7D Rig: I can't decide -- HELP

M

man_bites_dog

Member
Hey all.

I just bought a 7D and will be getting into wedding videos to start with, and eventually I'd like to get to corporate videos too.

I have bought the following already:

1: Manfrotto 561BHDV monopod
2: Canon 50mm 1.8
3: Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 VC
4: Nikkor 30mm 2.0
5: Fader ND 2

The only other thing I know I will be buying is the Manfrotto 504HD when it's released, as I think that's the best tripod for the money.
I also need to find a good audio solution and am torn between 2 options (see below).

I've read countless posts, watched many youtube videos and researched 'till my eyes were sore, but I still can't make my mind up on what to get to build my rig. I don't want to spend a fortune ($1500 max) , but I'd like my setup to be scalable.

I have a few questions:

1: For weddings, would a follow focus system be overkill?
2: I'm looking at the Zacuto Z-Finder - is this worth the money? Would it be useful for weddings?
2b: Should I go for a LCD monitor setup instead of a Z-Finder? If so, what's a good option that won't break the bank?
3: I'm really interested in the Cage / Rail / Focus system offered by Jag35. Would that suit my needs.
3b: I'm also looking at Ikan's Fly cage system. Has anyone out there bought one? What do you think? Is it better than JAG35?
4: Has anyone tried the IDC follow focus setup? I'm not sure how well it'll work with non Canon lenses and primes and it isn't scalable as they are made for a specific camera.
5: Audio: Do I get the H4n, which I hear has some noise issues, or do I try the slightly more expensive Juicedlink DT454 and Rhode Mic? I think I'm leaning more towards the juicedlink solution as it seems to sound better and you don't have to worry about syncing sound or forgetting to record sound. But maybe I'm wrong on this? I'm hoping Canon will fix AGC in a new firmware release.

I'll be shooting all myself and need a setup that's efficient and reliable.

I'd appreciate all comments.

Thanks
 
hi mate Im new to this as well but have already been purchasing and using many of the items you have listed, I can vouch for the zacuto z focus is excellent, the h4n is awesome I dont know what id do without these two items for a shoulder rig i went with redrock eyespy balance package and feel it was the best move for me. I have used all 3 items on every shoot so far and have had no problems as of yet. Sorry cant vouch for anything else, but what I have so far am really happy with. The shoulder rig is awesome
 
You need a follow focus if someone coughs with a DSLR let alone gets married

No zinfinder - (or lcdvf ) how do you see on a sunny day ?

Monitor ? - remember to account for 10 hours of batteries - could cost more than your cam - and of course think sunny days too - only smallHD has a good hood (and bad batteries)

S
 
morgan_moore said:
You need a follow focus if someone coughs with a DSLR let alone gets married
Click to expand...

Please elaborate? Have you shot weddings? If you do then what system do you use?

No zinfinder - (or lcdvf ) how do you see on a sunny day ?
Click to expand...
No, I haven't bought it yet, that's why I'm posting this. I'm looking for advice. How do you see on a sunny day? What do you use. Your comments are useless when you're answering my questions with rhetorical ones.
 
DSLR has minimal DOF, so you need to tickle focus all the time on a live event - which I have shot many of

Finder Im saying you need one or the other - you cant use the screen alone in the sun becuause you cant see it

I think a monitor will probably be a bad idea due to power issues and sun reflection issues and HDMI flimsy fall out lead issues

Hope that is non rhetorical ?

S
 
Morgan: What follow focus system do you use? I'm also in the UK and would like to know where to get stuff. Where did you get it from?

Thanks for being less rhetorical.
 
ok lemmi help you out on some cost effective solid products (which i'm getting myself).

First up. monitor. http://www.manhattanlcd.com/category_s/26.htm or the smaller one (same price) http://www.manhattanlcd.com/category_s/25.htm

quality monitor with every connection u need. u can order with a specific battery plate which they will install. this is good if u aleady have batteries as i do for my dvx (other battery plates available). sunshade is also sold. but i'd just make one.

next up...dfocus. http://www.dfocussystem.com/dfocus.html

affordable...decent quality from all the reviews i've seen (there are many on the net). you can watch the setup vids to see that its very versatile. Even if u buy the additional gears and speed crank it will be less than the one u linked to. You can also get the attachment so u can use it on ur camera alone with no rails. Also the one u linked to seems 7d specific...not good if u plan to change cameras in the future. I know i do. Dfocus is industry standard specs.

finally...cage+shouldermount combo. http://www.cpmfilmtools.com/DSLR_Shoulder_Rig_p/shoot_dslr_shldr.htm
this is the one i'm getting but as u will see one the site...they have many options. theres a thread around here also detailing this product. (cant bother to look for it now) . they are also a dvxuser site sponser

noga arm for to attach monitor to cage. the cage is equipped with many threaded holes for atachments http://www.amazon.com/Noga-DG1108CA...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1276004980&sr=8-1
 
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THanks Jambredz for all the info. Dfocus does look good and was on my list from Jag35 - the problem is they're out of stock and will be for the next 3 weeks or so. I still can't believe something as simple as a gear with some cogs can cost so much money. The Jag35 is good value, but the other's out there are ridiculously expensive - I just can't justify $500+ on a follow focus.

It seems though that most people are advocating the use of a follow focus, so I'm going to have to find one eventually.

Cheers

Keren
 
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