necessary accessories?

S

Sean Jeong

Well-known member
Hey guys, I'm new to the dvx forum and I have recently been able to get my hands on a GH1. I am amazed at the video quality this camera has for a dslr. I've been looking for some accessories to order for my camera but don't really know what I need since I will be going on a retreat in 2 weeks and am hoping to be able to film the trip. I am also looking for a cheap stabilizer for around $50. Since I am in high school i only have a $150 budget. If anyone know what this camera needs, it would be loads of help. I'm thinking of ordering from B&H so it would be helpful to order everything from the same place.
 
I recon a cheap tripod will help you get decent stable shots. another mem card maybe or extra battery if your planning on trekking a bit?
 
If you want something a little heavier-duty than the SLR-zoom Gorillapod, check out the Gorillapod Focus. Not that you'll necessarily need it for weight, but it's stiffer and can be configured like this so you can even pick it up and use it like a stabilizer:
 

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If you're going to be shooting video, other than camera stabilization (tripod, etc), the only thing you really need is some ND filters....in particular I'd suggest the Fader ND and whatever step-up rings you need. At least, if you want to have any control over your depth of field....especially if shooting outdoors in daylight. (I got the 62mm mount Fader ND on eBay new, and I LOVE it when shooting my "home videos" outdoors with the 20mm f1.7....exposure is a SNAP even at f1.7/ISO100. I even got a metal lens hood to fit it from B&H, to protect it and reduce all the crazy lens flare I get.) The FaderND costs more than a standard ND filter....but it's the only one you need to shoot anything....and you never have to remove it unless you need more light.

I'd like to have one of those "gorilla" pods as well. When travelling I've bought a few of the super-cheap table-top tripods, and usually just break them. ;)

Of course, an extra battery would be nice, but the stock battery does pretty well. You can get an aftermarket portable charger (no cord) for dirt cheap on eBay, if you won't have long days of shooting. I can do a whole wedding+reception on two batteries, but carry a 3rd just in case.

Have fun!
 
I am really amazed at what all the things that a gorillapod can do but if i get that I'll need a decent head but I just might be getting that. Does anyone have any reviews on the ballhead from the Joby store. Thinking of getting that with the zoom.
I won't be needing another battery since I will have lots of time to charge it but a spare can never hurt, or so I've heard. I'll be needing a mic since built in mic tends to get noisy when moving around. Since I have a low budget I've been looking to get a cheap consumer mic.
Anyone have any in mind ranging from $50-60. This seems to be ok. Azden SMX10?
 
Martti

Can you show us newbies how you use the gorillapod as a shoulder brace? Maybe pics or vid?
I have one but haven't figured out how to shape it so that it works well this way

Cheers for any help
 
I mostly have two legs backwards and down into my chest as a brace and one leg up along the right hand side of the camera - left hand under lens, right hand on the up leg but within reach of both front and rear buttons. I've also used it on my shoulder like in tflak's picture but that gets a tad front heavy so I prefer the chest brace posistion. To use it in either way it's a whole lot easier when having a ballhead instead of the camera straight on the base top which elevates it closer to eye height. I have the Manfrotto 484RC2 on my Zoom-slr which been super-ceded by the 494RC2:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._Bogen_Imaging_494RC2_494_Mini_Ball_Head.html

The advantage of using this one is that the same quick release plate, 200PL-14, fits on a number of Manfrotto products including the 323RC2 mount which I have attached on my rod rig.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...y_Bogen_Imaging_323_323_RC2_System_Quick.html

This allows me to move the camera quickly between several setups. I even tooled out a hole in my Libec tripod quick release plate so I could fit a 323 on it (it's got a spring knob on one side making it's underside not entirely flat). That way I can choose to use the rod rig or just the camera on the tripod at the spur of the moment.
 
I would pop for the panny 20mm 1.7 prime - it is great in low light and makes the GH1 easier to carry around/whip out of a coat pocket. Take the zoom aswell just use it when you need it.
 
True! The same places where merely shooting video can cost you your life.
Any other opinions about that Stedi-stock? I think I'm going to get one.
 
The Halo Rig Mini is a great stabilizing rig and accessory cage for DSLRs and small cameras.... You can mount the Halo Rigs on anything like the gorilla mount, monopod, tripod, etc. Also includes 5 mounting areas for all your essential accessories.

halorig_mini_haiti.jpg
 
Sorry but dslrs require focusing. How are you supposed to focus with both hands on the wheel? Frankly that rig looks to me like a fake good idea.
 
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