New to HMC150. What should I get?

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knakalwits

Member
Hello everyone!
I am pleased to say that I have gotten an HMC150 for my graduation present! Man is this an awesome camera! But after playing around with it a lot I've noticed that the camera alone is not quite good enough. I figured all of you could help me out with choosing some accessories that would make me a better videographer! I plan to use it for weddings (just to make $$ haha), but mostly independent films (but I want a professional look and feel). Keep in mind that right now I have two extended life batteries, a uv filter, a 16gb sdhc, and a 32gb sdhc card. So here is the list of things I figure I'll need.

-Shotgun mic: I was thinking the Audio Technica AT875 (looking in the $100-$200 range)

-Stabilizer: I was thinking the Steadicam Merlin (are there any stabilizer that will work with a camera this weight and get good steady shots that are cheaper? Looking for something in the $400 range, but I would be willing to pay more for better quality, such as the Merlin)

-Tripod: I have no idea on this one. Any tripods under $100 would be nice, but I've heard they can be upwards of $500.

-Lights: I was just planning on getting clamp lights at the hardware store. Know of anything under $50 that's better?

-The HMC150 Book: I hear this is a must!

Any suggestions on better/cheaper products than the ones I've listed? And what are some other accessories that I'm going to need/want for indy films and weddings? Quality will always be first over price, I just hate spending a ton of money (I'm in college so it's hard haha).
Thanks for your time! You all rock :)
 
knakalwits said:
Hello everyone!
I am pleased to say that I have gotten an HMC150 for my graduation present! Man is this an awesome camera! But after playing around with it a lot I've noticed that the camera alone is not quite good enough. I figured all of you could help me out with choosing some accessories that would make me a better videographer! I plan to use it for weddings (just to make $$ haha), but mostly independent films (but I want a professional look and feel). Keep in mind that right now I have two extended life batteries, a uv filter, a 16gb sdhc, and a 32gb sdhc card. So here is the list of things I figure I'll need.

-Shotgun mic: I was thinking the Audio Technica AT875 (looking in the $100-$200 range)
Click to expand...

I kinda doubt that you'll do better than the built-in mic for $100-$200, but I cannot say for sure. I do have some $600-$1400 shotgun mics (Sennheiser) but those only come out when every other possible method of capturing sound is not possible.

-Stabilizer: I was thinking the Steadicam Merlin (are there any stabilizer that will work with a camera this weight and get good steady shots that are cheaper? Looking for something in the $400 range, but I would be willing to pay more for better quality, such as the Merlin)
Click to expand...

I picked up a Halo rig for less than $100, but haven't really tried it yet. I love the theory (of using mechanical advantage to your advantage).

-Tripod: I have no idea on this one. Any tripods under $100 would be nice, but I've heard they can be upwards of $500.
Click to expand...

If you want a tripod for static shots only, you might be able to find something for $200 or less. If you want to pan (and if you want to make movies, you're going to want to pan), then be prepared to spend over $1000 and get a Sachtler (or a Vinten).

-Lights: I was just planning on getting clamp lights at the hardware store. Know of anything under $50 that's better?
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The reason that clamp lights are so cheap is because they are so cheap. They are almost impossible to aim in any reliable fashion. The "range of motion" that's advertised on the box is largely theoretical...the light will settle into one or at most two positions--the extremes. And don't think about making adjustments by sticking random things under the legs...you don't want 500W of white-hot tungsten falling onto you or your likely flammable house as the rig falls over. Carpenters installing sheetrock are a lot more tolerant of mis-aimed lights than a movie camera will ever be.

-The HMC150 Book: I hear this is a must!
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Funny...mine came free in the box.

Any suggestions on better/cheaper products than the ones I've listed? And what are some other accessories that I'm going to need/want for indy films and weddings? Quality will always be first over price, I just hate spending a ton of money (I'm in college so it's hard haha).
Thanks for your time! You all rock :)
Click to expand...

Congratulations! You need to spend another $3,000-$4,000 to have a camera system. Search these forums for several other posts that explain "you cannot shoot with just a camera". When is your next graduation?
 
Whoa there.....don't be disuaded by the previous comment, of "You've got to spend another $3-$4k to have a camera system"

Mic: The Audio Technice mic you mentioned is pretty decent. It'll definitely give you a more focused pickup pattern than the internal mic.

Stabilizer: Save your money for now. Focus on learning good composition while handheld, and proper handheld technique. With a little practice, you'll be able to achieve a lot more than you think, without spending money on stabilizers. (Besides, good stabilizers cost quite a bit of money - wait until you can afford something decent)

Tripod: You can get a decent quality Manfrotto/Bogen tripod, with a good fluid head for less than $400 new. Shop around. Look for used Manfrotto 501 fluid heads. They're great, and don't cost $1000. If you find a good set used, you can spend as little as $200. But remember, a good tripod and fluid head will last you a lifetime. It's a worthy investment...

Lights: Check out the Britek 600w kits at www.evsonline.com. They're only a few hundred dollars, and include 3 x 600w lights, with 2 softboxes, 1 barndoor, and stands and bags. Great deal for entry level lighting, and it's a very versatile kit for the money.

Bottom line, don't be convinced that you have to spend 3000-4000 bucks for support gear. You can spend 1/4 of that, and be ready to shoot.
 
Agree with Shizznid.

The AT will do Ok - the NTG-1 is also good.

DON'T spend ANY more money yet. Shoot with the camera and see what you can do and can't do with what you have already. When you hit a problem, don't assume the best way to fix the problem is buy spending money on another gadget, and the everything will be fine - because that's unlikely to be the case. We all tend to focus on just one thing - then we get it and then realise that somehow we now need something else as well. It's called gear lust ;)

A good basic tripod for static shots will not be that expensive. If you want a good shot for panning (use sparingly!) then you really need a fluid head. It's easy to get caught up in the need to have the 'best' and assume you have to pay $1,000s to get it - but realise that there are so many awesome films being shot with very little more than you already have.

In terms of lights, think carefully about what you really need. You can often get by with a lot less than you thought you needed.

You certainly don't need to spend $3K-$4K to get great results - as long as you learn your equipment well and know what it can and can't do. If you shoot within it's (and your) limitations you can do most things with very little.
 
There are some cheap mics from china that actually sound pretty good. I swear they are the same internals as azdens. Still not a Senheizer but my clients have never complained. In fact I have used them side and most people could not tell the diff.

I have one of these: http://cgi.ebay.ca/EI717X-Video-Tri...r-Version-/360281274424?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0

Since no sub $1000 head is going to be a true fluid head, I went with one of those. Works fine. You can always upgrade later.

If money is not an issue then Senhizers mics and satchler tripods with true fluid head heads.
 
MichaelTiemann said:
If you want to pan (and if you want to make movies, you're going to want to pan), then be prepared to spend over $1000 and get a Sachtler (or a Vinten).
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Holy WTF batman?!?

A Manfrotto 055xprob with a 501 or 701 HDV head works great. Easy setup and can be had for less than $600. There are a lot of other options out there for less too.
 
To OP One of the things you will learn quickly is that cheap means youll replace it later as you want better. Thats not necessarily a bad thing. Go earn some money with your gear to get better. If you dont earn enough $$ to get better then maybe youre not doing it right, change plan and keep going until you do.

I will say this though. I find it funny that people get a camera and say Im going to shoot weddings. I dont shoot weddings, but those wedding shooters (who are good) are a special bunch of professionals IMO. So I find when someone says - I will shoot weddings (just to make $$) a little condescending to a pro group of shooters. Im not saying dont shoot weddings, but understand that its a tough gig and give it due respect.

-Shotgun mic: I was thinking the Audio Technica AT875 (looking in the $100-$200 range)

-Stabilizer: I was thinking the Steadicam Merlin (are there any stabilizer that will work with a camera this weight and get good steady shots that are cheaper? Looking for something in the $400 range, but I would be willing to pay more for better quality, such as the Merlin)

-Tripod: I have no idea on this one. Any tripods under $100 would be nice, but I've heard they can be upwards of $500.

-Lights: I was just planning on getting clamp lights at the hardware store. Know of anything under $50 that's better?

-The HMC150 Book: I hear this is a must!
Click to expand...

Forget the Merlin, so lets say the Merlin cost you $600 bought second hand. Use that money toward a better mic, better tripod.

Lets say you buy $50 dollar lights, do you know how to control them? Lighting in many situations is like a block of clay. You need to scrape away at it until you get to the masterpiece within, using light controls is a similar venture. So, getting yourself a couple of clamp lights with no way to control them is like buying a lump of clay and then cutting your hands off. So heres my point. Before you buy any lights, are you able to watch someone do it professionally? Youll gain far more knowledge from this one experience than fumbling around for years. At least if you bought clamp lights then, you would have an idea of how youre going to shape them and best use them.
 
knakalwits said:
Tripod: I have no idea on this one. Any tripods under $100 would be nice, but I've heard they can be upwards of $500.
Click to expand...

Do. Not. Skimp. On. Your. Tripod.

Seriously, this should be the first thing you buy, and you need to buy a good one. A good tripod (in the $500+ range) will outlast your camera. Mine has. Plus, a cheap one will probably be horrible for panning and tilting, and probably won't be very stable.

Honestly, this and a shotgun should be your first then second purchase. Forget the stabilizer for now. Noel is absolutely correct... I just recently purchased a Red Rock shoulder brace (or, a friend did for me a project i was working on for him), and rarely use it. I use the tripod 2-3 times a week.
 
+1 to Noel and Mike. Good advice.

Forget the Merlin until you need it. Work on your shooting skills, visual and audio, and then decide where to go next. If you are on the cheap, there are lots of resources on how to build lighting kits. Audio takes cash. Don't buy cheap on audio. A basic tripod and head can be had for around $600.

One thing I would purchase sooner than later is a top quality polarizer filter.

Grant
 
Mike Harvey said:
Do. Not. Skimp. On. Your. Tripod.

Seriously, this should be the first thing you buy, and you need to buy a good one. A good tripod (in the $500+ range) will outlast your camera. Mine has. Plus, a cheap one will probably be horrible for panning and tilting, and probably won't be very stable.

Honestly, this and a shotgun should be your first then second purchase. Forget the stabilizer for now. Noel is absolutely correct... I just recently purchased a Red Rock shoulder brace (or, a friend did for me a project i was working on for him), and rarely use it. I use the tripod 2-3 times a week.
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Wise advice my friend. A solid tripod is essential to filmmaking. I just recently got a sachtler fsb4 fluid head tripod system and I can't say enough about it. It will truly set you apart from your competition, and will save you from so much frusturation. Don't waste your money on gimmicks. They're alluring but a tripod is the first thing you should focus on. A mic is very important too, check out the rode ntg-1. I have it and it rocks. Huge improvement from the on camera mic, and won't break your bank.

And also, with a good fluid head tripod, you can get almost all the resale back for it. You won't regret buying one.
 
redshft said:
Holy WTF batman?!?

A Manfrotto 055xprob with a 501 or 701 HDV head works great. Easy setup and can be had for less than $600. There are a lot of other options out there for less too.
Click to expand...

They do work fine but they are still not a true fluid head. They are fluid friction heads. A true fluid head will go for $1000+ for the head alone.
 
1. tripod - 501hdv is what you want to aim for, but you can get by with the 701hdv, especially as a lighter travel kit: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0CTRA4CCXSH681ZJ95B6

2. mic - i have the at875 and love it! it really is the best bang for your buck. it is nice and short and you can leave it on your camera inside the bag, but for best results, put it on a boom/stand close to your subject. boom: http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0YH8HDK4CXWCRAEJ2Y0H

3. mic2 - consider a wired lavalier if you plan to get a lot of interviews. http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM93-La...8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1283013690&sr=8-6

4. lights - go with fluorescents for all indoor shooting. for outdoors, use available light with a reflector. here's the best cheap kit: http://www.flolight.com/3-point-lighting-kit-330w-1500w-hotlight-equiv.html. but as others have suggested, you can go cheaper to start while you learn, then work up to this.

personally, i think all you need is 1 fluorescent key light: http://www.flolight.com/fl-110hm.html

1 reflector disc to bounce the key back as fill: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0P3M80951MVVXG8NTC87

and 1 battery-powered LED for hair/backlight: http://www.coollights.biz/clled256-spot-p-126.html

this setup will take you a long ways and is extremely versatile, but probably a bit out of your budget still.

5. camera bag - get one! go with a good backpack style bag vs a shoulder bag. much easier to carry, and less conspicuous.

6. support rig - if you plan to do mostly handheld, or a lot of handheld, get yourself a Halo rig or something similarly simple. don't worry about shoulder mounts and gimbaled steadicams, they're more hassle than you need to start.
 
averan said:
6. support rig - if you plan to do mostly handheld, or a lot of handheld, get yourself a Halo rig or something similarly simple. don't worry about shoulder mounts and gimbaled steadicams, they're more hassle than you need to start.
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I'm still very much at a loss to see how the Halo Rig stabilises things. It looks to me like it just moves a lot of weight out in front of you that is going to be hard to hold, your arms will ache very quickly and there is nothing to 'stabilise' as such. The demo videos on their web site show people walking around with them but you can 'see' the camera bobbing around as they walk, which kinda makes sense since there is really no disconnection from the body movement other than your arms held out (getting tired!).

So, please would some one explain how this helps?
 
Halo rig / manfrotto fig rig are useless junk IMO.

I can grab a cam by the handle and get steadier shots.

A correctly balanced shoulder mount system however can serve you for many things. And no Im not just guessing this and making it up. It comes from experience.
 
I'd recommend a simple kit like this to get you going:

Tripod: allocate $500+ for a good tripod. I have the 055 with 501, and it's OK, but not real stable imho. Look at this one:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/523634-REG/Manfrotto_475B_Tripod_Legs_Black.html

A remote control like this Bogen 522p will really help with tripod shooting. There are a few less expensive alternatives, but I like this one:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...522P_522P_Camera_Remote_Control.html#features

Mic: the AT875 gets good reviews. I use the AT897, very nice mic, runs about $259. Get a Rode SM-3 or SM-5 shock mount to go with it.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/400801-REG/Audio_Technica_AT897_Shotgun_Microphone.html

Batteries: pick up a pair of the big Panasonic batteries, about $169 each, I believe. Nothing worse than running out of juice on a shoot. Get two in case one is damaged during a shoot (like if it gets dropped, etc) .

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=details_accessories&A=kitInfo&Q=&sku=547674&is=REG

Headphones: I recommend Sennheiser 280's, about $99. You can get lesser but get a pair. You must have the ability to monitor your audio.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/240764-REG/Sennheiser_HD_280PRO_HD_280_Pro.html

Bag: something like a Petrol like this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=petrol+pwr-hdv&N=0&InitialSearch=yes

about $200. I have a couple of these for my cams, and really like them.

B&W UV filter for protecting that nice lens. Don't put a cheap piece of glass in front of that lens, it is false economy.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/591222-REG/B_W_66_1058459_72mm_XS_Pro_Digital_Ultraviolet.html

Plus you will need to budget for 2 to 4 SDHC cards. 16GB Class 4 or Class 6 are a good starting point. Doesn't have to be Sandisk , although they seem quite good. I also use Patriots for app. $40.00 to $44.00.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...DSDRX3_016G_A21_16GB_Extreme_SDHC_Memory.html

This is just really basic stuff. All totaled, about $2,000.00. Allocate maybe $500 to $600 for a basic light kit and you should have the basics covered.
You could go cheaper on some of this, or spend a whole lot more on similar items. It just depends on your needs. But this will give you a good, basic idea.
 
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Noel Evans said:
Halo rig / manfrotto fig rig are useless junk IMO.

I can grab a cam by the handle and get steadier shots.

A correctly balanced shoulder mount system however can serve you for many things. And no Im not just guessing this and making it up. It comes from experience.
Click to expand...


That's pretty much my thoughts on the Halo too. Can't see how it can help.

Now, a shoulder mount, a correctly balanced shoulder mount would be very welcome. Can you recommend one for the HMC?
 
I find my customers thoroughly love the added stability of the Halo Rig. They are perfect for run and gun and most shooting situations - even allowing you to mount your monopod for ground support. You also can easily attach it to your tripod and have the best of both worlds.

More feedback from videographers can be found here: http://halorig.com/halo-rig-testimonials

A camera op is very limited when comparing it to a shoulder mount - you only get your stability when its on your shoulder. With a Halo Rig, one can shoot low, high, anywhere... and since it uses both hands and takes the focal point away from the wrist, you have so much added stability over hand held.

Not to mention you can attach up to 5 accessories to the Halo Rig like a monitor, mic, light, mixer, zoom/iris controller, recorder, etc. Perhaps after you have used one you could make your own assumptions, we welcome any and all feedback.

Just like anything you have tools for specific shots, no stabilizer is going to do it all.

They are right about tripods - don't want to skimp here...

For lights I totally recommend the Comer 900 or 1800 if you want more power... great lights.
 
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I have the Sennhesier ME 66 mic and it noticably outperforms the Azden included with the camera. I have been extrememly pleased with the Sennheiser. Its $209.00 on B and H. I highly recommend making this purchase, sound is even more vital than video.
 
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