GH4 Good, *SMALL* Stabilization rig (and a few others)

F

filmguy123

Veteran
I currently have an AF100 with a DVTec MultiRig Pro which I love - very flexible, supports weight, allows manual focus without moving the camera all around, etc. I can get some nice smooth movement.

I want to pick up a basic GH4 kit to go along with my setup. Any suggestions for a basic small/light handheld rig? I have seen those steering-wheel looking setups that can help stabilize the camera, or maybe something like that with a basic ability to twist something back to rest on my shoulder so I can rack focus better...?

I am looking at:

- GH4 Body Only
- This battery kit: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IU5HE3S/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1X9ZYH75S4ATO (thoughts??)
- Any suggestions, also, for a variable ND filter? I am thinking of some Xume Adaptors, step-up rings, etc. I don't want to compromise quality with a variable ND.. ideas here?
- ALSO: Can I get a basic shotgun mic for the camera that does not require XLR? Suggestions? Just something simple. Main audio will be done on my AF100 setup with XLR mics, etc.

Anything else I need? I have a full AF100 setup and I have many lenses, a lens belt, SD cards, etc.
 
I won't buy 3rd party batteries for use as work. At least, not for the first couple. They can be backups to the backup.

I've got the Chinese version of the MultiRig (bought it before I even knew about the original) and it works pretty good. Camera's a bit small though so some controls might be out of reach.

Rode makes some nice shotgun mics; I recommend the Videomic Pro.
 
One of the best variable NDs is the Tiffen, at a great price, too. Video Mic Pro requires no XLR and provides good audio.
 
OK So:

* Just use my current DvTec MultiRig setup with GH4? And drop the support belt/pole if I need to go low profile? Is that the best option, or any other recommendations?

* For Batteries... the Watson batteries seem to be well reviewed and they have a Dual Charger battery system which is important to me. What about 2x Watson Batteries & dual charger system + 1 extra official Panny battery

* Get the Rode VideoMic Pro (with Dead Cat)?: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/997376-REG/rode_videomic_pro_compact_shotgun.html

* Get the Tiffen (77mm?) Variable ND Filter? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/813278-REG/Tiffen_77VND_77mm_Variable_Neutral_Density.html
* Get step-up rings to 77mm to make all my lenses match?
* Get 77mm Xume Adaptors for quick mount/release of the Variable ND Filter? http://www.xumeadapters.com/order-here/77mm-adapters/lens-adapter.html

Anything else? Do I likely need to upgrade my current SD cards I have been using with the AF100?

Should it be easy to find some of this stuff used - especially the rode mic?

Anything else I may particularly want if I am moving from the AF100 to this camera (I will keep AF100, but just something that I'm overlooking if I am used to working on AF100...). Might I need a sort of sunscreen for the LCD on GH4 or?
 
Just bought the GH4 myself.
I have some 3rd party batts, and they are holding charge well and do last a while (at least a couple of hrs, in the limited testing ive done so far)
Batts: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ICRJJXW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
They do register on the GH4, so you can see the batt lvls in camera... however I wouldn't trust the battery's life once that bar hits 1.
I got this speed adaptor: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HQ9CQ50/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Originally I bought the nicer Fotodiox version (http://www.fotodioxpro.com/excell-1...ens-to-micro43-camera-lens-mount-adapter.html), but compared the 2 and found that it was picking up a ton of lens flare... so win for the cheaper version!

I use a Audio-Technica AT897, as my main http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technic...&ie=UTF8&qid=1408756005&sr=1-1&keywords=AT897 + http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000068NZG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

But for small run&gun, i reach for : http://www.amazon.com/TAKSTAR-Photo...ophone-Camcorder/dp/B00E1D2LTA/ref=pd_cp_MI_1
it does the job in most circumstances.
 
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