Equipment recommendation for outdoor docu-style?

Since there aren't any constant aperture zooms on the GH2 with image stabilization (unless I'm just not aware of one?), that means I'm stuck with the Canon if I want to be able to zoom and still have IS.
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That has been my number one reason for disliking the GH2. For some people its a non issue, for me its a big issue and now you know how I feel lol.

What is more important for an outdoor shoot like this- Image Stabilization, or the moire/aliasing free higher-resolution image?
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Personally I'd prioritize the IS over resolution, just because I prefer the Canon anyways, but I'm just being biased. Use what suits your style and workflow.

If I did have a GH2 I would get two lenses first, the Tamron 17-50 (Non-VC) and Tokina 11-16, both Nikon mounts.
Then I'd use the Novoflex Nikon to micro four thirds adapter to control the aperture.
That way everything is mechancial: focus, iris and zoom :D

*Edit* It has been several weeks since I said the above and I am now back in the GH2 camp.
The resolution is just too killer lol
The lack of IS lenses is still a bummer though until the 12-35mm and 35-100mm come out.
I'd get a single 25mm prime and work it using a monopod :) That would be my solution for now.


 
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Boncrek said:


That has been my number one reason for disliking the GH2. For some people its a non issue, for me its a big issue and now you know how I feel lol.



Personally I'd prioritize the IS over resolution, just because I prefer the Canon anyways, but I'm just being biased. Use what suits your style and workflow.

If I did have a GH2 I would get two lenses first, the Tamron 17-50 (Non-VC) and Tokina 11-16, both Nikon mounts.
Then I'd use the Novoflex Nikon to micro four thirds adapter to control the aperture.
That way everything is mechancial: focus, iris and zoom :D
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Yes, I have a Nikon-to-M4/3rds mount adapter with an aperture control ring, but no lenses that use it yet (all my Nikons are vintage primes with their own aperture ring, and my Tamron is EOS).
I've been considering getting another Tamron zoom in Nikon mount for use on the GH2, but I've managed to use it already a few times with an EF-to-M4/3rds adapter, and setting the aperture on the Canon body first. Not ideal, especially if I might need to change F-stop during the shoot, but it works if I need it on controlled shoots.

I'm starting to like the idea of using a Canon for this only because of lens selection. Honestly the GH2 should have been a better option for run/gun live sort of shooting in every other way- offers autofocus, smaller body, more resolution on detail (shooting with a very deep DOF)... really, I like Canon's colors, but it seems inferior for this job in every other way. If only there was a good M4/3 lens!

*sigh*

I could just use the kit as a variable prime I suppose. I'll have to do some experimenting and see if that look works for this kind of thing. I was really picturing the ability to zoom during a shoot.
 
Instead of a monopod, what do people think about using a fig rig / halo rig sort of thing as a stabilizer for this kind of shoot?

Am I better off with the monopod? I totally forgot about these, are they worth it?
 
dishan said:
Instead of a monopod, what do people think about using a fig rig / halo rig sort of thing as a stabilizer for this kind of shoot?

Am I better off with the monopod? I totally forgot about these, are they worth it?
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If you want to be filming while moving then a fig rig will be better but still shaky.
A monopod is steadier if you will stop and shoot. Way steadier but you cant move with it.
The best moving apparatus for shooting is of course a steadicam rig.
Below that a shoulder rig is the next level of steadiness for moving shots.
For stationary shots a tripod is ofcourse the steadiest apparatus.
Below that a monopod is the next level of steadiness.
 
Dishan.

I am sure that you have most probably completed your shoot by now and would be keen to hear how it went and what you finally decided on in regards to kit.

I am preparing myself for a rather long doco project which I hope will require a fare amount of shooting for the moment in a wide and varied array of situations and locations. I am also new to the DSLR and am trying to get my head around it and my fingers in the right places.

Two people I have found who have started to help with this are Danfung who shot and directed “To Hell and Back Again” and used what seems to be a modified Glidecam with a 5D and a canon 24-70mm lens. I am awaiting the bluray of the film to see the final out come however from trailers and bits and pieces this seems to have worked well. Here’s a link to a post about how he shot it http://www.dslrnewsshooter.com/2009/10/14/photojournalist-danfung-dennis-how-i-cover-the-afghanistan-war-with-the-5dmkii/

The other person I have been checking out is Leonard Retel Helmrich who shot a trilogy of films in Indonesia using a style he has called Single Shot Cinema, you can find out more about here http://www.singleshotcinema.com/. This style has him pretty close and in the face of his talent keeping the audience right in there and involved with the story.

Personally I have been looking at the Redrock Captain Stubling rig or something like it and have purchased a Manfotto 561BHDV which was mentioned earlier. The monopod is great. I have not tried walking or using it as a steady cam but capturing scenes with stability and flexibility of movement is great.

Be interested to hear yours or others thoughts on this and to get an idea of how your shoot went maybe even a peak at how it turned out?

Cheers.
 
Actually, no- the next shoot for this docu project won't be for a while still.
I shot the first part back over the summer using a different camera, and we didn't like how things were coming out- realized I need more practice outside of a studio and equipment better suited for outdoors. We tried to reschedule a shoot with some new equipment, but other things got in the way. Its cold over here now, so we're going to probably wait until the spring/summer months to do it again. I want to nail it the first time we do this again, which is why I started this thread.

Meanwhile, most of my other projects are indoor, interview and product demonstration shots. Which are totally different and not applicable in technique, so I haven't been able to try any of this on a real outdoor pro shoot yet.

That Glidecam / 5D thing is pretty cool, but it looks like it takes a lot of work to get right. He even admits that it took him months to get his arm strong enough to shoot steady for extended amounts of time. I don't think that's practical in my situation. :)
 
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