some input on my next purchase at DVinfo.net

Anish Sharma · August 19th, 2009, 02:27 PM

i do some community tv programs and the odd weddings and events and i was hoping i could get some advice on what to get next. Currently i use the xh-a1 and have a softlight (cool lights), a 15w onboard camera light for those small dark areas plus work lights for lighting large areas. I have managed to save up some cash but cant decide where to best spend it on. My choices are:

1. Grab a NT-G1 or NT-G2 (not sure which one) with the rode special going on atm.
2. Get a 300w diffused light to supplement my other lights
3. Get wide angle lens
4. Get something like the indy slider to add some cinematic looks

where do you reckon i will get the best investment out of in the short term, knowing that some day i may end up with all of the options.

Sean Finnegan · August 20th, 2009, 03:29 PM

It's all about application. As a cinematographer, I almost always rent lights for shoots. It's way cheaper to rent a handful of great lighting and grip equipment than spend whatever amount on lower quality floodlights. That is, of course, unless you plan to be your own gaffer/lighting crew. Personally I don't think the indislider will help you get cinematic camera movements. You can do that handheld or with a DIY dolly. I spent like $150 bucks and made a full sized portable dolly that moves on 15-ft PVC pipes, and it works great.

Tripp Woelfel · August 20th, 2009, 09:43 PM

If you're shooting weddings, you'll want a better mic to pick up the ambient. Get an NTG-2. As you probably know, the only difference between the 1 and the 2 is that the 2 is self powered. I have the NTG-1 there have been a few times when I wished I had the 2 to use on my HV30. The small increase in cost would be offset by the increased flexibility.

You can search here for info on these mics. I don't think I've heard a bad word about them.

August 19th, 2009, 02:27 PM	#1
Anish Sharma Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: NZ Posts: 38	some input on my next purchase i do some community tv programs and the odd weddings and events and i was hoping i could get some advice on what to get next. Currently i use the xh-a1 and have a softlight (cool lights), a 15w onboard camera light for those small dark areas plus work lights for lighting large areas. I have managed to save up some cash but cant decide where to best spend it on. My choices are: 1. Grab a NT-G1 or NT-G2 (not sure which one) with the rode special going on atm. 2. Get a 300w diffused light to supplement my other lights 3. Get wide angle lens 4. Get something like the indy slider to add some cinematic looks where do you reckon i will get the best investment out of in the short term, knowing that some day i may end up with all of the options.

August 20th, 2009, 03:29 PM	#2
Sean Finnegan Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: SF Posts: 54	It's all about application. As a cinematographer, I almost always rent lights for shoots. It's way cheaper to rent a handful of great lighting and grip equipment than spend whatever amount on lower quality floodlights. That is, of course, unless you plan to be your own gaffer/lighting crew. Personally I don't think the indislider will help you get cinematic camera movements. You can do that handheld or with a DIY dolly. I spent like $150 bucks and made a full sized portable dolly that moves on 15-ft PVC pipes, and it works great. __________________ Sean Finnegan, cinematographer imfinnegan.tumblr.com // ign.com

August 20th, 2009, 09:43 PM	#3
Tripp Woelfel Trustee Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: North Conway, NH Posts: 1,745	If you're shooting weddings, you'll want a better mic to pick up the ambient. Get an NTG-2. As you probably know, the only difference between the 1 and the 2 is that the 2 is self powered. I have the NTG-1 there have been a few times when I wished I had the 2 to use on my HV30. The small increase in cost would be offset by the increased flexibility. You can search here for info on these mics. I don't think I've heard a bad word about them.