GH2 Need help with rig

T

tampawolf

Well-known member
So I have my hacked gh2, and a bunch of lenses. but now I am wanting a monitor, either a mic, or h4n recorder and a way to hold it all on a rig of some sort. I mostly film houses for auction so something mobile. Would love to heard advice on those three things. Though I'm leaning towards the Camax h056 monitor, and an h4n for sound. No idea on rig yet.
 
Though, not about the rig per se, but some people like the Tascam DR-100 MKII better than the H4N. Phillip Bloom among them. Rigs also vary in price by a wide margin... you can get a shoulder mount rig and also place it on a tripod when needed. If you only use tripods then you don't need the shoulder rest.

You'll also need a 15mm rod support system to attach a follow focus, matte box, c arms, handles, etc. on to.

What kind of budget?
 
Recording a voiceover as the auctionaere talks about the property is what I the reasons behind needing something to record proper sound. I'll check out the Tascam, and that shoulder mount. Budget...? I want to come in at under 700. Including shouldrig, monitor, and sound recorder. I can go a little over it, as I'm not in a rush.
 
The shoulder mount I liked you to is only $65. I mounted a bracket on mine and threw a quick release place on it so I shoot using the actual GH2 viewfinder, which I prefer over an external monitor.
 
You can always get a cheap loupe, though the screen isn't high res like most cameras nowadays. I actually find it easier focusing through the viewfinder than an LCD/loupe. Another option is using a monitor with focus peaking. I have a Swivi for just such an occasion. :) Attaches to the camera and folds up, just like the built in LCD, to save space while packing. Only negative is that you can only use 1080p24 with a monitor attached.

One more thing to think about: are you going to be walking around with the shoulder rig, especially up/down steps? If so, a steadicam might be more of what you're looking for. I've got a Flycam Nano DSLR, and it holds my GH2, a Tokina 11-16 2.8, Swivi monitor, and Tascam recorder just fine, with a battery pack and counterweights on bottom. Buttery smooth once you get it balanced and pratice a bit. If you're shooting in good light at wide angles, you really don't have to worry about focusing often, either.
 
Blue Bomber said:
You can always get a cheap loupe, though the screen isn't high res like most cameras nowadays. I actually find it easier focusing through the viewfinder than an LCD/loupe. Another option is using a monitor with focus peaking. I have a Swivi for just such an occasion. :) Attaches to the camera and folds up, just like the built in LCD, to save space while packing. Only negative is that you can only use 1080p24 with a monitor attached.

One more thing to think about: are you going to be walking around with the shoulder rig, especially up/down steps? If so, a steadicam might be more of what you're looking for. I've got a Flycam Nano DSLR, and it holds my GH2, a Tokina 11-16 2.8, Swivi monitor, and Tascam recorder just fine, with a battery pack and counterweights on bottom. Buttery smooth once you get it balanced and pratice a bit. If you're shooting in good light at wide angles, you really don't have to worry about focusing often, either.
Click to expand...

Can you not do HBR (30p)? Am I not recording in 30p when I select it and I have a monitor attached?
 
I know some people look down on DIY camera rigs, and any DIY gear for that matter, because it doesn't look "professional", but I gotta say, I made one for $5 and it works just as good as any other rig. I spray painted it flat black too and it doesn't look cheap or gimmicky. I followed this video on youtube....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZtlSVgG1h8&feature=related

I've even used longer focal lengths with handheld shots, and it's pretty amazing how smooth you can make it. Not to mention you can mount any number of accessories on it. Soon I think I'm gonna add some rails below mine so I can set up some sort of follow focus system.

Just an idea.
 
RupertPupkin said:
I know some people look down on DIY camera rigs, and any DIY gear for that matter, because it doesn't look "professional", but I gotta say, I made one for $5 and it works just as good as any other rig. I spray painted it flat black too and it doesn't look cheap or gimmicky. I followed this video on youtube....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZtlSVgG1h8&feature=related

I've even used longer focal lengths with handheld shots, and it's pretty amazing how smooth you can make it. Not to mention you can mount any number of accessories on it. Soon I think I'm gonna add some rails below mine so I can set up some sort of follow focus system.

Just an idea.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry but I would never use something like that. Looks very unprofessional, also the video that user on youtube showed imo looks very very poor.


tampawolf said:
Does anyone know where to get the gini rig? I've been looking for it online.
Click to expand...

I found their ebay store
http://stores.ebay.com/GINI-RIGS-HDSLR-RIGS
 
I think it's a shame people look down on making something yourself for a fraction of the price, that works just as well. Everyone seems to think you need the ridiculously expensive name brand gear to shoot good video. Personally, I would rather spend $5 over $200 any day.

I'm also not wealthy and I can't afford things like that so it could just be me.

Just my opinion.
 
RupertPupkin said:
I think it's a shame people look down on making something yourself for a fraction of the price, that works just as well. Everyone seems to think you need the ridiculously expensive name brand gear to shoot good video. Personally, I would rather spend $5 over $200 any day.

I'm also not wealthy and I can't afford things like that so it could just be me.

Just my opinion.
Click to expand...

This is my friendly opinion. $200 is not a lot of money for a rig that could last you many years. If you create art and are talented people will find a way to notice you, then through word of mouth you will be recognized and earn money for your art. Many videographers, director's, dp's etc. all have their story how they came up. While I am not downing anyones tools used to do their job I just think image is very important. It can be the way you dress or even express yourself.

I remember a wise man told me once, money attracts money. Look the most professional you can and market yourself and things will get better. In my honest opinion that pvc rig looks poor and very cheap, I would not want something like that to visually represent myself.
 
That was actually incredibly insightful, thank you. Like I said I'm a broke college student who hasn't made a name for himself so making diy rigs is pretty much my only option if I want any rigs at all. Hopefully sometime soon I'll be in a position where I can afford nice things, I suppose it's also partly my jealousy of people with nice gear.

That money attracts money line couldn't be anymore true either, thanks for all the advice. I really do appreciate it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top