Looking for advice on rigging out the GH2

M

Magic815

Member
Hey guys,

I've done some searching on the forums and have found some helpful information, but was hoping that a dedicated thread could help me out more.

A little about me: I am completely, 100% new to the DSLR scene. I have never owned a camera above a point-and-shoot and have been wanting to get into video. After many months of research, I've decided to go with the GH2 (body arrives tomorrow). While I have years of editing experience (Adobe CS5, Sony Vegas, etc), I've never been the one to actually shoot the footage.

So this is where I need some help. I'm looking for your opinions on the essential items I need to start out with. My plan is to start with more run-and-gun style shooting to teach myself the camera, and then move into more narrative shorts.

  • First up, lenses. Obviously I would need at least one to start shooting. I've seen the 14-140mm mentioned as well as the 20mm pancake and some others. I'm not sure if starting on a prime or zoom would be better as I teach myself the camera. Also, I'm not sure exactly what type of videos I'll be making, so it is tough to figure out what my immediate needs are. Any well rounded, good starter lenses you can recommend?
  • Tripod/Stabilizer. I figure soon after learning the camera, the next step progressively is to start locking down shots or making them less shakey. I've seen mention of the Libec LS-22 as a good bang-for-buck tripod, and have been completely overwhelmed with the stabilizer options.
  • Sound. Pretty much the H4n seems the most mentioned. I figure once I have a good handle on visuals and operating the camera, adding sound will take it to the next step for those narrative shorts.
  • Accessories. I guess this kinda encompasses everything else. I've seen ND filters mentioned, extra batteries, SD card, etc. A list of the "must have" accessories for me to start would be great.
Sorry for the vagueness in my question, but any help is appreciated. Maybe an easier way of putting this is that let's say you have $1500 to spend on top of the camera body you already own. What list of items would you absolutely have to get for starting up in the video environment?

Thanks in advance for your help!
 
I think you should rig up according to your needs. What do you shoot? Films? TV? Messing about?
Essentials first, methinks: Right speed SD cards (I use Class 6's).
I find GH2's audio quite acceptable, a much step up from the crappy Canon 7D's. Since it's not cheap, you could always rent one if you're using it for films?
I find a cheap and good solution to reduce shakiness is to get a pistol grip and view through the EVF. This gives you that 8mm movie camera feel but it also gives you ample support.
I've never used Lumix lenses so cannot comment... but perhaps you'll fall victim to the allure of vintage lenses, then it's a whole other world...
 
Hi Ed. First off, thanks for the help so far.

To answer your question, I'll try to go into a little more detail on my immediate plans for shooting.

I figure I would start in mostly run and gun situations. I have some friends who are into skateboarding and bmx and figure I could film them to get a good handle on operating the camera.

Besides that, I have a buddy who manages a minor league basketball team and could use some highlight reels, so I might be floorside taking some footage of the game. After that, my plan would be to try and get into more professional work such as local commercials or weddings. My final step would then be to take all of my gained knowledge and shoot a narrative short. (Or who knows, maybe I'll break down along the way and jump into shorts early. Film is my ultimate goal out of all of this.)

I've never really been a fan of that "video look" a lot of online videos have. My goal is to always have a professional, filmic look in all my work (including the mess-around stuff with skateboarding/bmx) as I ultimately progress to film. I'm just not sure what lenses would help me achieve this?


I hope this helps explain my situation. Thanks again for the help!
 
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Hi,

here are just some thoughts about the equipment I would take in your situation


Starterpack:
You could use the Panasonic 14-140mm f/4-5.8 (good choise for daylight)
Maybe a fisheye or wideangle adapter (nice for Sakteboarding films)
UV Filter to protect you lens
2x ND Filters
4 batteries (last 1.2 hours when you are filming)
A better microphone like Rhode on your camera
a tripod with fluid (Manfrotto, Libec, …) – take a really good one


nice to have:
some small or medium rig/handles/steadycam
some light (Dedolight is very usual in Germany) for interviews and indoor use
Yamaha Pocket track (love it) and/or H4 (nice if you like to use some prof. mics with phantom power)
Some LED headlight? (if you don't have any time )
Better lenses (Olympus 14-35mm f/2.0 ED SWD €2000,- and Olympus 35-100mm f/2.0 ED €2500,- but the NAB is coming and so hopefully some nice DSLR Zooms) - or fixed lenses for prime look (love the new Zeiss stuff - budget wise this could also fit in the prof. Area)


for professionals:
An Assistant (or two ;-)
Follow Focus (maybee this shoud be in the nice to have or starter - depends?)
HD Monitor (would also fit in nice to have)
Sachtler tripod
Some serious rig
external HD recording (Atomos ninja or better)
maybe another camera
 Glas that costs more than some cars
Sunbouncers, heavy light equipment, Dolly, crane, wireless microphones...
 
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