Advice needed, The essentials for the 5D2?

Brian Luce · December 27th, 2009, 02:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mitchell Lewis

Which model Tascam are you referring to? DR-07? DR-100? GT-R1? DR-1? (I'm guessing the DR-100 for $450)

DR100, $450 is the sticker, usually if you click the purchase button on BH the price will drop, i Think I paid $325 for mine two months ago. I was not happy with the Zoom h4n and returned it. I like the Tascam a lot better.

Jay Houser · December 27th, 2009, 07:11 AM

Unless you are always going to be on a tripod, get the battery grip. The extra size and weight really help stabilize handheld shots. The added battery capacity is a bonus.

And a viewfinder. I love my Zacuto, but have not had the opportunity to test the LCDVF or Cinevate.

Without additional camera support of some sort - Zacuto, Red Rock, Cinevate, etc - all the lenses in the world won't get you acceptable footage.

Mitchell Lewis · December 27th, 2009, 08:52 AM

Thanks Brian.

Nigel Barker · December 27th, 2009, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Barcellos

I have bought only non-autofocus lenses. For most video situations, autofocus will means nothing. Auto focus on the Canon lenses, at least one I have tried, is not fast enough to keep up with a moving target. You will be pulling focus to set your shot up. I have bought a Nikkor 24mm 2.8, Nikkor 28mm f 3.5, Nikkor 35mm F 2.0, Nikkor 50mm F 1.4, and a Nikkor 100 mm F2.8 E Series, all for under $100.00.

Having the camera automatically focusing to keep a moving subject in focus is something that the 5DII does poorly in video mode (unlike a 'proper' video camera). What does work well prior to shooting is confirmation of focus by hitting the focus button (which flips down the mirror & does proper AI focusing as it would for a still photo). This does however require a Canon AI lens.

Peer Landa · December 29th, 2009, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Nazari

So I have around $1,500 left over and I'm wondering what I should pick up, another lens? Sound equipment?

If you have $1500 to spend, I think I'd go for a Canon 16-35mm L lens, a Zoom H4n recorder, and a Zacuto viewfinder. Both the lens and the recorder you should be able to find used.

-- peer

December 27th, 2009, 08:52 AM	#18
Mitchell Lewis Trustee Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Kennewick, WA Posts: 1,124	Thanks Brian. __________________ Sony EX3, Canon 5D MkII, Chrosziel Matte Box, Sachtler tripod, Steadicam Flyer, Mac Pro, Apple/Adobe software - 20 years as a local videographer/editor

December 27th, 2009, 07:11 AM	#17
Jay Houser Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: St Paul MN Posts: 41	Unless you are always going to be on a tripod, get the battery grip. The extra size and weight really help stabilize handheld shots. The added battery capacity is a bonus. And a viewfinder. I love my Zacuto, but have not had the opportunity to test the LCDVF or Cinevate. Without additional camera support of some sort - Zacuto, Red Rock, Cinevate, etc - all the lenses in the world won't get you acceptable footage.