Shooting a pilot for the Travel Channel - Need portable gear

[NextWaveG]

Hey all!

I've got a client that wants to shoot a pilot show for the Travel Channel. I'm looking at getting more portable gear. I've got gear for studio and small distance on-location shoots, but nothing that would do well in a plane.

I currently own a Canon XH-A1 and a HV20. I'm looking at switching to 2 Panasonic HMC150's and a Canon HFS100 so I can have a SDHC workflow.

I'm also looking at getting an assortment of Litepanels to replace my Britek light kit.

I'm also considering a small Steadicam...perhaps the Merlin.

I have a Rode NTG-3 but I'll need to pick up some lavalieres too.

Any other thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[david_p]

since you are talking portable then i would strongly suggest this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGXeh820GgU&feature=player_embedded#t=29

i shoot a lot of sports with this. you can go all day with no fatigue. i just purchased a HMC150. i also have an EX1 and the 5DMKII. i am extremely happy with the 150. IMO it has better color out of the camera than the EX1 has. its lightweight but that does create a few problem though. this is where the multirig helps out.

as long as you have the monopod attached (as you see in the video) you can zoom all the way in and still get very respectable and stable shots. the multirig with the pod makes the camera shots look more like a big heavy camera over the shoulder that just floats, unlike the jerkiness of the lightweight cameras. plus it folds down small enough to fit into a camera bag or any backpack.

another item that is very sweet is the Varizoom controller
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...Z_ROCK_PZFI_VZRockPZFI_Rocker_Controller.html

its got the record button, review button, focus & iris control. put it on the right grip and you are set to go. right hand on the right grip, left hand on the left grip and eye pushed up against the eyepiece. very stable with all of those points of contact. by the way the rig is so stable that if you have to take you left hand off of the grip and move it up to the camera to make an adjustment...no problem with disturbing the shot. its so nicely supported with the pod that you never would know that you made that move.

there are a lot of other rigs to hold the camera that are cheaper but i have to say that the (pod) part of the multirig is the best part as far as stablilzing and holding for as long as you need to. by the way...the pod is spring loaded on both of the extensions which also absorbs any jerkiness. it IS NOT a substitute for a steadicam though.

as far as portable lights?
http://www.lafcpug.org/reviews/review_flolight.html
i would say that its roughly equivilant to about 300watts. i think they advertise it to be more but its no where near 500w. i bought a motorcycle battery for about $75 and i can get quite a few hours of usage on a charge. by the way this is daylight balanced. my only complaint about these kind of lights layed out in "rows" is that they can cast some multiteard shadows if your subject if your subject is up against a wall. the lighting is a little bit harsh if close. i usually diffuse if a bit even though it kills some the wattage output. there are 4 brightness setting on it.

finally, i dont think there is a camera that can beat the HMC150 in that price range right now. in many way i like it more than my EX1. i think youd be very happy with the 150

good luck
david
www.davidprobst.com

 

[ChipG]

Where are you Traveling to?

 

[bluevoyagetv]

cinebag cb 25
I managed to fit my HMC 150 with litepanels cam light, dual wireless mics, Dual channel receiver. Bracket 1 receiver holder www.bracket1.com . 3 large batteries, charger pelican SD Card case, 17 inch mac book pro, power cords and lens cleaning stuff along with european power adapters... and a 1tb external hard drive into that backpack.