Do I need more gear?

[Lloyds]

Hi everyone. This is one of my first post, and I just wanted to introduce myself to the forum. I've been reading for months.

I just got my A1 and am real excited about using it. I plan on doing a fair amount of "man-on-the-street" type interviews for Christian programs I'm going to be releasing via DVD mailings and some streaming things online.

I'm new to the prosumer video world (although I've used a handheld video camera since they came out 20 years ago--I know... VERY different camp). Everyone I know tells me I'm a techno-guru, so I'm sure I'll pick up the basics pretty quick, but I know I have a lot to learn (major understatement!).

I'm trying to pick up all the basic gear that I'll need for these interviews (all during daylight hours). I think I'm all ready to go get my feet wet and start messing up (the path to learning, right?). Please let me know if you think I need anything else as a minimum to get going. This is what I have:

50 Panasonic AY-DVM63AMQ tapes (and Panasonic head cleaner)
Very basic UV filter
SM58 Sure XLR mic (more questions on the mic in another post)
Shoulder mount http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...a_Support.html
Another person
A case http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...eled_Foam.html

Do you see anything else I might need before I go out and make some big rookie mistake?

Thanks! Look forward to getting to talk to you all on these boards!

 

[Jeff Anderson]

I think the package you listed would work fine (assuming you have mic cable listed in there) - here's what I would think about it if it were me:

third person with silver/white reflector.

wireless for the mic.

different handheld rig.

different case.

None of these things are "have-tos" but more like "would sure be nice to haves". A little bit of light mics things easier and not tripping over cables does too. Now if you are in a heavy rf area you might be fighting interference on your wireless so its a give-take on that one. I just know very little about that handheld rig, so I might look into something more tried and tested like the ones from dvtec. The multi-rig pro or dvrigpro would suit you well. The hard case is the same issue. If you definitely want a hard case, I'd get a pelican or a storm. With wheels. Wheels make life easy . You might also want to look into a backpack type of solution - I have a kata hb207 (not sure if thats the right number) that is fantastic and provides alot of protection to the cam. I also just got a pelican 1510 for some upcoming air travel (its a tad small, but the largest that is carry-on approved). Hope this helps.

 

[ullanta]

If you're very concerned with sound quality, I'd recommend a condenser mic with good wind protection. Most major mic companies make handheld condenser mics that you can use lile the familiar SM58 (thoughthey need phantom power) - just, if you're outdoors, with a mumbly interviewee, the higher output level of a condenser will make a big difference in the noise level. If you have an extra person with a boom mic and full wind protection (a fuzzy zeppelin), that will make a big difference in terms of wind noise AND sound consistency.

You want a good UV filter for lens protection, at least! Depending on lighting conditions, you may want to have some ND filters or Polarizers handy, and perhaps a simple mattebox.

Rain protection? Extra batteries? A mic flag to look a tad more professional? Reflector as mentioned above, on-camera light for evening? Release forms?

There's a lot that will improve your quality and make your life easier... listen to what we're saying here, and think about it... but heading out and doing some testing will be your best indication of what you need.

 

[PaPa]

bounce board