Got a great price for the camera and a bunch of accessories. Here's what came with the unit...

2 PRO 88w VHF Wireless Microphone Systems with a horseshoe to mount right onto the camera, a wireless lav., a Dual DXA-4 XLR Adapter by BeachTek, a Bescor 6 volt DC Light, an extra Sony battery and charger, a Sony Shoulder Stabalizer (VCT-FXA), the Sony VCT-870RM Remote Control Tri-Pod, and a Sony Soft Shoulder Camera Bag.

Anything else I should be looking to pick up to make my life easier? I'm mostly using this rig to shoot political commercials.

I am considering both the Red Rock M2 and the Cinevate Revis. Not sure which one would be better for my application. With the both of these systems, do you need a rail system or can they be used without the support?

I'm mostly using this rig to shoot political commercials.

I am considering both the Red Rock M2 and the Cinevate Revis. Not sure which one would be better for my application.

Congratulations on the new camera Jason! Forgive me if I'm missing something obvious, but why would you need a 35mm adaptor to shoot political commercials?

Congratulations on the new camera Jason! Forgive me if I'm missing something obvious, but why would you need a 35mm adaptor to shoot political commercials?

I could see the need to have that "film" Depth of field feeling in political commercial. You know, the flag waiving out of focus in the background, the candidate singled out walking ahead of a crowd along with follow focus.

Hey Boyd and Chris,

Chris hit the nail on the head. Decent sized political campaigns (House/Senate, Gubernatorial, Presidential) almost demand film for their shoots, but are willing to experiment with other media that has that same look. The "film look" gives a campaign a sense of legitimacy, seperates the pretenders from the contenders.

Some of my favorite work was done by a company called Stevens, Reed, Curcio, and Potholm...if you take a look at their intro reel you will see amazing quality, most shot on 35mm, and very theatrical. I crave a shallow DOF, rich colors, and captivating imagery to put together a spot that cuts through the smoke of advertising that accompanies the typical political season.

Check this out: http://www.srcpmedia.com

Looking for a quality solution for DOF, have been hearing a lot about the Brevis, 35M by Redrock, and others....I am admittedly nowhere near the level of knowledge that most are on this board and looking for the advice of you well informed folks.

I'm also in the market for a quality jib boom.

Jason the Brevis does not require rails, although if you plan on using really long lenses, a follow focus, or matte box, they're essential. I've got some cinema lenses coming for the unit (including a heavy 28mm T1.2 lens) that will require rails to avoid excessive torque loads to the filter threads.

Jason, for your line of work I wouldn't trust your image to anything other than the Brevis or the Redrock M2. Both are workhorses and can stand up to a lot--the Brevis more so, however. That thing is a tank and produces consistant images, something I think is very important. The M2 doesn't attach directly to the camcorder and requires rails, and is a little more bulky. The Brevis screws on so you get the same image every time. I love my Brevis with my FX1. They're meant to be together. Trust me, if you're willing to invest, the Brevis is the way to go.