C100: Recommendations: Equipment for C100

[ahsun]

Hello!

About a year ago I purchased a C100 with the intent of making short documentaries, I found that my shots were sorely lacking any sort of camera movement. I'm going to go back to work for 6 months to make enough money to pursue this full-time, I came here for some help regarding equipment.

Camera Movement

​

I will be operating as a one man crew, carrying all the equipment around solo...with this in mind, what would be the best tripod + head combo under $1000 for my needs? Lightweight, rugged, and stable enough to support a slider (I'm looking at a Rhino EVO Carbon 42").

Also looking at the Glidecam 4000...would the vest be necessary?

Optics

​

Currently I have a Canon 18-135 STM, need to supplement it with one more lens, was thinking of the Canon 17-55.

Also going to purchase a Canon 6D for stills (all of the work will be tied to a blog), it will also function as my b-cam, how does 6D video quality compare to the 5DMKII? For me, the choice is between those two, but if there are other options available I am all ears.

Audio


​

Already have an AKG shotgun mounted, can utilize the built in microphones to capture ambience, wanted to round it out with a single lavalier (not looking at the wireless option..fairly expensive, wanted to have subjects carrying a recorder in their pocket with the attached lavalier). Completely lost when it comes to lavaliers, if you guys could point me in the right direction that would be wonderful.


That's pretty much the jist of it, is there anything I have failed to consider? Something that would be absolutely invaluable for the type of work I wish to do? For all of the items listed I invite suggestions and criticisms...want to know exactly how much money I need, and want to be prepared enough that when I head out to shoot I have everything I need.

Regards, Ahsun

 

[analog_addict]

I would seriously consider at least 1 wireless lav. I've been using the new Rodelink kit and I think it's great. If you're shooting documentaries as you say you really need a wireless lav. It's not really a good idea having a subject recording separate audio during a documentary. What happens if it runs out of battery? What happens if the subject accidentally knocks it and turns it off? You will have no idea as the camera operator. Plus you will then need to manually sync everything up. The Rodelink kit (Rx/Tx and Lav) is only $400!Nobody will care about your camera movement if your audio isn't good. How much is a GOOD lavalier and an audio recorder going to cost? The lavalier included with the Rodelink costs $249 alone! Add another $100 for a Zoom H1 and you are only $50 away from the Rodelink kit.

 

[chappelldigital]

Greetings!

I'll chime in with my 2 cents. I've owned my C100 for over 2 years now. Have grown a lot with it. Some thoughts:

Tripod Sub-$1000 -> This is what I bought:
https://www.vistek.ca/store/Tripods/252873/manfrotto-504hd-546b-mbag100pn-pro-video-kit.aspx

Supports a slider no problem, head is solid. Its a bit heavy overall, but its solid, worth it. I don't regret getting this tripod at all! You could use the same head with a set of carbon fibre legs as well for a lighter option potentially. I've seen Benro legs w/502HD head work decently if you want to save some cash.

Glidecam4000 works, you don't need the vest unless you are doing full-days. Glidecam 2000 could even work.
I've been using this for the last year and a half:
http://www.amazon.com/Wieldy-1-7-5kg-Carbon-Stabilizer-Camera/dp/B00CI2W68C
All of this was shot with it: https://vimeo.com/103750033 - password: kylechappell


Lenses -> The 17-55 seems like an odd choice if you're planning to use the 18-135. You're basically covering a range you already have, again.
It also depends on what you're doing
EX: Corporate interviews mainly -> Get a prime between 21 and 50 (I have a 28), and an 85. Theres your wide and your close up.
Events/If you choose only one route -> Get a 24-70, and a 70-200. I have the Tamron 24-70 2.8 VC (90-95% the optics of the canon, $1000 cheaper, and has stabilization.. but the focus wheel goes backwards). 70-200 I have a Sigma f2.8 macro. I suggest getting one with stabilization though. Tokina 11-16 is great on a slider.

Can't comment to much on the 6D for stills. I do 0 stills. My b-cam is the A7s. Not great for stills, great for video. If you need a stills cam, I'm sure someone can chime in about the 6D.

On a budget you could go with the Rode SmartLav and a Zoom H1 in their pocket. Honestly look for a wireless set used though. I picked up a used Sony set (transmitter, receiver, mic, xlr cable) for $350 (I'm in Toronto). With a recorder in their pocket, you can't monitor whats happening, you can only check it before you start.

Other random notes -
Always dual record. No exceptions. The cards are so inexpensive, theres no reason risking only have 1 copy. I've actually been saved by dual recording because a card went bad on me, but the other copy was perfect.

Lenses are going to be one the best investments to up your image. I've been slowly building up my Zeiss set. Expensive, but I almost feel like its cheating compared to lenses I used to use heh. Good glass will help significantly. Worth saving up for and getting the best you can get.

If I think of anything else I'll let you know!