Can I get some help getting started please?

J

Jonathan12uiz

Well-known member
Ok so I work part time @ a local electronics retailer and it boggles my mind how many people come in to purchase unnecessary equipment for their "professional" job. Example... a woman buying a 70-200mm f/4-5.6 nonIS lens for a low lit indoor reception. Keep in mind I asked what lighting she will be bringing(flash or strobes)... she replied with none. She said she doesn't need a flash and this lens is all she needs for her nikon d3000. Another example, a man coming to purchase a sony handycam nonHD for club videos, no led lights, no audio recorders... fail!

Anyhoo, this has motivated me to get off my ass and start producing some quality work for the area.

This is what I worked up for the time being to get me started.

GH13 w/ 14-140mm f/4-5.6 x2 $already owned
Panasonic Lumix 20mm f/1.7 $315.00
Voigtlander 25mm f/0.95 $900.00
Panasonic DMW-FL500 flash $401.00
ZOOM H1 $99.00
Rode VideoMic Pro (the new PBloom one) $230.00
indySYSTEM ULTRAcompact shoulder rig ---------\
indySYSTEM indyFOCUSmini w/ indySNAP gears - $600.00 (package deal)
indySYSTEM indyMATTEpro w/sideflags -----------/
4x4 ND filters x2 $200.00
IKAN ID 500 LED 3 light kit $1550.00
Flycam NANO $150.00
Ravelli AVT Video Camera Tripod with Fluid Drag Head $80.00
50KG slider dolly track $285.00

Totaling me $4810.00 leaving me about 190.00 for shipping charges.

Does this look Like a solid setup for a talented pair of beginners in the freelance world? Any recommendations? suggestions? tips?

EDIT! here is my updated list:
I've recieved some new stuff and wanted to modify my upcoming list... should I make any improvements?

Camera / Lenses:
GH13 w/ 14-140mm f/4-5.6 x2 $already owned
Panasonic Lumix 20mm f/1.7 $already owned
Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 $already owned
Canon FD > m4/3 adapter $already owned

Sound:
ZOOM H1 $99.00
Rode VideoMic Pro $230.00
Audio-Technica ATR 288W x2 $117.00
Audio Technica ATR-3350 Lavalier x2 $19.00
AZDEN CAM-3 Mini Audio Mixer $45.00

Lighting:
Panasonic flash $80.00
ePhoto dimmable 500 LED 3 light kit $780.00
48LED Ring Light $5.00

Support:
ephoto heavy duty tripod with WF717 Fluid Drag Head $140.00
CowboyStudio Shoulder rig $already owned
Express35 offset adapter $88.00
Express35 adjustable Rail system $129.00
Express35 HD handle $47.00
IndiFocusZoom $99.00
Flycam NANO $150.00
IndiSlider mini $99.00
DIY rotational dolly $already owned

Filters:
46mm Polaroid faderND $already owned
58mm Nature faderND $30.00

Totaling me $2300.00 probably 2500.00 after shipping charges.

How about that setup. Cost effective? Remember I will be planning on doing photo and video for weddings, corporate/local business, music videos, etc.
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Now this also does not include little nick nacks like UV filters, SD cards, etc. so lemme know what you think. Me and my bro will prolly do photo and video work hence the 2 camera setup (one for video/ one for photos) and of course the photo cam will also be a B-cam. Shooting to start in Wedding/events and hopefully some commercial/corporate work.
 
What kind of work are you planning on doing? From your examples I'm guessing event videos?
The answer to that will have a pretty big impact on whether or not that sounds like a good kit for you.

I can tell you that regardless of the type of work, I'm not sure I'd get both the Pancake lens and the Voigtlander.
Seems like if you're trying to start out with the minimum amount of gear that buying two lenses that close in focal length might not be the most efficient way to spend your money. Though if you have the two cams and want to be able to shoot in low light with both at once, I suppose that could make sense. It just seems a bit redundant to me.
 
Well I have a few questions then.

Why both the 20mm and the 25mm? They make each other redundant and unnecessary. If you get only the 20mm the money saved will buy you several vintage lenses that together will be far, far more useful than the 25mm.

Also why all that fancy equipment and then a cheap $80 tripod? You'll need something much more stable and smooth than that.

Don't be too judgmental with your customers, you don't know their whole story. You may be right, but you may also just be making too many assumptions. The lady with the "stupid" 70-200 might be taking better pictures than you could, for all you know. Same sentiment for the guy with the "fail" Sony.
 
IKAN ID 500 LED 3 light kit $1550.00

Forget those and go on ebay and buy the 1000 watt leds, then color balance them. you'll get 3 of them for $900....
 
Luis Caffesse said:
What kind of work are you planning on doing? From your examples I'm guessing event videos?
The answer to that will have a pretty big impact on whether or not that sounds like a good kit for you.

I can tell you that regardless of the type of work, I'm not sure I'd get both the Pancake lens and the Voigtlander.
Seems like if you're trying to start out with the minimum amount of gear that buying two lenses that close in focal length might not be the most efficient way to spend your money. Though if you have the two cams and want to be able to shoot in low light with both at once, I suppose that could make sense. It just seems a bit redundant to me.
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yes the 20mm f1.7 will be on the photo cam primarily for low light and natural lighting shots and of course on the flycam nano for steadicam shots. the 25mm will be the primary video lens.

Going to try and stick to weddings and events like parties and club work until I can dip my hands in the commercial side like corporate video and product commecial photo shoots.

Right now I'm shooting for the minimum equipment to get the job done right. Gonna pay off this set, then get some new stuff like the 7-14mm lens, the 45 f2.8 macro lens, a 70-200mm f2.8 w/ adapter, etc.

but for right now just getting started.
 
Jester2138 said:
Also why all that fancy equipment and then a cheap $80 tripod? You'll need something much more stable and smooth than that.
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I was going to suggest that as well - but was hoping to hear more from the OP before getting into detail.
Personally I think the Voigtlander, while a nice lens, is overkill for what you seem to be starting with. The 20mm would be fine - and the $900 could easily go towards a much better tripod.
I would also think that the mattebox is overkill - especially is all you'll be using it for is the 4x4 ND filter on the list. I would scratch both the matte box and the ND and simply go to a screw on ND set (or a Vari-ND).

All of this is assuming you're talking about event videography.
Which, if you are, I would actually say that I don't think the GH13 is the best thing suited for the job - but seeing as you already own them, it probably makes sense to use them.

If you are doing event videography then I think you need to consider putting much more money towards audio gear (a set of lavs would be useful, for example) and less towards camera support (ie. follow focus & mattebox). Though I'm not sure events are really what you're after if you have a 3 light kit on the list.

I will say that regardless of the type of work you're doing - Jester is right about the tripod.
You will never regret putting money into the right tripod.
 
dustylense said:
IKAN ID 500 LED 3 light kit $1550.00

Forget those and go on ebay and buy the 1000 watt leds, then color balance them. you'll get 3 of them for $900....
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i'm not finding any for 300 that are dimable, 5600K daylight temp, remote controllable, with lights stands and carrying case, though. Mind helping me out with a link? it would be much appreciated.
 
Jonathan12uiz said:
Going to try and stick to weddings and events like parties and club work until I can dip my hands in the commercial side like corporate video and product commecial photo shoots.
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Well honestly if that's the case I'd scratch the LEDs off the list completely, take a fraction of that budget and pick up a couple of vidleds or small LEDs you can use quickly and off battery power. Then I'd take the rest of that buget and put it towards audio gear and a better tripod.

If you're shooting events you probably aren't going to be doing a whole lot of lighting - and the audio is going to be much more important than just about anything else (especially at weddings).

And the tripod is key, regardless of what you're shooting.
Just my 2 cents.

(this is all said assuming you want to stay at the budget you outlined)
 
Jester2138 said:
Well I have a few questions then.

Why both the 20mm and the 25mm? They make each other redundant and unnecessary. If you get only the 20mm the money saved will buy you several vintage lenses that together will be far, far more useful than the 25mm.

Also why all that fancy equipment and then a cheap $80 tripod? You'll need something much more stable and smooth than that.

Don't be too judgmental with your customers, you don't know their whole story. You may be right, but you may also just be making too many assumptions. The lady with the "stupid" 70-200 might be taking better pictures than you could, for all you know. Same sentiment for the guy with the "fail" Sony.
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working @ the job and talking to customers, you get to know how much they really know... this particular lady told me that she didn't need a flash because she shoots in automatic mode and it always gives her a good picture... to me that is a fail... props for her for actually getting out there and doing it, but i feel bad for the people she is charging... ever see this?


I recommend watching it and the feeling you get when you watch it is the same feeling i get when I talk to these people. but enough about that, she is out there doing what she likes and It has motivated me to get started, hence this thread.

as for the tripod... will look @ some more tripods, but still haven't found something I wanted to get right now. This 80.00 one will get the job done, with limitations, but leaves me room for other things to keep the 5k limit.
 
Luis Caffesse said:
Well honestly if that's the case I'd scratch the LEDs off the list completely, take a fraction of that budget and pick up a couple of vidleds or small LEDs you can use quickly and off battery power. Then I'd take the rest of that buget and put it towards audio gear and a better tripod.

If you're shooting events you probably aren't going to be doing a whole lot of lighting - and the audio is going to be much more important than just about anything else (especially at weddings).

And the tripod is key, regardless of what you're shooting.
Just my 2 cents.

(this is all said assuming you want to stay at the budget you outlined)
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So far I'm going to need the light kit to setup for dramatic lighting setups for weddings and receptions to keep from the harsh direct on lighting. I already have a 160 led on cam for that if need be.
My audio i think will be fine without lavs and xlr setups for now since I will be mounting the h1 externally near the "action' and will sync later in post. will get a h4n after I get some good traffic, also... recommend any tripods... i was looking @ some manfrottos, but It seems like my style of shooting involves more steadicam and slider work than tripod, hence my cheap tripod for now.

also forgot to mention the mattbox setup is for customer satisfaction during the shoot. its hard to convince new people the possiblities of a dslr and a naked gh1 looks very consumer cam. the follow focus will be necessary for smooth focus pulls for a one man video cam crew on a shoulder rig or tripod. and the shoulder rig is just there for stability on the go.
 
Jonathan12uiz said:
So far I'm going to need the light kit to setup for dramatic lighting setups for weddings and receptions to keep from the harsh direct on lighting.
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I can't imagine having time to setup a 3 point lighting setup at a reception. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice idea in theory - but in practice I don't see it working out at all. And honestly I've never seen anyone light a wedding ceremony, I can't imagine most brides and grooms (or venues) would like that much.
My audio i think will be fine without lavs and xlr setups for now since I will be mounting the h1 externally near the "action' and will sync later in post.
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For some events that might fly - but for a wedding I can't fathom going without a lav. Brides and grooms will often get very quiet when they recite their vows - and I can tell you right now that it doesn't matter if the rest of the video looks like it should be nominated for an academy award in cinematography if you miss the vows or can't hear them clearly. If there is a problem with the audio, that is the only thing couples will remember from their video.

i was looking @ some manfrottos, but It seems like my style of shooting involves more steadicam and slider work than tripod, hence my cheap tripod for now.
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That's actually what I was just looking at - but if over $250 for a tripod is too much for you, then there isn't much room there. Checking out B&H their cheapest Manfrotto kit that I would consider even borderline was about $220. If you can't free up some budget for sticks, then I would just tell you not to plan to do much on that tripod other than static locked down shots.

Honestly I would seriously consider scrapping the mattebox and followfocus. Sure they'll look good - but honestly, I don't think they're going to do much for you at all (especially given the lack of filters, and the gaps in other areas of your gear).

Just my 2 cents.
 
I would spend 8 hours on cheesycam, and then think back through your list. I'm a noob as well, so that's why I recommend it.

For the tripod, I say spend and extra $50 and get the 717 combo from Amazon. I just have the fluid head and wish I would have got the tripod as well.

Audio is everything, I'd get at least one extra H1 just to increase your chances of getting good audio. Ive got some cheap wired lav's that are turning out some decent results.

If you comfortable getting the Nokton, then I'd skip it for now and get some Canon FD lenses. The 50 1.4/ 85 1.8 would be good starters to complement the 20mm.

You might also consider a budget slider, indi's is only $99.
 
Luis Caffesse said:
I can't imagine having time to setup a 3 point lighting setup at a reception. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice idea in theory - but in practice I don't see it working out at all. And honestly I've never seen anyone light a wedding ceremony, I can't imagine most brides and grooms (or venues) would like that much.

For some events that might fly - but for a wedding I can't fathom going without a lav. Brides and grooms will often get very quiet when they recite their vows - and I can tell you right now that it doesn't matter if the rest of the video looks like it should be nominated for an academy award in cinematography if you miss the vows or can't hear them clearly. If there is a problem with the audio, that is the only thing couples will remember from their video.


That's actually what I was just looking at - but if over $250 for a tripod is too much for you, then there isn't much room there. Checking out B&H their cheapest Manfrotto kit that I would consider even borderline was about $220. If you can't free up some budget for sticks, then I would just tell you not to plan to do much on that tripod other than static locked down shots.

Honestly I would seriously consider scrapping the mattebox and followfocus. Sure they'll look good - but honestly, I don't think they're going to do much for you at all (especially given the lack of filters, and the gaps in other areas of your gear).

Just my 2 cents.
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I know the lighting setups are most likely not going to be used at weddings much, but in interviews, or music video shoots, Its kinda the minimum I can work with.

Do any wireless LAV kits have a possibility of working on the H1 and are fairly affordable? or is the H4n the min, I heard H4n battery life was horrendous.

The follow focus I know helps with steady focus pulls during recording instead of shaking the cam while physically touching the lens while focusing. the 4x4 filters will be my on camera nd for shallow day shots and the mattebox sadly is only there to make it look pro. My variND will be used on the flycam if needed and for photoshoots.

Looking @ manfrotto tripods now... thinking of having the 5k not count for shipping.
 
peripatew said:
I would spend 8 hours on cheesycam, and then think back through your list. I'm a noob as well, so that's why I recommend it.

For the tripod, I say spend and extra $50 and get the 717 combo from Amazon. I just have the fluid head and wish I would have got the tripod as well.

Audio is everything, I'd get at least one extra H1 just to increase your chances of getting good audio. Ive got some cheap wired lav's that are turning out some decent results.

If you comfortable getting the Nokton, then I'd skip it for now and get some Canon FD lenses. The 50 1.4/ 85 1.8 would be good starters to complement the 20mm.

You might also consider a budget slider, indi's is only $99.
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already follow cheesycam. thanks for the recommendations though. the 99 indy slider doesnt have a fluid head and is shorter so thats why I chose the other slider he has recently been talking about.

the 717 really doesnt look to much better than the 80.00 one, just looks like stronger legs, I'm acually thinking of going manfrotto.

2 h1's was my original thought, but then after thinking about it, I stuck with one for now... then a h4n later. looking into possible wireless lavs that will work with the h1.

I know adapters and old primes seem to be the way to go, but I really like the simplicity of just having another lens without having to remove adapters to use OEM equipment. Might consider going the adapter route for now, but the nokton seems like I could use it always and never have to switch lenses with that range.
 
Jonathan12uiz said:
I know the lighting setups are most likely not going to be used at weddings much, but in interviews, or music video shoots, Its kinda the minimum I can work with.
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Ah, well I didn't know you planned on doing interviews - if you're going to be shooting interviews then you defintiely need some lighting gear.
I would also say that you need some decent audio gear for that - either a lav, or a decent boom mic (and a stand so you can boom the subject).

Do any wireless LAV kits have a possibility of working on the H1 and are fairly affordable? or is the H4n the min, I heard H4n battery life was horrendous.
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I don't know enough about hte H1 and how it differs from the H4n - I have an H4n and the battery life is pretty bad.
As an ultra budget solution I've heard of guys using small digital recorders with cheap hard wired lavs into them for groom's audio. Simply have the groom put the recorder in his pocket, and hit record right before the ceremony starts. After the fact you'll just have to sync it (which you were going to do anyhow with the H1). Might be an option for you. It may not be the best audio... but honestly a cheap mic a few inches from the subject's mouth is going to sound better than a great mic that is 15 feet away.

The follow focus I know helps with steady focus pulls during recording instead of shaking the cam while physically touching the lens while focusing.
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While that's true, I just don't know if it's going to make enough of a difference for you to justify the cost - because the cost is really not just the money you're spending on the follow focus, but that same money that you're NOT spending on other gear. To put it this way - is what you're getting from the follow focus worth risking not having decent audio? Or is possibly not shaking the camera when you focus worth not being able to pan or tilt smoothly?

the mattebox sadly is only there to make it look pro.
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Your work is what is going to make you look pro.
Do a good job and you'll get more work - event work is all about referrals.
Once people see samples of your work they won't care if you have a matte box.
And if they do care - those aren't the kind of people you want to be working for.

thinking of having the 5k not count for shipping.
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Hahahah.
It's a slippery slope.
:)
 
Luis Caffesse said:
Ah, well I didn't know you planned on doing interviews - if you're going to be shooting interviews then you defintiely need some lighting gear.
I would also say that you need some decent audio gear for that - either a lav, or a decent boom mic (and a stand so you can boom the subject).


I don't know enough about hte H1 and how it differs from the H4n - I have an H4n and the battery life is pretty bad.
As an ultra budget solution I've heard of guys using small digital recorders with cheap hard wired lavs into them for groom's audio. Simply have the groom put the recorder in his pocket, and hit record right before the ceremony starts. After the fact you'll just have to sync it (which you were going to do anyhow with the H1). Might be an option for you. It may not be the best audio... but honestly a cheap mic a few inches from the subject's mouth is going to sound better than a great mic that is 15 feet away.


While that's true, I just don't know if it's going to make enough of a difference for you to justify the cost - because the cost is really not just the money you're spending on the follow focus, but that same money that you're NOT spending on other gear. To put it this way - is what you're getting from the follow focus worth risking not having decent audio?


Your work is what is going to make you look pro.
Do a good job and you'll get more work - event work is all about referrals.
Once people see samples of your work they won't care if you have a matte box.
And if they do care - those aren't the kind of people you want to be working for.

thinking of having the 5k not count for shipping.
Click to expand...
Hahahah.
It's a slippery slope.
:)
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lol. I already got a boom pole / stand that I can mount the rode videomic pro on, just wondering if it will produce good sound as it is not as directional as a NTG-2 ya know. but I'm trying to make it work.

I'm looking into lav options for the H1 now. hopefully i'll find something that works.

Might drop the mattebox since my bro already has the ultracompact shoulder rig, also really considering to drop the nokton for the moment.
 
Jonathan12uiz said:
lol. I already got a boom pole / stand that I can mount the rode videomic pro on, just wondering if it will produce good sound as it is not as directional as a NTG-2 ya know. but I'm trying to make it work.
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Oh, well ff you have a pole and a stand and get the rode just outside of the frame line then I would think you'd be fine for interviews.
Given that most of your interviews are going to be indoors (I assume, as most of them are) I wouldn't worry so much about the directionality.
 
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