HELP with lense(s) options!

S

snuffokk

New member
Hey guys,

I am new to filming and photography. I have purchased a Panasonic HMC150 6 months ago, and now I debating on purchasing the letus35 Bundle for my HMC150; see link: http://www.letus35.com/cart/Letus35-Elite-Starter-Bundle.html

I understand what a 35mm adapter does, and it is really cool. However, I do not have any lenses for the new this letus35mm. The Letus website has a “ Carl Zeiss - ZF.2 Prime Lens Pro Bundle “ . It is like 5k with tax! I have the money but I don’t think I should pay that much because I am new to Filming. I have a lot to learn!

My questions are as follows: Does anyone recommend an ONLINE class/course on Lenses for Filming? Is there a difference between Lenses for filming a movie versus lenses for photography? What lenses should I always have at my disposal with this 35mm adapter? Should I buy the letus35 elite? I love the depth-of-field shots!

I will be shooting interviews, documentaries, short films, green screen, and indoor studio projects. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!
 
IMHO 35mm adapters for what you are shooting is not really worth the loss of light you are going to incur and the headache of all the extra equipment you need/setup. Only reason I'd recommend a 35mm adapter/HMC150 is if your shooting something that a DSLR can't shoot well which is usually a codec issue, long record times, or needing pro audio. Even if you get very clean, expensive glass you still are shooting through 2 lenses. I would go with a GH2 or 60D as a B cam.. or if you got the money a full frame 5D.

There are major differences between film zoom lenses and photo zoom lenses (expense and the way focus works, etc), but not much when it comes to primes I think. If you go with the 35mm adapter you will want fast primes, zoom lenses will be to much loss of light in most situations. For primes.. I'd have at least a wide 20mm or less and a 50mm (best bang for your buck). If you shoot anything far, also a 100m or more.

There are other posts on this if searched.. this one may be worth reading.. http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?203704-35mm-Adapter-for-HMC
 
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I got to agree with MadHMC - if you're at a point where you're asking basic questions (we all were once) a 35 adapter (by the way, there is a thread specifically for adapters here, you're starting off in the wrong place) isn't something to mess with at this point.

Even a Canon T2i can be decently matched to the 150 (well, you sort of adjust them both to a middle ground). Either way you go, older Nikon primes are plentiful and affordable and would work fine on the Canon or the Letus. With the Canon's smaller sensor, you'd want something like a 28mm or 20mm (or a wide zoom), and a 50mm to start. And the fastest aperture you can find (2.8 is very common for a 20 or 28, 1.8 for the 50. Wide zooms in 2.8 are pricier - but nothing compared to the Zeiss stuff).

Also, when shooting with a DSLR in a "real video camera" shoot, you can always capture audio with the video cam (the 150 in your case).
 
So after reading a ton. I think I should purchase the Canon 7d, which is this : http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/646908-REG/Canon_3814B004_EOS_7D_SLR_Digital.html

And then I could install the letus35 elite adapter, right??? By the way, when did the photo CAMERA become a video camera? I am amazed that a little canon 7d can create such beautiful videos when it was created for photo’s!

Anyhow, It just seems that the HMC150 is limited because you can’t get a true depth of field look with it, and you cannot detached the lense. I already purchased the HMC150 so I am stuck with it. So with a HMC150 and a couple Canon 7D’s I should have a variety of shots. Does this sound like I am on the right track?

You’re all right about the HMC150. No matter what I am still shooting through two lenses.
 
Depending on your budget, a 60D might be easier. It uses the same sensor as the 7D (minus the AF points, but if it's purely video it won't matter) and is significantly cheaper. It does, admittedly, feel lighter than a 7D would but it's still a nice bulky camera. I use that as my 2nd camera with the HMC150. Either way, the matching would be the same and profiles/menus/etc. The money you save on the 60D over a 7D could then be reinvested into lenses, which is HUGE when using any DSLR/adapter setup
 
snuffokk said:
So after reading a ton. I think I should purchase the Canon 7d, which is this : http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/646908-REG/Canon_3814B004_EOS_7D_SLR_Digital.html
Click to expand...

...You might want to take a look at the Panasonic GH-2 camera, which costs about one third less than the Canon 7D, and produces a much better video image, especially now that there are free hacks available that enable you to raise the video data rate up to 176 Mbit/sec.

Keep in mind that the GH-2 camera REPLACES the Letus35 adapter, so all you need to shoot with is the camera + lenses + audio gear + normal film-making gear.

Check the GH-2 forums for samples and info on shooting video with the GH-2. ( also make sure you watch the Philip Bloom Xmas Camera test which includes the Canon 7D and the Panasonic GH-2, watch it in 1080 HD mode )
 
7D is a great camera, but if you are just shooting video I would go with the 60D or GH2. Not only cheaper but the LCD can be tilted allowing you to see the screen from more angles. Let me tell you how hard it is to put the 7D on a monopod and get a high areal shot - without seeing what you are recording!

I personally wanted the 7D (and will keep it) for the photo abilities... if it was for mostly video id have either the GH2 or 60D.

In either case I always use a pro monitor to see what im shooting... prob the easiest way to make sure you are getting what you want out of your camera!
 
What they said. Though I'm surprized no one mentioned the Canon T3i -- surely the sweet spot for cine-use dslrs with a Canon mount. APS-C chip is basically S35 sized, uses either Canon EF or EF-S lenses. Articulated screen. Magic Lantern capable. Not 'perfect' -- but priced at under $700 and pretty darn good.

Cheers,
GB
 
RGBaker said:
What they said. Though I'm surprized no one mentioned the Canon T3i -- surely the sweet spot for cine-use dslrs with a Canon mount. APS-C chip is basically S35 sized, uses either Canon EF or EF-S lenses. Articulated screen. Magic Lantern capable. Not 'perfect' -- but priced at under $700 and pretty darn good.

Cheers,
GB
Click to expand...

While not running Magic Lantern, I chose a 60D over a t3i solely for the purpose of being able to manually white balance by choosing Kelvin. A small difference that can be achieved with the hack (so I've read), but out of the box I wanted that option with no glitches since color temperature can really tell a story with a mood, etc. A little off topic, but I was debating the 60D vs. t3i at one point as well.
 
Get a GH2 and you won't look back. Bugger the canon dslrs they're a complete rip off unless you need a stills camera. I'm afraid the video is soft, mushy and just generally rubbish.
 
Will Turner said:
Get a GH2 and you won't look back. Bugger the canon dslrs they're a complete rip off unless you need a stills camera. I'm afraid the video is soft, mushy and just generally rubbish.
Click to expand...

Though you are entitled to your opinion, having used most DSLRs - I would respectfully disagree that a canon camera is a 'rip off' and footage is rubbish. Each have their strengths and weaknesses.
 
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