7D, GH13, AF100 - which one for shooting a candid/emotional interview?

N

Nicholas Natteau

Veteran
Just a few days ago, a close friend introduced me to a combat veteran who sadly is ill with cancer. He is eager to be interviewed about his life and his experience in combat.

I have a Canon 7D, a hacked GH1/13, and have preordered the AF100 and thinking about the GH2 as a backup to the AF100.

Ideally, I would prefer to shoot the interview with the AF100. But if time is critical, which one would you choose to shoot a candid emotional interview: the Canon 7D with its amazing selection of lenses, or the GH1/13 with no 12 minute time limit. Sound wise, I'll be recording to my Zoom H4N. I just can't decide whether to go 7D or GH13, since AF100 and GH2 are not yet here, and time may not be on our side.

Also, what would be the best follow focus to get for any of these cameras: 7D? GH13? AF100?

Thanks very much in advance for any advice.
 
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I used a 5D MarkII and a Zoom H4N for this project:http://www.idsnews.com/news/inside/spub/veterans/default.aspx which is pretty similar to what you're looking at doing. To be honest the video didn't turn out as spectacular as it could have as it was one of my first attempts at DLSR video, but the best thing about using the small DSLR's was that the Vets quickly forgot about the camera. When you get talking about this stuff it can get pretty emotional so its worth it to have as low profile of gear as possible, at least thats what we found during our project. Just from that perspective I would recommend using the GH13 or 7D since their so small. The biggest problem I found was having to hit the record button every 10 min or so, which can draw attention to the camera and is just plan annoying.

My vote is for the 7D or GH13.
 
Use both.
Shoot with the GH13 wide with sound on board.
And use the Canon for closer shots at the same time.
That way you can start & stop the Canon but leave the GH2 rolling.

And using the Zoom H4N for audio is a good idea.

Also, what would be the best follow focus to get for any of these cameras: 7D? GH13? AF100?
7D follow focus
http://philipbloom.net/2010/01/09/two-very-different-follow-focus-systems-for-hd-dslrs/

I think this will work with the AF100 and the LUMIX lenses
Bebob Engineering FOXI Focus/Iris Control for Panasonic
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...ing_BE_FOXI_Bebob_Engineering_FOXI_Focus.html
 
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Hi Thomas, thank you very much for your feedback. If I were to use my GH13, I'll have to get a Canon to micro 4/3 adapter. But I think using my Canon 70-200mm would be ideal. I just have the same concern you do: the 12 minute file size limit and having to remember to keep hitting the button and hoping that doesn't ruin the moment. My AF100 can't get here fast enough. Thanks again.
 
Nicholas Natteau said:
Hi Thomas, thank you very much for your feedback. If I were to use my GH13, I'll have to get a Canon to micro 4/3 adapter. But I think using my Canon 70-200mm would be ideal. I just have the same concern you do: the 12 minute file size limit and having to remember to keep hitting the button and hoping that doesn't ruin the moment. My AF100 can't get here fast enough. Thanks again.
Click to expand...

A 70-200 for an interview??? On the GH13 that lens would be more like a 140-400....You really need a 35MM or 50MM lens and an adapter for the GH13.
 
Well, I was thinking of the 70-200 f/2.8 if I use the Canon 7D. Philip Bloom had recommended that lens as an ideal interview lens given its zoom capacity and sharpness.
Canon 7D's ability to dial in any temperature is also very attractive to me. I'm thinking of the GH1/13 in terms of the convenience of not having to press the record button every 12 minutes. I also happen to have a Zeiss ZF 35mm f/2 and Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 along with the Nikon to Canon adapter. I had purchased the Zeiss lenses ages ago when I had a Nikon.
 
Get a Nikon to M4/3 adapter and you're set with the GH13. Anyone have a recommended best nikon to m4/3 adapter?
 
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