kohl-sudduth
Well-known member
woah. very cool.
VaricamLT: Varicam LT, Scarlet-W or something else?
- Thread starter Milan O.
- Start date
woah. very cool.
I haven't tried to shoot anything with it yet, just trying out a lot of stuff and to build a temporary shoulder rig until I decide which parts i need to buy.
I also tried connecting it to the O7Q just to see if I can record dual signals (Varicam LT and FS700 at the same time). It went really well and this is very good since I'll use it for a job I'm doing next week. It seems like the Varicam LT is only outputting 1080 PsF so I changed the output on the FS700 to that.
Sorry for the mess on the table.
I also tried connecting it to the O7Q just to see if I can record dual signals (Varicam LT and FS700 at the same time). It went really well and this is very good since I'll use it for a job I'm doing next week. It seems like the Varicam LT is only outputting 1080 PsF so I changed the output on the FS700 to that.
Sorry for the mess on the table.
Alex Derrick
Active member
Is that a Vlock or Anton Bauer battery on the Varicam?
I exchanged it to this:
http://www.hawkwoods.co.uk/Prods/Product/VL-CF10
The original battery plate is slimmer and in that sense better, but since I own a couple of V-lock batteries (even though I purchased bigger ones with the camera) and also have other V-lock plates for my FS700 and on my "steadicam", I thought this would be a better sollution rather than to have different types of batteries.
http://www.hawkwoods.co.uk/Prods/Product/VL-CF10
The original battery plate is slimmer and in that sense better, but since I own a couple of V-lock batteries (even though I purchased bigger ones with the camera) and also have other V-lock plates for my FS700 and on my "steadicam", I thought this would be a better sollution rather than to have different types of batteries.
I was a bit worried that I have to find another backpack to carry my camera, if I want to travel light. Fortunately the camera fit into my old one together with some accessories.
In the picture from bottom left to right top:
Two IDX Endura DUO-C190 batteries, Varicam LT with a Sigma 18-35 attached, Tokina 11-16, Varicam LT control panel and a Small HD502. In the front pocket I have a shotgun microfon and headphones. There's also room for a wireless lavalier system, if needed.
The good thing with the ability to crop the sensor is that one can manage pretty well with wider lenses. If more batteries and lenses are needed I can bring one more small bag, and still carry my tripod at the same time.
So why don't I just load stuff in a car, what's the big deal?
Well... I don't have a driving licens. Really haven't needed it here, at least not before I started doing this for a living. I've been thinking about getting one.
In the picture from bottom left to right top:
Two IDX Endura DUO-C190 batteries, Varicam LT with a Sigma 18-35 attached, Tokina 11-16, Varicam LT control panel and a Small HD502. In the front pocket I have a shotgun microfon and headphones. There's also room for a wireless lavalier system, if needed.
The good thing with the ability to crop the sensor is that one can manage pretty well with wider lenses. If more batteries and lenses are needed I can bring one more small bag, and still carry my tripod at the same time.
So why don't I just load stuff in a car, what's the big deal?
Well... I don't have a driving licens. Really haven't needed it here, at least not before I started doing this for a living. I've been thinking about getting one.
abreu-canedo
Well-known member
I was a bit worried that I have to find another backpack to carry my camera, if I want to travel light. Fortunately the camera fit into my old one together with some accessories.
In the picture from bottom left to right top:
Two IDX Endura DUO-C190 batteries, Varicam LT with a Sigma 18-35 attached, Tokina 11-16, Varicam LT control panel and a Small HD502. In the front pocket I have a shotgun microfon and headphones. There's also room for a wireless lavalier system, if needed.
The good thing with the ability to crop the sensor is that one can manage pretty well with wider lenses. If more batteries and lenses are needed I can bring one more small bag, and still carry my tripod at the same time.
View attachment 116789
So why don't I just load stuff in a car, what's the big deal?
Well... I don't have a driving licens. Really haven't needed it here, at least not before I started doing this for a living. I've been thinking about getting one.
Hey, I would strongly advise against packing your camera up in that configuration. I may be missing something just by looking at this picture, but it seems as if you have a lot of gravity pressure put on your lens and lens mount...since it seems as if the lens will be pointed down. Maybe you have those other side compartments relieving some of the weight, but just thought I'd mention it. In any case, best of luck and congrats!
A part of the weight was on the handle/batteries, but you're right, it's better this way. Thanks for pointing it out!
Alex Derrick
Active member
Hi Milan,
I have to admit, I'm kind of jealous of this small setup. I wonder if you could swap out the SmallHD for the Panasonic viewfinder?
How much does the whole bag weight?
I have a porta-brace bag specially deigned for my ursa mini (selling it w/ the camera body), and really like the quality of their bags (will be getting another for LT).
I can easily carry both Sigmas (18-100), 2 batteries, Rode NTG, and miscellaneous stuff. The strap is wide enough and soft enough I can walk around all day w/ the camera and not really feel fatigued or any shoulder or back strain. The porta-brace size is great, but it draws attention. I like this setup for ninja run and gun shooting for sure.
Thanks for the link on the V-Lock plate!
Happy shooting.
I have to admit, I'm kind of jealous of this small setup. I wonder if you could swap out the SmallHD for the Panasonic viewfinder?
How much does the whole bag weight?
I have a porta-brace bag specially deigned for my ursa mini (selling it w/ the camera body), and really like the quality of their bags (will be getting another for LT).
I can easily carry both Sigmas (18-100), 2 batteries, Rode NTG, and miscellaneous stuff. The strap is wide enough and soft enough I can walk around all day w/ the camera and not really feel fatigued or any shoulder or back strain. The porta-brace size is great, but it draws attention. I like this setup for ninja run and gun shooting for sure.
Thanks for the link on the V-Lock plate!
Happy shooting.
The SmallHD is there because I spent everything I had on the new camera, so I can't buy an EVF at the moment.
But I have some cash coming in and jobs planned so I hope to get an EVF soon, although I'll probably get the Gratical Eye since the one from Panasonic is much more expensive. One interesting thing though is that the small screen on the control panel actually is quite good. I tried looking at it in direct sunlight and I could still see the image. Maybe the sun here doesn't shine as much as in other places, so I can't guarantee this will work for others, but for now I would probably manage with only that screen even if it's not ideal.
My backpack with that content weighs appoximately 10,3 kg so it's not light, but I think I'll manage to carry it. I bought a Sachtler FSB8+tripod recently and it's really light compared to my other (old) Manfrotto head+tripod. I reduced the weight by approximately 4 kg and the head is much better. So the backpack is a bit heavier now, but the tripod is much lighter. Win some, lose some.
Alex Derrick
Active member
my thoughts exactly. haha!
I would highly advise to get rid of the original top handle. it is way too high. the Wooden Camera top cheese plate and a lower top handle would be a much better choice.
http://woodencamera.com/top-plate-varicam-lt.html
Small Rig makes very good quality and inexpensive top handles. check them out. Hope you have great shoots. Cheers, Ray.
http://woodencamera.com/top-plate-varicam-lt.html
Small Rig makes very good quality and inexpensive top handles. check them out. Hope you have great shoots. Cheers, Ray.
Thanks for the suggestion Ray, I'm thinking about buying the Wooden Camera top plate or the Zacuto one. Unfortunately no one has these things in stock here, so every time I buy something I have to spend a lot of time imagining which things I need and how they will work together. I have a RTMotion Latitude on order since a couple of months now, and thought that it'll probably sit well on the side of the camera where there are three threaded holes, but maybe I'll have to get the side plate to be able to place it there, don't know yet.
Also I need an EVF mount. The Zacuto Axis Mini seems nice but the rod looks like it's a bit too short, the camera is quite wide. It's a bit strange that they have such a short rod (3") and I can't find any information about it being replaceble with a longer one. The Wooden Camera version maybe is better in that sense, but I like the idea of not having to fasten the EVF every time. Solid Camera don't seem to make any EVF-mounts anymore.
I will also get some SmallRig parts, I have some of those already.
I will try to shoot something with the camera today. I just don't feel very comfortable doing it by myself since there's a risk of getting robbed. Last year a whole crew were robbed here by a gang in a fairly peaceful suburb, outside of Stockholm, while shooting. They had an Arri Alexa and an expensive lens. All in all the value of the stolen rig was about $120 000. We have a lot of gangs just drifting around these days, so I'll try to get a friend to come with me at least.
Also I need an EVF mount. The Zacuto Axis Mini seems nice but the rod looks like it's a bit too short, the camera is quite wide. It's a bit strange that they have such a short rod (3") and I can't find any information about it being replaceble with a longer one. The Wooden Camera version maybe is better in that sense, but I like the idea of not having to fasten the EVF every time. Solid Camera don't seem to make any EVF-mounts anymore.
I will also get some SmallRig parts, I have some of those already.
I will try to shoot something with the camera today. I just don't feel very comfortable doing it by myself since there's a risk of getting robbed. Last year a whole crew were robbed here by a gang in a fairly peaceful suburb, outside of Stockholm, while shooting. They had an Arri Alexa and an expensive lens. All in all the value of the stolen rig was about $120 000. We have a lot of gangs just drifting around these days, so I'll try to get a friend to come with me at least.
Alex Derrick
Active member
I saw something last year on youtube about some camera crew and a lady getting attacked in the Stockholm area. Maybe it was the same thing.
If you don't already have it, get insurance ASAP!
A few days after I got my Ursa Mini, a friend called and said he saw a lady with a camera just like mine getting robbed downtown by some gang people. I started thinking, I better be more careful with my gear and started looking for a good insurance carrier. I'm paying around 500 USD a year for 15,000 worth of coverage, which is basically everything I carry around in my bags to gigs; ursa, sigma 18-100, viewfinder, shoulder kit, grip, media, 3 lights, tripod, mic, recorder, etc.
They also cover rental fees if something happens to camera, and I need to rent something before it is replaced.
There are some good plans out there, and maybe better rates. I didn't get to research carefully, because I was heading out to India and was thinking something was better than nothing heading into a remote village in Northern India.
-Cheers!
-
If you don't already have it, get insurance ASAP!
A few days after I got my Ursa Mini, a friend called and said he saw a lady with a camera just like mine getting robbed downtown by some gang people. I started thinking, I better be more careful with my gear and started looking for a good insurance carrier. I'm paying around 500 USD a year for 15,000 worth of coverage, which is basically everything I carry around in my bags to gigs; ursa, sigma 18-100, viewfinder, shoulder kit, grip, media, 3 lights, tripod, mic, recorder, etc.
They also cover rental fees if something happens to camera, and I need to rent something before it is replaced.
There are some good plans out there, and maybe better rates. I didn't get to research carefully, because I was heading out to India and was thinking something was better than nothing heading into a remote village in Northern India.
-Cheers!
-
Thanks for the suggestion Ray, I'm thinking about buying the Wooden Camera top plate or the Zacuto one. Unfortunately no one has these things in stock here, so every time I buy something I have to spend a lot of time imagining which things I need and how they will work together. I have a RTMotion Latitude on order since a couple of months now, and thought that it'll probably sit well on the side of the camera where there are three threaded holes, but maybe I'll have to get the side plate to be able to place it there, don't know yet.
Also I need an EVF mount. The Zacuto Axis Mini seems nice but the rod looks like it's a bit too short, the camera is quite wide. It's a bit strange that they have such a short rod (3") and I can't find any information about it being replaceble with a longer one. The Wooden Camera version maybe is better in that sense, but I like the idea of not having to fasten the EVF every time. Solid Camera don't seem to make any EVF-mounts anymore.
I will also get some SmallRig parts, I have some of those already.
I will try to shoot something with the camera today. I just don't feel very comfortable doing it by myself since there's a risk of getting robbed. Last year a whole crew were robbed here by a gang in a fairly peaceful suburb, outside of Stockholm, while shooting. They had an Arri Alexa and an expensive lens. All in all the value of the stolen rig was about $120 000. We have a lot of gangs just drifting around these days, so I'll try to get a friend to come with me at least.
You can't go wrong with the Wooden Camera top plate. It allows you to mount so many things.
I bought the Zacuto Gratical Eye EVF and returned it after a week. I felt more comfortable with both eyes on a monitor and seeing what's around me for handheld work. But I am sure others would feel that an EVF is a better solution. I went with the SmallHD 502. I really love it. super light with so many features. As far as focusing is concerned, the value of an EVF over a monitor is greatly diminished when using the green squares tool in the Varicam. It is the best focusing aid ever.
I bought the Zacuto Gratical Eye EVF and returned it after a week. I felt more comfortable with both eyes on a monitor and seeing what's around me for handheld work. But I am sure others would feel that an EVF is a better solution. I went with the SmallHD 502. I really love it. super light with so many features. As far as focusing is concerned, the value of an EVF over a monitor is greatly diminished when using the green squares tool in the Varicam. It is the best focusing aid ever.
No, that was probably a news team that was attacked in a "less friendly" neighbourhood. I wouldn't go there with or without a camera.
The crew that was robbed was a film crew, so they were a couple of persons. I haven't heard any details but weapons were probably involved.
I already have an insurance but I need to upgrade it I guess and check in detail what it actually covers. Having the camera stolen is not the only issue though, many people get severely injured when they get robbed and I can't afford to be hospitalized. We have some strange laws in Sweden which in practice make self-employed people almost without any legal rights compared to others when it comes to economical compensation. So the compensation from either the insurance company or the perpetrators will be minimal compared to the actual loss you make for the time you're not able to work. Most people here don't know how flawed the judicial system is, but I do since I've already been through it once and never want to get into the same situation again. Therefore I really need to dig into this matter.
Oh, so you had the Gratical Eye? What did you mount it on? Is it a good EVF?
I also prefer to look at a monitor, but it's more bulky. I'd like to be able to put the whole package in a bag, carry it, pick it up and continue shooting immediately if needed. With a monitor on the side it becomes more wide, so it'll probably need to be detached. I have the SmallHD Sidefinder for my 502, but I don't think it's very good and it's not small either. The eyepiece is awkward and I think it's hard to focus while using it.
The green squares seem to be very good (haven't tested them on a real shoot yet), but I'd also like to have the possibility to simply turn them off. They have somewhat of a distracting effect. I know I can, if dedicating one of the user buttons (1-3) to just that, but I'd prefer to have a single button that makes the screen completely free of anything but the image.
Another thing is that the 502 isn't very bright so I'm not sure if it'll work well in daylight. I tried mounting the control panel for shouldermount monitoring and it seems to hold upp well in bright sunlight, but the screen is a bit too small for focusing. With the green square focus it might work though.
One thing that would be good is if there was a mount that is used like a regular EVF mount (which also works for small monitors, like the one from Wooden Camera) that has a hinge which lets you turn the monitor sideways (like the 502 can when on the Sidefinder) and makes it fit into a bag quickly.
Alex Derrick
Active member
I'm also interested on how the Zacuto Eye plays with the LT. I have the Blackmagic EVF, which can be mod'ed to work on any camera. But first thing I noticed after the blue color cast is that the screen refresh rate can be a little annoying. I'm curious what pro-gear manufactures have to offer.
I was not very impressed with the Gratical Eye. It was definitely not easier for me to achieve critical focus with it than the SmallHD 502. The monitor is easier. The only advantage for the EVF is when you're shooting in a bright environment. I also had a problem with it. The screen would go black for no reason for a few seconds and then come back. But to be fair, I am not sure if it were the fault of the EVF or the camera signal or just a defective unit. But the main reason I returned is, believe it or not, Is weight. For my applications, I need to stay as light as possible. And the 502 saves me a bit over a pound compared to the Gratical (which about the lightest EVF you'll find). I don't even mount the battery on the camera. I use the biggest batteries possible in my back pack and connect to the camera via xlr. I don't even use the control monitor. That's another >pound. I use the menu button and wheel on the side and use the screen monitor for all controls. Works just fine. For mounting the Gratical, that's when you'll need the top plate. You can mount any 15mm rod clamp anywhere on it and with a right angle rod adapter and another clamp with rosette you can position the EVF virtually anywhere. The top plate gives you so many options.