camera in the future). As for what I plan on doing next, I’d like to continue freelancing and take on any sort of project that can come my way. I know that I’ll need a camcorder at some point, and I do plan on having both that and a DSLR. But right now, my budget is of the essence and I’m just looking for something to give me a good start. Once I do have a camera and can get to work, any money I earn from it will be going right into purchasing more equipment. So it wouldn’t take as long for me to save up for another camera as it is for me right now.