GH2 kit for short filmmaking

K

Klazart

Member
Hey guys,

I'm planning on putting together a DSLR kit centered around the GH2 over the next couple of weeks. I need it to be low cost and versatile. I'd love to get your thoughts/advice on the best options. I'm likely to be on my own though may have help and could easily get someone to assist me if required. While the main purpose is for narrative short film, ideally I want to be able to do run and gun stuff as well.

Here are the main things I'm thinking about: Please keep in mind that the price range I'm really looking for is in an around the price of the items I'm listing.

Tripod + head: http://berminghamcameras.ie/manfrotto-293--391rc2-aluminium-3-way-kit.html Would this be good enough for panning and tilting during video or do I need a different head? What ones would you guys recommend.

OR

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Manfrotto...92?pt=UK_Tripods_Monopods&hash=item25760b649c

Handheld Stabalisers: I found a few options not sure which is the best value for money. I don't want to get something cheap and find it doesn't do the job at all but don't want to break the bank either:

http://berminghamcameras.ie/sevenoak-dslr-shoulder-rig.html

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STEADICAM..._Movie_Camera_Accessories&hash=item2a15e6a11b

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Easy-Cam-..._Tripods_Heads_Stablisers&hash=item2a20131074

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SEVENOAK-..._Tripods_Heads_Stablisers&hash=item3ccb8af81b

Memory storage: I'm thinking of 32 GB Sandisk Extreme 45MB/sec x 4. Would this be fast enough to use with a decent hack?

Sound: I'm very torn on this. I was thinking of a H4N/DR-40 (DR-40 is cheaper ofc). The alternative would be some kind of a shotgun type mic. I don't want to spend more than £150-200 on this component and I need to be able to record interviews.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rode-VMP-VideoMic-Pro/dp/B004K8WPUQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1350326901&sr=8-2 seems ideal. Would it do the job of capturing background atmosphere + interviews?

Would really appreciate your advice.

Thanks guys!
 
no matter what the marketing docs say, that is NOT a video head. i wouldnt go any lower end than a manfrotto 501.

i wouldnt bother with any of those cheapo stabilisers. gimbal based stabilisers are more of a specific use tool.you will get more use day-to-day from a shoulder rig before a stabiliser...
with a GH2, id definitely go with an external recorder for sound. you'll eat up a little time in post. but i just dont trust the onboard sound of a DSLR - plus you'll have more realistic control over what youre getting.
 
Here is the reality of things... plan on spending as much for audio as you do for your camera, plan on spending as much on a fluid head/tripod as you do for your audio. Bottom line.... Audio is 1/2 of your product! When I watch something with poorly recorded audio, I stop watching. Video is 1/2 of your product! When I watch something shot with a crappy head that sticks and is not smooth, I stop watching.
 
Fair enough.

What do you guys recommend for a decent shoulder rig? I have a very specific plan to shoot two shorts on an upcoming trip to India and I definately need some kind of hand-held type stabilisation or shoulder for a few of the scenes.

I understand what you guys are saying, but ultimately I have to work within the constraints of my budget. I'd love to be able to spend as much on stablisation and audio as I am on camera + lenses but the reality is that it's money I just don't have to spend right now. For example, I can't spend £300 on a tripod head alone. £300 for tripod + head, I could swallow that, just about.

I mean you hear all this stuff about 'just go out and shoot,' don't worry about the camera etc. Then you find out actually, you need a lot more than you can afford. Surely there has to be some middle ground?
 
If you're really restrained by your budget you should consider a spider rig (http://www.amazon.com/ePhoto-Camcor...TF8&qid=1350331899&sr=8-1&keywords=spider+rig). They're cheap and work great with a GH2. In addition to shoulder use I've run mine like a fig rig and also used it to shoot a driver from the front of the hood (with a bungie) and used it numerous times to shoot really low-angle shots on the ground looking up. They're not really high quality, but they're a steal for the price. They also fold flat so you can fit them in a suitcase or in a bag. A lot smaller than any rail-based shoulder right would be.
 
Check out The Frugal Filmmaker and Film Riot on Youtube. They have tons of instructional videos for creating things like stabilizers, mini sliders, boom poles, etc. Most are made with PVC for under $30.

If you go with on camera sound, the Rode VideoMic Pro is a good option.
 
Okay for Tripod - here is what I think I'll go for: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Manfrotto-5...6QVW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1350335427&sr=8-2 + http://www.amazon.co.uk/Manfrotto-1...BMVM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1350335465&sr=8-2 Will the tripod do the job or do I need to trade up a model?

P.S. On the issue of spare batteries: I was going to get two of these: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-D...cement/dp/B0051GO05Y/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top and one http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-D...1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1350378631&sr=1-1

I read a customer review on amazon for the first battery (costing only £10) that it doesn't work if you hack or upgrade firmware. Can anyone confirm if this is the case?
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top