Help needed with putting together a GH3 + Lenses video kit

M

Movie-Fanatic

Member
Hi all,

First post here and just wanted to say boy am I glad I found this place. Wealth of knowledge and resources on this forum. Now on to the reason of this thread...

Im looking to put together a beginner video setup with a GH3 and some lenses, some on-board sound and a cheap stabilizer rig of some kind. Basically I used to shoot Canada and recently for about a year or so have become very interested in video. Having sold off my entire Canon kit (which was more geared and set up for photography than video) Im looking to put together the basics of hopefully what will be a nice foundation for a video setup for years to come.

MY choice of camera is the obviously the Panasonic GH3. After lots of research and consideration I made the decision to commit to this camera and system.

Now what Im looking to get some input on is what would be a good set of lenses to cover most of my video shooting needs. This is my biggest confusion. I know for video work I tend to wanna' shoot a bit "wider" than when Im doing stills work but still generally speaking I prefer longer focal lengths I find when the alternatives are put in-front of me.

I have my list of lenses to pick from down to these for now given my budget and such (budget is $1-1.2k for the lenses):

Panasonic 14mm F/2.5 (its decently wide and fast, but obviously could be better on both aspects and Oly 12mm is just too much at the moment for me)
Panasonic 20mm F/1.7
Panasonic 25mm F/1.4 (not sure wether to go with the 20mm or 25mm... this is an important choice for me as I was a heave shooter of the 50mm focal length on a 35mm sensor but again not sure for video work if a bit wider might be better)
Olympus 45mm F/1.8
Panasonic 14-42mm F/3.5 - F/5.6 Image Stabilized (not sure if I should even bother with this to be honest, just thinking it would be a nice cheap lens to have the "basis covered" sort of deal)
Panasonic 45 - 175mm F/4 - F/5.6 Image Stabilized


For the mic I was thinking the Panasonic MS2 but at $260 is kinda' pricey and Im a newbie to sound so Im open to any and all suggestions. But I dont wanna skimp on sound either as it is afterall very important.

And lastly that leaves suggestions for a stabilizing rig. Ill just say this... Im straight up confused and I know the sky is the limit as far as money you can spend. Im looking for a good hand-hed solution under $200 preferably

I know I have typed up a lot of info but Im hoping its sufficient info to get some good suggestions from all of you!

Thanks a ton in advance :)
 
If budget allows I would go for the 14mm f2.5, the Pan/Leica 25mm f1.4 (outstanding lens!), and the Olympus 45mm f1.8. I have all three of these and love the sharpness, clarity, and tonal values I get from them all. If budget is tight, substitute the Lumix 20mm f1.7 for the Pan/Leica 25 (I actually have both of these and still use the 20).

Augment that basic set of primes with the Lumix 45-200mm f4 - f5.6 zoom for that "telephoto" reach, at about $269 it's a pretty good performer.

For audio look into the compact Tascam and Zoom recorders. I have both the Zoom H2 and H1, usually use them mounted on a stand and often use them with their own built in mics. If you do this budget for a "WindJacket" by thewindcutter.com, I was in on the field testing for this and short of a "blimp" this will be the best "wind rumble" solution you will find.

Shoulder rig: The SpiderBrace folks have a fairly new DSLR model in their lineup, look into this at just under $100 delivered to your door. I still use an older version and really need to get their latest model. It's simple, lightweight, and effective but won't let you hang a bunch of "junk" on it. You'll save a lot of $$$ that way.

Link: www.spiderbrace.com

Well that's my set of recommendations...Oh, one more. Don't get the 14-42mm "kit" lens new, look for used and used-like new here on this site's "Buy/Sell" forum. I picked up one for $80 and see them all the time both here and on amazon for around $100. It's an inexpensive all around wide angle to portrait tele lens that is a good performer in good light. In not so good light it depends on the operator's skill and knowledge.
 
Bruce Foreman said:
If budget allows I would go for the 14mm f2.5, the Pan/Leica 25mm f1.4 (outstanding lens!), and the Olympus 45mm f1.8. I have all three of these and love the sharpness, clarity, and tonal values I get from them all. If budget is tight, substitute the Lumix 20mm f1.7 for the Pan/Leica 25 (I actually have both of these and still use the 20).

Augment that basic set of primes with the Lumix 45-200mm f4 - f5.6 zoom for that "telephoto" reach, at about $269 it's a pretty good performer.

For audio look into the compact Tascam and Zoom recorders. I have both the Zoom H2 and H1, usually use them mounted on a stand and often use them with their own built in mics. If you do this budget for a "WindJacket" by thewindcutter.com, I was in on the field testing for this and short of a "blimp" this will be the best "wind rumble" solution you will find.

Shoulder rig: The SpiderBrace folks have a fairly new DSLR model in their lineup, look into this at just under $100 delivered to your door. I still use an older version and really need to get their latest model. It's simple, lightweight, and effective but won't let you hang a bunch of "junk" on it. You'll save a lot of $$$ that way.

Link: www.spiderbrace.com

Well that's my set of recommendations...Oh, one more. Don't get the 14-42mm "kit" lens new, look for used and used-like new here on this site's "Buy/Sell" forum. I picked up one for $80 and see them all the time both here and on amazon for around $100. It's an inexpensive all around wide angle to portrait tele lens that is a good performer in good light. In not so good light it depends on the operator's skill and knowledge.
Click to expand...


Thanks for that really awesome post. Your input helps. That spiderbrace does looks pretty good especially at that price. Ill have to look a bit more into all that especially the audio stuff as its new to me. Thanks for the tip on kit lens. Its noted.

What would you say are some important difference between the P20mm & P25mm aside from the size and price. I know the P25mm is the better lens but do you think the focal length difference between the two for video purposes is drastically different?
 
Bruce pretty much covered it.

If money is really tight I have heard great things about the Sigma M4/3 lenses. Good for video, affordable and good detail. The only downside is they are a bit slower at f2.8. Still faster than many cheaper zooms but on the wide end only a stop faster. There is a 19mm, 30mm and soon a 60mm all at f2.8. Don't know how much the 60mm will be but the other two are $199.00 each. If the 60mm is the same price then you can have a set of three matching primes with the same filter size for $600.00. Slower but not a bad prime set. May also be a good alternative to the f2.8 zooms which are very expensive. Same speed and covers some useful FOV for a much lower cost.

There is also the new Olympus 17mm f1.8. Haven't used this one yet either but I have read it is a good performing lens. A little bit more expensive then the 20mm f1.7 but a bit wider as well which could be important. Some consider 20mm not quite wide enough but 17mm may be a sweet spot.
 
Movie-Fanatic said:
What would you say are some important difference between the P20mm & P25mm aside from the size and price. I know the P25mm is the better lens but do you think the focal length difference between the two for video purposes is drastically different?
Click to expand...

There is a bit of noticable difference but not "drastically" so.

The 20mm is what I call a "wide normal" in the m4/3 format. Allows you to work in a bit closer, selective focus (shallow DOF) at widest apertures will be good but will not match that of the 25mm. The 20mm is overall a good sharp lens, some feel it's autofocus is not as fast as it should be but this has not been a problem for me. And it's a good fast lens that is very compact and somewhat inconspicuous. Handy to have.

The 25mm has "normal" perspective with spatial relationships much as our eyes percieve things. It is a very sharp performing lens at all apertures with outstanding contrast and tonal values. Well worthy to have Leica in it's name. For the approximate $150 difference in price new, I would opt for the 25mm (I've actually seen it used for $449 on amazon but I'd go for new).

Both lenses are outstanding low light performers and more so on the GH3 with it's improved high ISO capabilities.
 
Last edited:
Get the 25mm instead of the 20mm. Like Bruce I have both & the 25mm is better built.

Also consider the upcoming 14-140/5.6, or the slightly slower legacy version. While much maligned by some, a 10:1 zoom is very useful & the lens is sharp.

And Rode's VideoMic Pro is great for a stripped-down minimalist sound kit.

Lastly consider the PocketRig by Edelkrone. I have a number of rigs for different cameras or uses, but by far the most used with the GH is the PocketRig.

http://www.edelkrone.com/the-pocket-rig/

Or if you can't afford one consider a clone.

http://www.amazon.com/Fotodiox-Compact-Rig-Stabilizer-Lightweight/dp/B00AUKBVEE/

And get some handles for it too. Cavision's are a great choice as they're compact, & lightweight. Plus cheap.

http://www.amazon.com/Cavision-Handgrips-Connector-Diameter-Connection/dp/B000QVBLBK/
 
I am really liking that Fotodiox pocket rig clone. Could be great for a vacation I have coming up in a couple of months. My wife will shoot me if I bring any rigs and she doesn't even want me to bring a monopod. This thing might be the perfect solution to be compact but still help stabilize my GH3.
 
Thomas Smet said:
Bruce pretty much covered it.

If money is really tight I have heard great things about the Sigma M4/3 lenses. Good for video, affordable and good detail. The only downside is they are a bit slower at f2.8. Still faster than many cheaper zooms but on the wide end only a stop faster. There is a 19mm, 30mm and soon a 60mm all at f2.8. Don't know how much the 60mm will be but the other two are $199.00 each. If the 60mm is the same price then you can have a set of three matching primes with the same filter size for $600.00. Slower but not a bad prime set. May also be a good alternative to the f2.8 zooms which are very expensive. Same speed and covers some useful FOV for a much lower cost.

There is also the new Olympus 17mm f1.8. Haven't used this one yet either but I have read it is a good performing lens. A little bit more expensive then the 20mm f1.7 but a bit wider as well which could be important. Some consider 20mm not quite wide enough but 17mm may be a sweet spot.
Click to expand...

^^^ Exactly what you mentioned about the Sigma glass only being F/2.8 is what made them a non-consideration pretty much. They are definitely a lot of value for the money no doubt. I did look into that Olympus 17mm F/1.8 but I think I prefer the 20mm focal length over it.

Thanks for the posting, I appreciate it.

Bruce Foreman said:
There is a bit of noticable difference but not "drastically" so.

The 20mm is what I call a "wide normal" in the m4/3 format. Allows you to work in a bit closer, selective focus (shallow DOF) at widest apertures will be good but will not match that of the 25mm. The 20mm is overall a good sharp lens, some feel it's autofocus is not as fast as it should be but this has not been a problem for me. And it's a good fast lens that is very compact and somewhat inconspicuous. Handy to have.

The 25mm has "normal" perspective with spatial relationships much as our eyes percieve things. It is a very sharp performing lens at all apertures with outstanding contrast and tonal values. Well worthy to have Leica in it's name. For the approximate $150 difference in price new, I would opt for the 25mm (I've actually seen it used for $449 on amazon but I'd go for new).

Both lenses are outstanding low light performers and more so on the GH3 with it's improved high ISO capabilities.
Click to expand...


^^^ Thanks for the input Bruce. Nice to hear direct feedback from someone who owns both lenses. Im thinking about just forking out the extra coin and getting the 25mm. I was a heavy 50mm shooter on a 35mm format so I dont see why I wont love it on m43. I can see myself getting the 20mm in the future as well just to have for its compact size when your out n about with family n friends to shoot with. For now budget it tight so only one of them will be bought and I think if this isn't enough feedback to swing me to get the 25mm then I dont know what will be!

Zim said:
http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Shoulder-Support-Camcorder-Camera/dp/B0036NMQ7S
I bought two of this and for $20 they work great. I bought the Lumix 12-35 lens.
Click to expand...

^^ Price is certainly attractive! Thanks for posting, I will look into it a bit more. That 12-35mm looks like a real winner no doubt. I hope to own along with some prime lenses some day. The Image Stabilization along with that F/2.8 aperture sounds like a real winner to me.

Bern Caughey said:
Get the 25mm instead of the 20mm. Like Bruce I have both & the 25mm is better built.

Also consider the upcoming 14-140/5.6, or the slightly slower legacy version. While much maligned by some, a 10:1 zoom is very useful & the lens is sharp.

And Rode's VideoMic Pro is great for a stripped-down minimalist sound kit.

Lastly consider the PocketRig by Edelkrone. I have a number of rigs for different cameras or uses, but by far the most used with the GH is the PocketRig.

http://www.edelkrone.com/the-pocket-rig/

Or if you can't afford one consider a clone.

http://www.amazon.com/Fotodiox-Compact-Rig-Stabilizer-Lightweight/dp/B00AUKBVEE/

And get some handles for it too. Cavision's are a great choice as they're compact, & lightweight. Plus cheap.

http://www.amazon.com/Cavision-Handgrips-Connector-Diameter-Connection/dp/B000QVBLBK/
Click to expand...


^^^ Thanks for that post Bern. Really helpful and informative. Im going to look into that clone rig very seriously actually... it looks amazing as do the optional handles! Unfortunately I think the actual pocketrig might be out of my price range at the moment. Thanks for alerting me to that new Panny 14-140mm lens coming out.... I can definitely see the benefits of having a lens like that. Im even going to put on hold buying that 45-175mm lens to wait and see how this one turns out. I can live without the extra 35mm on the long end for a lens with a far more wider focal length.

Noted on the 25mm... will be getting it over the 20mm. I haven't seen any reason so far aside from size to not get the 25mm.

I have already looked into the Rode VideoMic Pro... Starting to lean towards getting it. Im actually still really confused on the audio front... I really am completely new to sound and I keep seeing reccomendations to get a Zoom or similar device but Im not really sure how the whole setup works and whats all required to make it work. So still trying to educate myself on that. But for an on-board camera mic the Rode is looking good to me over the MS2 from Panasonic. I actually like that it uses its own power source instead of drawing phantom power from the camera.


Thomas Smet said:
I am really liking that Fotodiox pocket rig clone. Could be great for a vacation I have coming up in a couple of months. My wife will shoot me if I bring any rigs and she doesn't even want me to bring a monopod. This thing might be the perfect solution to be compact but still help stabilize my GH3.
Click to expand...

^^^ Doesn't it? Looks like a neat setup indeed. Haha, just tell the wife it will help create "smooth" memories for life, LOL.... like that sappy crap will work or it might?!
 
The cowboy shoulder rig is a seriously under rated product. Especially for the price. Sure it isn't perfect and not a true steady cam in any way but it is a really good stabilizer. I can stand still for a long time and get a rather steady shot. I think my longest take has been 8 minutes just shouldering my GH2 with this thing. Yeah it moves a bit and breathing can cause it to move a bit but I actually like the very subtle movement compared to a dry totally static shot for that long. It just makes it seem a bit more human and not so clinical.

Not the best but I am able to get shots that would otherwise be hard to get or cost a fortune in other gear. I added a small rail system to mine and have it fully decked out. Just ordered a 7" arm for my rails to mount my 7" LCD monitor as well. The cheap $20.00 shoulder rig still works well with all that stuff. In fact it may work better since the extra weight dramatically prevents the slight movements and breathing movement.

Next thing I will be adding is a set of handles to the front of the rails. Should help keep it a bit sturdier when I want to walk and shoot.

By the way with the strap it has I can actually go totally hands free. I can even eat some food or get something to drink while still wearing it. Also great if I need to quickly grab another lens.
 
Zim said:
You will see the guy in this film using the $20 cowboy shoulder rig.
https://vimeo.com/33456753
Click to expand...

^^^ That was actually a really cool video to check out. They sure do use the that cowboy shoulder rig a lot among what looks a few different stabilizing "devices". Thanks for sharing that.


Thomas Smet said:
The cowboy shoulder rig is a seriously under rated product. Especially for the price. Sure it isn't perfect and not a true steady cam in any way but it is a really good stabilizer. I can stand still for a long time and get a rather steady shot. I think my longest take has been 8 minutes just shouldering my GH2 with this thing. Yeah it moves a bit and breathing can cause it to move a bit but I actually like the very subtle movement compared to a dry totally static shot for that long. It just makes it seem a bit more human and not so clinical.

Not the best but I am able to get shots that would otherwise be hard to get or cost a fortune in other gear. I added a small rail system to mine and have it fully decked out. Just ordered a 7" arm for my rails to mount my 7" LCD monitor as well. The cheap $20.00 shoulder rig still works well with all that stuff. In fact it may work better since the extra weight dramatically prevents the slight movements and breathing movement.

Next thing I will be adding is a set of handles to the front of the rails. Should help keep it a bit sturdier when I want to walk and shoot.

By the way with the strap it has I can actually go totally hands free. I can even eat some food or get something to drink while still wearing it. Also great if I need to quickly grab another lens.
Click to expand...

^^^ Nice hearing input from someone who has used it. It sounds like its well worth the $23.xx there asking for it. Might be a nice way to wet the feet. Do you mind sharing some links for the rail system you added and the 7" arm for the LCD? Which handles are you looking to get?



I ordered the GH3 + 14mm f/2.5 & 45mm f/1.8 btw guys yesterday so its en route to me now! Just wanted to thank everyone who posted again. Ill be ordering the 25mm f/1.4 next month to complete the trio of lenses that Ill be using for now. Hopefully I can add a nice zoom at some point. Gunna order up some extra SD cards, one of the suggested stabilizers, and a audio setup here very soon as well. :)
 
Thomas Smet said:
The cowboy shoulder rig is a seriously under rated product. Especially for the price. Sure it isn't perfect and not a true steady cam in any way but it is a really good stabilizer. I can stand still for a long time and get a rather steady shot. I think my longest take has been 8 minutes just shouldering my GH2 with this thing. Yeah it moves a bit and breathing can cause it to move a bit but I actually like the very subtle movement compared to a dry totally static shot for that long. It just makes it seem a bit more human and not so clinical.

Not the best but I am able to get shots that would otherwise be hard to get or cost a fortune in other gear. I added a small rail system to mine and have it fully decked out. Just ordered a 7" arm for my rails to mount my 7" LCD monitor as well. The cheap $20.00 shoulder rig still works well with all that stuff. In fact it may work better since the extra weight dramatically prevents the slight movements and breathing movement.

Next thing I will be adding is a set of handles to the front of the rails. Should help keep it a bit sturdier when I want to walk and shoot.

By the way with the strap it has I can actually go totally hands free. I can even eat some food or get something to drink while still wearing it. Also great if I need to quickly grab another lens.
Click to expand...

I have this rig and reading this I'm thinking I may have dismissed it too readily because of the movement with breathing. Thomas, I like the idea of what you've done with the rails. Any chance of posting a pic? I'm going to place an order for a GH3 this week so looking at getting a good set up asap. On that note, anyone used the Olympus 14 -54 2.8/3.5?
 
Movie-Fanatic said:
^^^ That was actually a really cool video to check out. They sure do use the that cowboy shoulder rig a lot among what looks a few different stabilizing "devices". Thanks for sharing that.


^^^ Nice hearing input from someone who has used it. It sounds like its well worth the $23.xx there asking for it. Might be a nice way to wet the feet. Do you mind sharing some links for the rail system you added and the 7" arm for the LCD? Which handles are you looking to get?



I ordered the GH3 + 14mm f/2.5 & 45mm f/1.8 btw guys yesterday so its en route to me now! Just wanted to thank everyone who posted again. Ill be ordering the 25mm f/1.4 next month to complete the trio of lenses that Ill be using for now. Hopefully I can add a nice zoom at some point. Gunna order up some extra SD cards, one of the suggested stabilizers, and a audio setup here very soon as well. :)
Click to expand...


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00857R0TE/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

These are the rails I purchased. Really great price and they work well. There may be better ones out there but it is hard to screw up metal tubes. Tightens very well. Lens mount screws come a little loose if you use a lens that rotates during focus or zoom.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007RBME2M/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is a super cheap 7" arm. Not sure how well it will work yet because I have not received it. It only needs to hold a monitor and if some of the screws don't tighten very well I can fix that. I am used to fixing or replacing screws in some of these cheaper items from Amazon. I bought some nice light stands on Amazon but they would not stay up. Six bucks worth of new screws from Ace hardware made them a million times better.

Not sure on the handles yet. I'm still searching. I don't want to spend a lot on them since it isn't exactly something I need and is more of an experiment to see if they actually help.
 
Jase said:
I have this rig and reading this I'm thinking I may have dismissed it too readily because of the movement with breathing. Thomas, I like the idea of what you've done with the rails. Any chance of posting a pic? I'm going to place an order for a GH3 this week so looking at getting a good set up asap. On that note, anyone used the Olympus 14 -54 2.8/3.5?
Click to expand...

I will try to remember to get a photo when I get home from work. I may wait until I get my 7" arm later this week.
 
another happy user of the old el cheapo cowboy rig - to be honest i prefer using gh2/3 even af101 barebones with the cowboy rig than a fully decked out lanparte rig with small hd4 evf. half expect it to break on me but has been abused for many years now and still working....best value bit of kit ive purchased and it weighs nothing to carry with at all times
 
Movie-Fanatic said:
I ordered the GH3 + 14mm f/2.5 & 45mm f/1.8 btw guys yesterday so its en route to me now! Just wanted to thank everyone who posted again. Ill be ordering the 25mm f/1.4 next month to complete the trio of lenses that Ill be using for now. Hopefully I can add a nice zoom at some point. Gunna order up some extra SD cards, one of the suggested stabilizers, and a audio setup here very soon as well. :)
Click to expand...

Those 3 make a very useful basic set of primes. All 3 are sharp performers with the 25mm and the 45mm both being very much sought after primes. The 45mm f1.8 will seem "tiny" but it offers BIG performance.
 
Thomas Smet said:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00857R0TE/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

These are the rails I purchased. Really great price and they work well. There may be better ones out there but it is hard to screw up metal tubes. Tightens very well. Lens mount screws come a little loose if you use a lens that rotates during focus or zoom.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007RBME2M/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is a super cheap 7" arm. Not sure how well it will work yet because I have not received it. It only needs to hold a monitor and if some of the screws don't tighten very well I can fix that. I am used to fixing or replacing screws in some of these cheaper items from Amazon. I bought some nice light stands on Amazon but they would not stay up. Six bucks worth of new screws from Ace hardware made them a million times better.

Not sure on the handles yet. I'm still searching. I don't want to spend a lot on them since it isn't exactly something I need and is more of an experiment to see if they actually help.
Click to expand...

^^^ Thanks for those links.

ade4all said:
another happy user of the old el cheapo cowboy rig - to be honest i prefer using gh2/3 even af101 barebones with the cowboy rig than a fully decked out lanparte rig with small hd4 evf. half expect it to break on me but has been abused for many years now and still working....best value bit of kit ive purchased and it weighs nothing to carry with at all times
Click to expand...

^^^ Sounds like the Cowboy rig is worth at-least giving it a shot especially for the money. I do however really like the small/discrete form factor of the Fotodiox clone rig.


Bruce Foreman said:
Those 3 make a very useful basic set of primes. All 3 are sharp performers with the 25mm and the 45mm both being very much sought after primes. The 45mm f1.8 will seem "tiny" but it offers BIG performance.
Click to expand...

^^^ Im hoping I have the same things to say about all 3. I actually switched it up and decided I want the 25mm first so I changed my order and will be getting that first and then next month Ill be getting the 14mm and 45mm. Cant wait to get some test video's and photo's done in the next week. The GH3 already arrived today and the 25mm is set to come in by end of this week :)
 
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