GH2 My GH2 combo for documentary filmmaking

C

cuervo.taylor

Active member
Hi guys I want to shoot documentary I'm planning going light and need not to call to much attention on myself as I'm shooting in dangerous and remote places.

So this is the products I'm planning to buy, in case I need something else for run-n-gun don't doubt on advicing me :D, please no rigs stuff advice I'm going run-n-gun can't call too much attetion on myself

1. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 16.05 MP Live MOS Interchangeable Lens Camera with 3-inch Free-Angle Touch Screen LCD and 14-42mm Hybrid Lens (Black)

2. SanDisk Extreme - Flash memory card - 32 GB - Class 10 -SDHC

3. Joby GP8-BHEN Gorillapod Focus with Ballhead X bundle

4. Rode VideoMic Pro VMP Shotgun Microphone+ 2.5mm (Male) To 3.5mm (Female) Stereo Audio Jack Adapter (should I better get a zoom or tascam instead of Rode?)

5. Panasonic 45-200mm f/4.0-5.6 Lumix G Vario MEGA OIS Zoom Micro Four Thirds Lens for Panasonic and Olympus Micro Four Thirds Cameras+ Tiffen 52mm Circular Polarizer (I also want to take some nature shots)



So anything else you think I would neeed please advice is really apreciatted.

I already have a macbook pro and china lamps for lightining

PD: what bag pack wouldn't call too much attetion?
 
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ND filters if you will be shooting in bright daylight. These can be used with the polarizer.

Fast running shoes for a quick escape.
 
That gorilla pod looks cool, but I'd prefer a good ol' shoulder mount rig. The pod doesn't look too sturdy when you have the legs wrap around your body (as shown in Amazon's screenshots).
 
i would get a set of light sticks you can attach to your backpack for b-roll. Id also get much more audio: H4N, a wireless lav, xtra shotgun, xtra cables. Get plenty of cards and a durable laptop for downloads. Several 1TB portable HD's. an extra lens and since your lens is not fast, a battery powered light. lots of extra batteries, lots of extra chargers.

every other dollar on a local fixer.
 
I was always told that you should use a CCD camera for run n' gun because of rolling shutter issues. Global shutter CMOS cameras do exist, there is the commercial route with a company like IndieCam and their IndiecamGS2k camera, which has specs similar to the BMC, but uses a smaller 2/3" sensor. There is another company based out of, I believe London, Ontario, can't remember their name though, they sell a camera similar to the IndieCam.

The IndieCamGS2k is probably one of the smallest, non-POV, cameras I have ever seen.
 
I'm shooting a run gun doc at the moment very light and would add a lightweight monopod with manfrotto quick release baseplate for the GH2, you have no idea how it saves your back on shots were handheld has become tiring. The gorillapod as a handheld over shoulder is very underrated, use it all the time. A beachtek device with your Rode setup adds a nice weight to setup without making it bulky and improves sound, no need for H4N. One fast prime wide like a Voigtlander17.5 or SLR Magic 12mm if you can afford it, the images out of those lenses with your Panasonics will add a lot of value. One Vari ND wit step up ring sfrom each lens to match the 77mm Vari. One very lightweight on board LED, many brands out there. The new LED sticks look awesome. The fit all in one waterproof backpack rule must apply obviously. For lightweight compact shooting the new cage from D focus looks great and not to expensive. Looking forward to using it on my next doc in August, will solve a lot of rigging problems for me. MacAir with 2 externals. I would take a Go Pro as well, why not. Their are solar powered devices for all batteries, research those. The solar panels for the Go pro will save your ass, have a friend in Madagascar on a bike for 3 months with nothing but a go pro and mini solar panels he straps to bike to recharge.
 
I have numerous camera backpacks, but this Kata is my favorite for the 5D3, or GH2. You can access the camera, or number of lenses, without fully unzipping it, & there's a separate top compartment that fits a GorillaPod Focus, or MultiRig Pro. There are lots of little things about the bag that make it great.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002UHKR6I/

My next favorite is ThinkTank's SteetWalker Harddrive, but I only use it to swallow up bigger cameras.

The GorillaPod is very useful, & workable as a shoulder rig for very light setups, but what sold me was Cinetics' CineSkates, & CineSquid. Cinetics were developed by a graduate of MIT's MediaLab, & they have additional products in the works, including more clamps, & motorized wheels. I love the combo for filming B-Roll, especially when abroad.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007F0IMK8/

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007HOB466/

http://wondros.com/video/mit-media-lab

Besides sticks, & a monopod, I also suggest getting SteadyBags. I have all three sizes, but the smallest is great to keep in your bag.

http://www.visualdepartures.com/steadybag-better-camera-support-than-tripod/

Lastly consider a LensSkirt if your filming timelapses thru windows.

http://www.lenskirt.com/
 
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Bern Caughey said:
I have numerous camera backpacks, but this Kata is my favorite for the 5D3, or GH2. You can access the camera, or number of lenses, without fully unzipping it, & there's a separate top compartment that fits a GorillaPod Focus, or MultiRig Pro. There are lots of little things about the bag that make it great.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002UHKR6I/

My next favorite is ThinkTank's SteetWalker Harddrive, but I only use it to swallow up bigger cameras.

The GorillaPod is very useful, & workable as a shoulder rig for very light setups, but what sold me was Cinetics' CineSkates, & CineSquid. Cinetics were developed by a graduate of MIT's MediaLab, & they have additional products in the works, including more clamps, & motorized wheels. I love the combo for filming B-Roll, especially when abroad.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007F0IMK8/

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007HOB466/

http://wondros.com/video/mit-media-lab

Besides sticks, & a monopod, I also suggest getting SteadyBags. I have all three sizes, but the smallest is great to keep in your bag.

http://www.visualdepartures.com/steadybag-better-camera-support-than-tripod/

Lastly consider a LensSkirt if your filming timelapses thru windows.

http://www.lenskirt.com/
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Holy s*%t dude thanks for the advice but I'm planning run n gun and almost everything you post there is like useless consumerist stuff, that I might use in 0.00001% of the times
 
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cuervo.taylor said:
Holy s*%t dude thanks for the advice but I'm planning run n gun and almost everything you post there is like useless consumerist stuff, that I might use in 0.00001% of the times
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Useless consumerist stuff!?! As someone regularly hired for documentary work all around the world I couldn't disagree more. So would my shooting partner whose a veteran ASC cameraman.

In truth I only use the GH2 when my bigger cameras' size, or weight, are an incumbrance. The GH2's skew alone often makes me wish I hadn't, but I occasionally put up with it for some B-Roll.

Doesn't stop me from breaking out the heavier gear when I have the support, but the ability to move fast, & light, often leads to imagery I'd otherwise miss.

And one more thing. Forget those lenses. They are the definition of consumerist. As is most everything else on your list, including the GH2.
 
A garbage bag to stow your gear would be perfect to not call attention to yourself; I recommend Glad ForceFlex; Comes in a box of 14 for when the bag in current use starts to show some wear and tear. The garbage bag also serves double duty as your rain gear!
 
You'll quickly hate that pair of lenses.

If you want only two, I'd pick a 14-140 (daylight) and Voigtlander 17.5/.95 (wide and fast).
 
Bern Caughey said:
Useless consumerist stuff!?! As someone regularly hired for documentary work all around the world I couldn't disagree more. So would my shooting partner whose a veteran ASC cameraman.

In truth I only use the GH2 when my bigger cameras' size, or weight, are an incumbrance. The GH2's skew alone often makes me wish I hadn't, but I occasionally put up with it for some B-Roll.

Doesn't stop me from breaking out the heavier gear when I have the support, but the ability to move fast, & light, often leads to imagery I'd otherwise miss.

And one more thing. Forget those lenses. They are the definition of consumerist. As is most everything else on your list, including the GH2.
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Cuervo...Dude...I understand what you are going to do. This guy quoted might misunderstand.
It's true those are not the good lens choices.
Get the 14-140 because it has the OIS and can zoom you way in close, and it is very sharp. I just needs good daylight.
Then - if you can get the money, get that Voightlander 17.5mm f.95 lens - That thing can almost make videos in the night time.
Get many Panasonic battereies and at least one more charger - or 6!
The rest of your stuff looks right.
You're talking about getting video that people DON'T WANT YO TO GET....right?
Yeah, keep it really small, and looking like a regular non-pro camera. GH2 is a good choice.
When the camera looks pro - that's when the guns come out. I've been there.

And take a lot of pictures of smiling old ladies and churches from the area just in case you get stopped and they check your camera. I mean LOTS of pictures of smiling old ladies and churches!

Good luck!
 
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def not a useful post from ol' bern... my suggestion for backpacks travelling run n gun is NOT to look like a cameraman for hire. 1. you get stopped more often 2. You're camera bag smells of big yankee dollar, peasants and grifters love you.3. I use a modded 10 year old generic backpack and a belt holster for one GH2 + lens for easy access to batteries, cards etc. oh yes about the Gh2, just completed shooting a feature doc here in SouthAfrica with only a Voigtlander and off to NYC to shoot another with just 2 or 3 lenses. The future is with the solo shooter working like a photojournalist. Ignore most comments from this site regarding this new style of shooting. The access and intimacy you can get solo with minimal inobtrusive like the Gh2 is a minirevo to itself.... good luck!
 
The backpack I linked to is semi-stealth, at least by camera case standards, but agree a generic one would be better if your working in the dodgiest areas. I have a generic shoulder bag fitted with Domke inserts that always travels with me for just such needs.

If your truly working in dangerous areas, such as the worst parts of Jo'burg, then consider ditching the GoriilaPod too. But any camera will likely draw attention if your in such an area, especially one fitted with a mic.

And definitely try the smallest SteadyBag, or similar bean bag. You'll be surprised how useful it can be.

It's funny that you talk about the single cameraman as the new way forward, when it's an well established form practiced by most every photojournalist.
 
I really like my Lowepro flipside 400. Its not really small but its plain black and the zipper pocket is on the side against my back for added security.
 
I'm with Bern with the bag. Much more important to have a good bag that is well organized that you can get in and out of quickly and is durable, than walk around with an incognito bag of poo. There is a good chance, unless you are from the culture you are filming that you will be noticed quickly and since you need to take a camera out to shoot, well, they will know you have a camera too. I'm not saying walk around with a bright orange bag with the laptop hanging out of an open zipper, but Kata makes a great bag and I wouldn't hesitate to bring one like the one suggested as my main bag. If it is a "dangerous place" you want to move quickly, go in and get your shots and then get out quickly. If it is a really bad area then leave the main bag where you are based or somewhere safe and take what you need in a jacket or paper bag. Probably telling us a little more about what you are shooting would be helpful

About the GH2, if you are shooting sitdowns or doing ethnography fine. But if you are moving fast shooting verite, with fast action you should get a ccd camera with a fixed lens. You can get a used HVX or HPX for about the same price. Iv'e gone to tough places with HVX's and then a canon 5D when it was more dangerous and that was the only way to get the shot. That footage has some shutter roll and focus issues.

I would definitely get and audio recorder that was independent of the camera. someone said you didn't need one, but if you are shooting verite, you should have it.
 
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i have that ball head from joby and it's rubbish, i suggest you get something proper from manfrotto.
With the GH2 etc mode, the 45-200 is a waste, specially as you are non using a tripod. Better get a fast prime for interview and low dof face shots.
 
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