OK, now that I'm on board!! Wow!!

I recently shot a video of my girl's recital and the video quality was WAAAY better than I was expecting, besides all the hurky jerky shaking I had. The IQ was insane and I don't even know what I'm doing!

So, I got on this portion of the board and started to check into all the "stablizer" options for my camera. Some of these options can get pricey but I can see how a creative person could really compete with Hollywood in certain ways.

So, i've ordered my first piece to the DSLR path, a monopod with video head.

Any other suggestions to get going in capturing video with my 5dkII and 35L?


TIA

I like to recommend ppl first accessory to get is viewfinder like Zacuto. Secondly, shoot w/ lens that have IS if you plan to do handheld. Lastly, you can correct the shakiness inside post-production like Sony Vegas 10 studio or pro.

Get a steadicam

i just bought a glidecam, waiting on it to ship. i guess it really depends on the type of filming you want to be doing. i like a lot of the shoulder mount / rifle mount rigs. 35L on FF should be wide enough to capture your shot, but you might want to go a little wider.

Trey T wrote in post #12038391
I like to recommend ppl first accessory to get is viewfinder like Zacuto. Secondly, shoot w/ lens that have IS if you plan to do handheld. Lastly, you can correct the shakiness inside post-production like Sony Vegas 10 studio or pro.

Thanks, I did like the viewfinder attachment. Do they work with the external monitors as well?

Get a tripod and a zoom? That way you can behind people and not obstruct without losing the shot.

LiberationFrequency wrote in post #12038741
Get a tripod and a zoom? That way you can behind people and not obstruct without losing the shot.

I'm looking to be lower key and more like sitting or standing from afar, so I got the monopod with tripod legs and fluid vid head - Manfrotto 562B Pro. I do have the 70-200mk2 too, but may only for the high school marching band shots.

Omaru wrote in post #12038564
Get a steadicam

Maybe, if and when my target gets more mobile

I find a monopod to be the least assistive as it only works in one of three directions. The video head is good though.

Use an IS lens, a shoulder rig, and avoid long zoom (> 50mm on a crop) shots without a tripod.

The wider the lens (to a point), the more forgiving your audience.

Here's sample footage with the $40 Cowboy Studios shoulder mount. I added a Manfrotto RC2 plate.

The lens I was using is junk, no stabilization either.

http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=6hWyEZxWKBE

blindshooter wrote in post #12038285
Any other suggestions to get going in capturing video with my 5dkII and 35L?

Yea send the monopod back and replace it with a sturdy tripod with a fluid head.

Video requires two factors those being quality image and quality audio and past the body and lens a good quality image requires proper support be it a tripod for pan and tilt shots, a shoulder rig for run and gun or a steadicam for in-motion shots.

Now the most basic of the above is the tripod and head and that is the most practical place to begin building your video kit.

Do note there are many inexpensive leg/head combinations out there but avoid going cheep as a set of legs that twist or a head that doesn’t pan and tilt smoothly will kill your work and break your brass.

Wayne