New video rig arrives today!

[randy98mtu]

So I've got a few "out for delivery" notices this morning that I'm looking forward to. I've been frustrated by seeing the potential for video with my 5D2 and 7D but just not being able to get there. So I've got a Z-Finder, Rode Video mic and Manfrotto 561-BHDV heading to my place today. I can't wait to get home and try them out tonight. No aspirations of making any kind of videos, just looking to capture memorable moments with my kids in the best format I can get. Any other useful tips/tools that may help? Trying to walk the fine line between acceptable depth of field and my love of shallow depth of field. I think the combo of the BHDV to stabilize my shots and the Z-Finder to pull focus more accurately will go a long way.

Thanks!

[sspellman]

Those are good choices, but the 561 is heavy and bulky for scenes around the house. For tight quarters, I prefer a viewfinder with a small flash bracket like this;

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...e_Bracket.html

The Z96 LED light is cheap, small, and bright:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HDV-Z96-96-L...item3f173dadfa

You can buy a rubber handle for easier focus adjustments:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Trudeau-Sili...item2ebaf5470e

and you may eventually want a cheaper shoulder support:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Video-Ca...item27c60ac67e


Most Important-Have fun!!!

-Scott

[randy98mtu]

Thanks. Hopefully the 561 isn't too cumbersome to use. Funny you mention those rubber zipper deals. I stopped at Bed Bath & Beyond at lunch and picked up a few! I have seen them on Youtube, so they were on my list. I have been thinking about making a PVC or some other form of Merlin clone. If I get into it much more, I'm sure I'll end up with a home made shoulder support, too! Thanks for the pointers!

[randy98mtu]

Definitely will take some getting used to. But it certainly is a huge help in getting focus! And I can tell from a few short clips already that the sound is infinitely better with the external mic. The BHDV is a little cumbersome, but I was getting pretty decent footage with the 135L on my camera. I feel like I have all the tools I need now to practice, learn and get some great clips. Even without the monopod, it is much more stabile just having the eyepiece as another point of contact. I'm very excited. I was a little nervous how the eyepiece would do with my glasses, and it's actually very comfortable with or without my glasses on. My vision is decent enough that I was able to use it without my glasses. Very happy so far.

[Equoria]

looks nice.... grats

[jrscls]

Same setup as mine, except I have an Azden mic. I really love the monopod, and you can remove the head for even more versatility. I find it works great to hold an external flash. If you have any lenses with an arca swiss plate, this video adapter works great on the Manfrotto video head-

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...rca_Style.html

[ben_r_]

Good choice of parts! Always best to do it right the first time and not play around with cheaper options and reselling at a loss only to rebuy something else.

[randy98mtu]

Yeah. I was looking at the Hoodman. It was about half the cost, but the solution wasn't nearly as elegant and I was seeing more apprehensive reviews of it and none on the Z-Finder. In the end I'm not that happy with the Gorilla plate, but the kit I got from Adorama for the same price included a mounting frame. I just stuck that on my 5D2. Hopefully I don't regret that, but it's done now. In fact, I'm tempted to buy another frame for my 7D. Checking around to see if there is a market for the Gorilla plate now, as I really don't see myself using it.

[ben_r_]

I have the Z-Finder too and have one of their stuck on frames on my 5D2 as well. Dont worry, it comes off easily and doesnt leave a mark. Its by far the best viewfinder out there!

[newbie808]

how do you like the monopod? can the small legs hold up the camera? How do you like the fluid head? I am buying the same rode mic. How is the audio? Any regrets?
Thanks,
Steve

[randy98mtu]

I like the whole kit. I have found the "popping" people mention with the lower coupling on the monopod. I'll have to try the WD40 trick people mention. It just seems that if you keep it off center for a period of time, when you go to move it it is "stuck" a bit and pops when it moves.

Very happy with the mic and viewfinder, though I think I'm going to return them. First, the wife didn't fully understand what I was buying and wasn't happy. Never a good start. I'm also finding this much changeover between stills and video to be a bit much. And finally I'm trying to free up money to move to a 5D3, which may not accept this model of Z-Finder since it's a larger screen. So it just doesn't make sense to keep it. I may end up getting the mic again down the road...

[jrscls]

All you need to use your existing Z-Finder on the 5D III is a new 3.2" mounting frame, which is $60.

[ben_r_]

Originally Posted by jrscls

All you need to use your existing Z-Finder on the 5D III is a new 3.2" mounting frame, which is $60.

It sucks that they still havent come out with the Stick on frames for the 5D3. I have one on my 5D2 and think its a much better (and cheaper) way to go.

[Fleet of Foot]

I've been using the same monopod and love it. And I had the exact same sticking problem. WD40 really did solve that problem instantly and perfectly. It is completely fluid now with absolutely no sticking. I wish I would have done it sooner but I just couldn't believe it would be that easy.

[GeminiZ]

Those are good choices, but the 561 is heavy and bulky for scenes around the house. For tight quarters, I prefer a viewfinder with a small flash bracket like this;

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...e_Bracket.html

Do you happen to know if this works with a gripped 7d? I can't really tell from the picture.