I was asked to film a speech, help

I just think DSLR guys want to push the limits a little more. Try some shallow dof, maybe some dolly movements, maybe even a couple of focus pulls. If I have 2 cameras I can always switch to other camera if something goes wrong for a few seconds on the other.

I don't have any professional experiences filming moving targets with a manual lens but I did have a 7d for a while and lots of video of my kid running around, best possible practice :).
The GH1 also has no time limit so I am not worried about that.

I might rent another GH1 (using my 20mm 1.7) for the main shot and use the other GH1 as camera B, I just got a 135 FD 2.8 that will work well I think. I am worried that I will not be allowed to use lighting and then I would be screwed with a video camera. I will bring the lights anyway but I have to go in ready to deal with the worst conditions. I will definitely ask that the speaker not move around though, I don't think there are any power points, charts and stuff like that.

I do appreciate all of the different opinions here, I think there so many different ways to approach this which is why it has been so tense for me.
 
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I will definitely ask that the speaker not move around though

You can ask that the speaker not move around, but, in my experience, once they get going they'll completely forget about the taping and if they're accustomed to moving around while speaking that's exactly what they'll do. I wouldn't count on any speaker staying put unless they're totally relying on a teleprompter that can only be seen from one position.
 
Gotta admit to scratching my head on this one. Why not just use a DVX or an HMC150? They're made for this job. Perfect for it. If you're considering renting a camera anyway, why not rent the appropriate tool for the job?

SLRs don't even let you monitor audio. It's a speech, fer cryin' out loud, you gotta monitor the audio -- but how?

I mean, hey, do whatever you want, but it sounds to me like you're making it far more complex and difficult for yourself...
 
I see lensrentals.com has an hmc40, will probably just do that as a second cam and monitor audio from it. I can then use the gh1 as my b-roll. It seems the hmc40 is cheaper to rent than the gh1 since it comes automatically with the kit lens.

Are there any other good online rental services to check out? I know I can probably rent something locally but it is easier for me to just do it online and then drop it in the mail when done. I would have to travel a long way in gridlock to pick up and drop off.
 
How brightly lit will the event be? HMC40 can do a superb job in bright light, but it's not a low-light camera. The 150 would likely be the better choice if you can get it.
 
the over head lights will be on in the room, fluorescents so it won't be a lot of light but it won't be dark either.

I am wondering if the Panasonic HDC-TM700 or Hv40 wil be good enough for a 2nd came to the GH1. I am not getting paid for this, I volunteered so I have to keep the rental costs way down.
Panasonic HDC-TM700
 
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Plugged into what?

Like I said along with everyone else... USE A VIDEO CAMERA. duh...
In the headphone out plug.

I have to agree with others, I find it hard to believe that this simple situation could become so complicated. But then ....why the hell am I responding to this anyway?
 
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