What is the basic rig for video?

Hey all,
This is my first post in the Digital Video section. I have never been really interested in video, but have recently been considering it. I am a wedding photographer, and want to supplement the photos with a small video.
Now I this is a huge deal, and I am by no means trying to become a videographer (of which I have massive respect). I just would like to be able to produce a 2-5 minute video to document the flow. Again, not trying to take jobs away from videographers, just trying to think of alternative products to offer.
What would the basic rig I need? I am planning on getting another video ready camera as well.
Audio?
Something to stabilize the video?

What else do I need? What can I expect to spend to start to see if it is even worth its time.

Approximate costs/links would be very helpful too!

Thank you all!

It's a little unclear; do you plan on using the 5D or a video recorder? Or both? Also, the 2 to 5 min video to document the flow? Not sure what you mean.

As far as using the 5D I'd recommend an external mic. The internal mic on the 5D can pick up noise from the camera and an IS lens if used. Rode, Azden and Sennheiser are just a few of the popular brands that will work with the 5D. I use an inexpensive Azden directional stereo shotgun mic. Makes a huge difference in the audio. It slips on the camera's hotshoe and plugs in the cameras audio input.

You can use IS lenses which work well to stabilize the video. There are also filters availible for stabilizing a shaky video.

B&H Photo is a good source for the Mic's. I even bought my video editing software from them. Grass Valley Edius Neo 2 Booster.

http://www.grassvalley​.com/products/edius_ne​o_2_booster

Sorry if I was unclear.

I want to use my 5d2 (+ another camera, 7d or 5d3 if it ever comes out...) for video. I want to create a mini video documenting the day, for a finished product that lasts about 2-5 minutes (like many of the videos that I have drooled over (Link for example.)

I want an external mic to pick up some better sound, and probably some sort of stabilization rig (maybe something like this handheld rig?)

As you see, I do not have any stabilized lenses at the moment, but maybe pick up a 24-105L?

Im thinking this venture will probably cost around $1000? Is that number WAY off, either high or low? I want something good, but not something best on the market.

Hi there Bryan,

I too am trying to go into video. Going to buy a second hand 5D2 soon and with my 2 lenses I'm pretty set for video. I mainly shoot school functions and events, as well as certain college plays, contemporary dance concerts and choir/band performances. I would like to focus on stills, but expand my shooting to include a little video for a 5 minute video.

You can check out my recent thread here at Cinema5D forums for more info:
http://cinema5d.com/vi​ewtopic.php?f=21&t=209​22


But for convenience sake, I'll bring some info over:

Here is my first batch of accessories:

If you're proficient enough to hold your 5D2 + short lenses still (24-70, 15, 28, maybe 85), this should actually be all you need if you're going with the handheld system without bulk.

There are additional systems that can cost a little to a lot, with the whole list here: http://cinema5d.com/vi​ewtopic.php?f=21&t=145​64

It depends on what you're looking for. For example you might want less bulk, so go with a gun-stock system (Zacuto, or G-cinema shoulder rigs with shoulder pad at 90 degrees into your shoulder). If you want really stable gear (which you probably shouldn't due to the bulk), you can get a shoulder mount with counterbalance (or DIY with weights).

The important thing to note is that practically every rig out there that's good works with 15mm rods through a base plate where you connect the DSLR to, either by screw or by QR plate. If you're willing to go with the 15mm rod system, then everything is expandable. If not, you're stuck with handheld systems.

believe me, you're stealing anybody's job. Videography is a small niche and I encourage you all to get into it more than photography.

Trey T wrote in post #10975627
believe me, you're stealing anybody's job. Videography is a small niche and I encourage you all to get into it more than photography.

What do you mean by that?

I use ProShow Producer and combine still images and video with sound and music. I use my own work as well as produce shows for others. People love to get the video slideshows! More and more wedding photographers are using programs like ProShow and creating full production video slideshows and offering them in their product lineup.

Shows can be 5 minutes to 30 or 40 minutes. Did one of a family Reunion and they requested a long show with as many of the images as possible. There were over 300 attendees with several events such as bowling, golf, family meals at a farm, etc....

I'd say go for it and turn it in to something profitable.

decent photographer, youll find them dime-a-dozen. not videographer. I know for a fact, shooting live event like wedding, I was able to find paid gig very easily and I live in a big city. Past year, I turned down like 4 gigs and only did one(paid) and my work isn't that great. check my info for link to my videos.

Headshotzx wrote in post #10975885
What do you mean by that?

Headshotzx wrote in post #10974887
Hi there Bryan,

I too am trying to go into video. Going to buy a second hand 5D2 soon and with my 2 lenses I'm pretty set for video. I mainly shoot school functions and events, as well as certain college plays, contemporary dance concerts and choir/band performances. I would like to focus on stills, but expand my shooting to include a little video for a 5 minute video.

You can check out my recent thread here at Cinema5D forums for more info:
http://cinema5d.com/vi​ewtopic.php?f=21&t=209​22


But for convenience sake, I'll bring some info over:

Here is my first batch of accessories:

If you're proficient enough to hold your 5D2 + short lenses still (24-70, 15, 28, maybe 85), this should actually be all you need if you're going with the handheld system without bulk.

There are additional systems that can cost a little to a lot, with the whole list here: http://cinema5d.com/vi​ewtopic.php?f=21&t=145​64

It depends on what you're looking for. For example you might want less bulk, so go with a gun-stock system (Zacuto, or G-cinema shoulder rigs with shoulder pad at 90 degrees into your shoulder). If you want really stable gear (which you probably shouldn't due to the bulk), you can get a shoulder mount with counterbalance (or DIY with weights).

The important thing to note is that practically every rig out there that's good works with 15mm rods through a base plate where you connect the DSLR to, either by screw or by QR plate. If you're willing to go with the 15mm rod system, then everything is expandable. If not, you're stuck with handheld systems.

This was great info. I think a handheld system would be great, and bulk is my enemy here.

Why the 2 mics? I saw on the thread you linked they were worried about all the weight on the hot shoe mount. Could i do with either the shotgun mic or the H4n?

Trey T wrote in post #10976693
decent photographer, youll find them dime-a-dozen. not videographer. I know for a fact, shooting live event like wedding, I was able to find paid gig very easily and I live in a big city. Past year, I turned down like 4 gigs and only did one(paid) and my work isn't that great. check my info for link to my videos.

Ah I get it now. Less supply and a good client demand creates many job opportunities.

Red Tie Photography wrote in post #10977227
This was great info. I think a handheld system would be great, and bulk is my enemy here.

Why the 2 mics? I saw on the thread you linked they were worried about all the weight on the hot shoe mount. Could i do with either the shotgun mic or the H4n?

I'm rethinking my setup now as well, so hear my thoughts:

With a single zoom H4n (or H1, if I'm thinking of going cheap), I can only shoot stereo with a 90degree or 120degree pickup pattern. This is very good if for example I'm going to be shooting my performance arts. However once I head to shoot events, the wide pattern will pick up any and everything in the 90 degrees (45* left and right of your h4n) which makes it difficult to pick up just the talent you want.

With a single Rode video mic, you get decent (not good - the rode video mic is pretty much the industry's "entry level") directional pickup. You basically point in the direction of what you want to pick up, and that's it. Which in the case of videos, would probably be about right unless you place your talent at the corner of the frame with a UWA. BUT if you connect this to the camera, the camera's audio recording is very, very noisy. With a 5D2 you can adjust manual audio volume, but with the 7D or 550D / T2i you cannot. You probably can google some info on this.

Used together, you have a shotgun mic connected to a H4n or H1. The latter will then be an audio recorder. This way you'll get directional pick up without the noisy hiss, and once you plug out the shotgun mic, you can pick up some stereo sounds from the H4n / H1.

However, if you don't plug the mics into your camera, you won't get syncronised tracks. You'll then have to purchase something like pluraleyes (google) or sync them manually.

Summary

H4n / H1 alone:
- Great stereo mics
- Wide pick up, good for ambient, bad for speech
- Need to sync in post

Videomic alone:
- Decent shotgun mic
- No need to sync in post
- Noisy hiss

Videomic connected to H4n / H1:
- Good set up of two mics (not sure if you can use both at the same time)
- No hissing (or less, if you may, because the H4n in pro-audio is "entry level")
- Need to sync in post

Right now, I figured that if I can just stick with borrowing a couple of friends' H4n units and video mic, or just plan get a H1 alone for stereo pick up, I can afford one of those shoulder rigs. Might be a better plan because for the next few months I won't be covering events, but I will just be doing stuff like simple music videos or shorts that will have music added separately.

Still thinking about it

So I have done quite a bit of research now and have narrowed it down a little

I want to go with the lcdvf for easy switch between photos and video, and not use a gun mount type.
For mics, I think i will at least go for the h4n, if i go additional mic as of yet I am not sure. I plan to use music for most of it, but some sound would be nice.

What about video lights? I saw a pretty cheap on, cn126? Do you use them? Is too cheap too cheap in this respect? I think it would be kinda cool to be able to use this for photos too if i need it.

I heard good things about the cn126! It's going locally for cheap as well, and many people like it for the price. Not the built though. Buy a few if need be, they break easily if i'm not wrong. If you're okay with DIY then it should be okay (the mount breaks).

I would use the cn126 for video only though. For stills, we have our own speedlites. Unless you want that "all around" wrap light for some product shots i.e. long exposure in dark room with video light, then maybe it might be useful. Guide number sucks I think.

So you're probably going to just get a LCDVF and Zoom H4n and do handheld?

Headshotzx wrote in post #10984946
So you're probably going to just get a LCDVF and Zoom H4n and do handheld?

That is what I am thinking. Although, after doing all of the research I have been doing, I think it is best that I hold off for now. I learned enough to know I dont know anything about it; how to edit, create, or market such a tool. I am thinking about taking a class for it and doing it slowly.

I guess what you should do to jump start it would be just to get a single LCDVF and perhaps a Zoom H1 + Rode videomic. The sum of it shouldn't be more than a canon 50 1.4 lens..

Headshotzx wrote in post #10991560
I guess what you should do to jump start it would be just to get a single LCDVF and perhaps a Zoom H1 + Rode videomic. The sum of it shouldn't be more than a canon 50 1.4 lens..

Which reminds me, I need to get a 50 f1.4.