puchasing help - what accessories?

mehnkle

mehnkle

Well-known member
I am buying a DVX100A in a few days through Beach Camera (authorized Panasonic dealer.) It will cost about $2950 after the $300 rebate.
What are some accessories you wouyld reccomend for this camera? I am looking specifically for a good wide angle, a fluid tripod, and a camera bag, that could also hold another SLR camera. Is the audio on the camera good or should I buy a mic for it too? I am planning to buy Premire Pro 1.5. Does this have problems with 24p editing or anything?
Another thing is lighting. I would like to have one or two lights that could be used for some night shots. How does this work? Are the lights battery operated or do I need an outlet?
I will be filming a horror movie in the woods this summer, and I will also be filming skateboarding with it. Thanks for any help! I really appreciate it.
 
For a good wide angle, check out the assortment offered by Century Precision Optics. Best lenses for the DVX made. Fluid tripod? I would either go with a Vinten pro6dc or a Bogen 525tripod with 503 head. As far as camera bags go, I use a Kata as my soft bag and I like it alot. You might be able to find one that will accomodate and SLR too. Porta brace makes really good camera bags as well. If you want good audio, deffinetly go with an external. A sennheiser ME66 with K6 powering unit is the way to go. Premiere pro 1.5 works great with 24p footage. As for lighting, you could go with a small battery powered onboard light. Bescor makes a good one. But as for lighting a scene, the lowel DV creator kit is a pretty decent 3 light setup. Check B&H and EVS for these items (EVS offers special DVXuser pricing, ask for Rush)
 
Don't skimp on the tripod. Get the best you can afford. A great tripod can make a lousy operator a little better... not great though.....
 
I was looking at the me66 and was wondering if you need a power suppy for it or you just plug it into the hot shoe. Also about the tripod and head. How much do you think I should spend on one?
 
Well, on average you are looking at close to 1k for a good tripod and head. As a generality, a true fluid head pro tripod is never under 700 dollars...As for the ME66, if you use the k6 powering unit the mic is powered by an onboard batter, I believe a AA. I think they make a k6p which doesn't have onboard battery power, in which case the mic is powered by your 48v phantom power supplied by the camera through the XLR cable...
 
Here's what I have - Miller DS-5
I love the head, silky smooth. A bit more than you need for just the camera but if you add a bunch of accessories, mattbox, camera light, mics, etc.. you'll need it. - the only complaint I have about the sticks is that it's a single stage system so you can't get very high with it. I do like the mid level spreader though. I hate ground spreaders.

Tip - you'll save money by going with aluminum legs as opposed to carbon-fiber. The drawback is weight. Carbon-fiber is much lighter so you'll pay for it.

Here's a nice Sachtler. But I don't care for the ground spreader. Two stages though so you'll get extra height out of it. 64" to my Miller's 59"
I can't tell you how many times I wish I had an extra 5" :thumbsup:

Or spend a little more dough and get this baby! Miller SOLO DV10
Beefier head- 10lb load, more height - 69" , less weight!!! - 9.6lbs.
I wish now I had spent the extra $300 on this baby.
 
$700-1000 for a tripod? Im no pro here by any means, so this is quite a lot of money for a tripod and head. Any other cheaper recommendations? like $250 or so? I just want to get a really smooth pan ability. Also with the century optics wide angles (.6x, .7). Is the any vignetting on these lenes? We used a VX2100 with a .3x century lens and there was tons for some reason.
 
that tripod looks perfect, it even has a fluid head. Thanks a lot. What are some good soft cases you guys might recommend?
 
That Tripod combination is a great one.. I'v shot with it alot with an XL1, and GL2 - works great with both, so shoudl be great with a DVX100 too :-)

If you have a few bucks, it's woth looking into the Head leveler (works like a ball to level the head, but goes between the post and the head.)
Link: http://www.manfrotto.com/product/templates/templates.php3?sectionid=12&itemid=746

Also if you are going out in the winter, it's worth shelling out a couple of bucks for the "Ice feet" - Little rubber feet that screw down to reveal ice spikes, crucial on ice!
Link:http://www.manfrotto.com/product/templates/templates.php3?sectionid=4&itemid=241

Be sure to get a bag for your tripod too!

- Mikko
 
thanks a ton guys! I really appreciate your help. I have been searching for a few days but I have had no luck. Is there like a rain cover for this camera that also covers the lens? I want to do some rain shots outside but I dont want it to get wet. I looked at the Kata one but there is no lens cover.
 
I think all the rain "covers" keep the lens clear. Sounds like you need an underwater contraption. Most of them are expensive.
 
Hi Mehnkle, don't forget to hang your gear bag on that tripod to make it more stable. If you are looking for more height try the 3221WN series, which is the one most commonly used for video (beefier.) The 3001 is a great tripod, very light. However I have to say the 501 is not the true fluid head version, but the 503 is.:cheesy:
 
I am not really dead set on any software. Vegas 5 is my second choice, but I currently prefer Premeire because I can get if for cheap.
 
Since we are on the topic of tripods, I figured that I would add my question onto this thread...what is the distinction of a good tripod head? Fluid head vs. ?. I received the 3001Manfrotto/Bogen tripod for Christmas and just got my DVX a few days ago and I think the tripod will be excellent. My question; the head I received with it is the 700rc2 head (B&H doesn't even sell it anymore.) I can't seem to find documentation on this head to catagorize it. Is it fluid? If not, what IS it? And what might be the limitations of this head? Just things I am mulling around to prevent headaches in the future.
Thanks in advance guys and gals-
Rick
 
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