7D DOCUMENTARY: Tips, Gear, Strategy?

J

Jamie DeWolf

Member
Hi there. I've been on these boards for months, and have pored over posts, getting my gear. I've shot a music video and three shorts this last month, all are in post and I'll upload as soon as they're done, but thanks to everyone for giving me the confidence to go with this crazy wave of new cameras. However, I could really use some advice and expertise.

I was recently contracted to do two documentaries for a non profit writing organization that does after school writing workshops and in class sessions. The shots will be of writing sessions in class, performances, and interviews. I've shot on the HVX and the DVX before (links below), but I know these films will be a challenge with the 7D. I'm wondering what shooting advice and gear advice you could give me to pull the project off. My gear list is below...(as you can see, I pay close attention to you guys and buy accordingly, ha) I'll be primarily shooting this all solo as a one man band. Any advice you could give is GREATLY appreciated, the shoot starts in two weeks...

Canon 7D
Kit Lens
50mm 1.8
Tamron 17-50mm VC
LCDVF
IndiRails ProSm shoulder mount
D Focus
H4N Recorder
Merlin Steadi-Cam

1) Should I buy another HD mini camera to have as backup to intercut? Are there any you'd recommend?

2) Does anyone recommend the Rode Video Mic for the 7D for this kind of work? Does it give you good sound? I know I need a better mic for my H4N, but this will be run and gun and solo shooting most of the time...

3) Getting lights are next, any recommendations for a one two light system to help with interviews and classroom shots?

4) What lens would you use for the majority of the shoot? It's in high school classrooms, what would you recommend?
 
Jamie,

I'll apologize ahead of time, I just don't have the amount of time I need to respond to your entire post. So I'll be brief.

I think you're making far more work for yourself than you need to with the 7D. It's a great camera, and I've used it for just the same kinds of things you seem to be talking about. But I think you may be disappointed by relying on it here.

Don't get me wrong, the images are beautiful, but if you're a one-man-band, having to wrangle an audio recorder, shoulder-mount, steadicam and all that is more hassle than I think it would be worth.

I'd recommend looking more at a camera like the HMC40 with the XLR adapter. You'll get much better-quality audio with no syncing hassles. A good microphone will be a must either way. Get a good tripod before you get either a shoulder mount or steadicam.

Again, sorry I don't have more time to elaborate, and I'm not trying rain on your 7D parade. I just think you may be introducing more variables into this shoot than would be prudent.

--SM
 
I disagree.

Classes, interviews, and performances are relatively static and won't require much moving or refocusing. Stick it on a tripod and just try to time recording around the 12 minute limit.

A second camera would be nice especially if you just stick that on a different axis and leave it recording, but your 7D kit seems pretty good.
 
Interesting. I definitely went with the 7D specifically to get the sexy shots, the lenses and the next level of image. Also to make a blazing reel. The reel got me the job, but wrapping my head about how to run and gun it will be a challenge for sure. The problem is, my money went to the 7D and they're giving me about 1500 for the shoot and edit. If I can't buy the other camera in time, are there any strategies to pull it off?
 
Jamie DeWolf said:
Interesting. I definitely went with the 7D specifically to get the sexy shots, the lenses and the next level of image. Also to make a blazing reel. The reel got me the job, but wrapping my head about how to run and gun it will be a challenge for sure. The problem is, my money went to the 7D and they're giving me about 1500 for the shoot and edit. If I can't buy the other camera in time, are there any strategies to pull it off?
Click to expand...

Rent a cheaper hd cam! Should be less than 100/day, or find a friend. Hell, I'd do it.
 
Don't worry about it. You can get sticks, etc. for not too much in the rental area. The non-camera things are all very rentable, for not too much.

Use your camera 24/7 for the next while. Get to know it better than your wife's cli*****. You'll rule at that point. I should say, Jamie, how can I get a cool B-roll of some yada-yada-etc.?", and you should say, "Dude, just slap an 85-1.8 on there with a cool Tiffon and you'll be golden.. Without thinking. Learn it upside down. Know how much you can move it, when you need sticks, when a glide-cam works, all, all, all. You need to think the camera. Then people will think of you like Lucas thought of Bloom.
 
Lkorver said:
Rent an hpx or hmc40 and use the 7d to get your sexy broll and second angles on interviews.
Click to expand...

I totally agree. I'm doing a similar doc but outside. I'm using the DVX for my lav mic and shotgun recording and to do the actual interviews. My 7D will be for everything else such as closeups on subject matter (in this case soil, trees, grass etc) with shallow DOF for B-roll.
 
I just shot a doc with the 7D and it went pretty smoothly. Make sure you have a loupe, constant apeture zoom lens (I used mostly the 24-70, but also sometimes the 70-200 on a tripod). You will also need some screw on polarizers for the zoom if shooting outside, or a mattebox and 4x4 if using primes.
 
stock said:
I disagree.

Classes, interviews, and performances are relatively static and won't require much moving or refocusing. Stick it on a tripod and just try to time recording around the 12 minute limit.
Click to expand...

Wow, that will mak for a RIVETING doc. :shocked:

I agree with SM that this isn't the ideal camera for a one man band doc.
 
If you're set on doing a one-man-band with a DSLR, I'd go the 5D route so you can record audio straight to the camera. Trying to operate an audio recorder and the camera at the same time on anything other than a talking head is a nightmare, and even't that isn't fun. When I have to do a one-man shoot, I'd say on 50% of the shoots I forget to hit record at least once on the audio recorder and have to re-do questions.
 
I've considered making the switch to a 7D. However, there are a few points holding me back.

1.) I'm concerned about the audio and syncing it. I'm afraid that shooting and managing audio will be a bit overwhelming and I won't be able to do both at once.
2.) I'm afraid of the depth of field and I'm worried that there is too much depth of field and a majority of my stuff will seem out of focus.
3.) Keeping the camera steady. Pretty obvious.
4.) Storage and battery space.

Let me know if you guys have any thoughts on this.
 
1. I can agree with this. I put my lav right into my 7d and realized afterward that my levels were way too high. Your solution of going into a separate recorder would work but, as stated, would be a pain.
2. Don't worry about this. Using a quick lens and stopping down the aperture increases DOF. Landscapes etc come out crisp. You just need lots of light to do a shoot at F22 or similar.
3. Obvious yes. But not impossible. I've been impressed with the kit lens that came with my 7D. With the stabilizer on, the image is noticeably smoother.
4. I've not had a problem with this but I use my DVX for long interviews etc. I use the 7D for :30 to 3 minute takes because that's all I need it to do. I use a 30GB cf card.
 
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