Filming at NAB 2016 - camera gear questions

H

High1ander

Well-known member
Hi!

I will be going to the NAB show in order to film some footage for a company that is releasing products there. They are a big company that are there every year, and since they have lots of products I will film them talking about it, and so forth. Some stuff will be uploaded quickly (facebook/twitter stuff basically saying stuff like "hey, we are here at the NAB floor, demoing this new product...") and other stuff used for editing later. The deal is I need to figure out and recommend some camera gear that fits the workflow. They have a budget for getting a new camera, lights, etc... nothing crazy, but they also would like it to be DSLR for stills capabilities as well. However, I have 5D mk3, and a Sony A7R2 and I know they give good images for the prize, but they are a hassle when it comes to sound and smooth zoom in and out. My cameras won't be used for filming either way since they need a new kit anyways.

So what kind of camera would you go for in the 1000-3500$ range if you want easy to use, preferably XLR-inputs, easy to edit, etc.

Is it possible to use wireless mics there, or is all frequencies crammed and no clear signal? Does RodeLink with is digital 2,4 ghz band work? Is it simply so that wired mics are a must at NAB?

Thanks!
 
I certainly wouldn't go there without at least one wired mic. and several cables. Even if it sits in the bag and never sees use, it's a cheap insurance. Can't comment on the wireless spectrum though.
 
Greg_E said:
I certainly wouldn't go there without at least one wired mic. and several cables. Even if it sits in the bag and never sees use, it's a cheap insurance. Can't comment on the wireless spectrum though.
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Will definitely bring wired mics.

Right now I'm leaning towards a Sony X70, something in the 2000$ bracket. I think servo-zoom, and then LANC/Sony remote comes very handy when doing 1-man shoots...
 
It seems to me that a monopod would be a valuable accessory to take the weight off your arms while shooting. Most of the trade show videos I've seen include interviews that can run several minutes, a long time to hold a handheld or even shoulder mounted camera steady.

I was going to recommend the DVX200, and I still think the features are a good match to your needs, but it's a little outside your budget range.

- Greg
 
I think monopod would be fine if I was going to random people (and speed is of the essence), but I figure with these guys I can redo a shot/take, get better close ups on products etc. so I will most likely use a tripod with LANC/Sony remote for the zoom (so I can zoom, tilt and pan with one hand), then my left hand is free for either using a dynamic handheld mic or fixing focus.
 
A tripod is even better, of course, as long as you're not lugging it around the whole show floor all day.

(Student interns used in pack mule mode are my favorite tool for mobility. They are cheap, durable and respond to simple verbal commands, as long as not too much reasoning is required.)

- Greg
 
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