Setup for a travel video at DVinfo.net

Dan Munk · September 28th, 2009, 08:27 PM

I need to film some footage at number of attractions (museums, parks, historical landmarks, points of interest) as well as take some pictures for a travel video that highlights a number of cities. I would like to keep the setup as portable as possible.

It seems like a 7D would be a great setup for this. I am extremely new to video and was hoping to get some advice on:

1. A couple of lenses that would be good for the job. Any lens that Canon offers would be in my price range. Any advice on hoods, filters would also be greatly appreciated.

2. Would a Zacuto DSLR Gunstock Shooter kit work well for this type of filming? I will need to do some simple panning and rotating, but a voiceover will be added at a later time, so there are no speed issues.

Thanks for your help!

Benjamin Eckstein · September 29th, 2009, 05:06 AM

The Gunstock would be a good option for handheld shooting, but you'll probably want a solid tripod too, for a lot of filming.

Shaun Walker · September 29th, 2009, 11:22 PM

A few ideas:

Canon 17-55 and a 70-200 2.8 IS version, and a 2x converter -- and maybe Tokina 11-16 or Canon 10-22 for ultrawide shots ... these will cover a very broad range of shooting and be sharp and let in quite a bit if light (a bit less for the 10-22).

A Fader ND adjustable neutral density filter is good for exposure and image look control -- keeping away from small apertures and high/jittery shutter speeds, maintaining shallow depth of field when desirable, etc. (and protective, high-quality, multicoated UV filters the rest of the time, to be cleaned frequently!)

For camera support, avoid the super pricey stuff unless you're making precise feature films? Try starting with this and adding to it if needed? (very adjustable and sturdy enough for the lenses mentioned)
Shoulder Brace - Mini DV Video Camera Shoulder Brace
or maybe this?
The CineCity*::*Shoulder Support*::*Prof. Gliders Shoulder stand Stative / stabilizer pad for dv hdv cam

September 28th, 2009, 08:27 PM	#1
Dan Munk Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Orangevale, CA Posts: 39	Setup for a travel video I need to film some footage at number of attractions (museums, parks, historical landmarks, points of interest) as well as take some pictures for a travel video that highlights a number of cities. I would like to keep the setup as portable as possible. It seems like a 7D would be a great setup for this. I am extremely new to video and was hoping to get some advice on: 1. A couple of lenses that would be good for the job. Any lens that Canon offers would be in my price range. Any advice on hoods, filters would also be greatly appreciated. 2. Would a Zacuto DSLR Gunstock Shooter kit work well for this type of filming? I will need to do some simple panning and rotating, but a voiceover will be added at a later time, so there are no speed issues. Thanks for your help!

September 29th, 2009, 05:06 AM	#2
Benjamin Eckstein Major Player Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Boston, Massachusetts Posts: 380 Images: 1	The Gunstock would be a good option for handheld shooting, but you'll probably want a solid tripod too, for a lot of filming.

September 29th, 2009, 11:22 PM	#3
Shaun Walker Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Eureka, Calif. Posts: 98	A few ideas: Canon 17-55 and a 70-200 2.8 IS version, and a 2x converter -- and maybe Tokina 11-16 or Canon 10-22 for ultrawide shots ... these will cover a very broad range of shooting and be sharp and let in quite a bit if light (a bit less for the 10-22). A Fader ND adjustable neutral density filter is good for exposure and image look control -- keeping away from small apertures and high/jittery shutter speeds, maintaining shallow depth of field when desirable, etc. (and protective, high-quality, multicoated UV filters the rest of the time, to be cleaned frequently!) For camera support, avoid the super pricey stuff unless you're making precise feature films? Try starting with this and adding to it if needed? (very adjustable and sturdy enough for the lenses mentioned) Shoulder Brace - Mini DV Video Camera Shoulder Brace or maybe this? The CineCity::Shoulder Support::Prof. Gliders Shoulder stand Stative / stabilizer pad for dv hdv cam