Equipment question for beginner DLSR video

[Zoey]

Good day DSLR video experts!

I need advice on what is good starting equipment for a about to become newbie DSLR video maker such as myself. I read everything I can with DSLR videography and boy, the stuff you need can be overwhelming!

Its my goal to produce cinematic looking videos of children in choirs, playing sports and school life and upload them in Vimeo and Youtube in HD.

I plan to get a Canon 60D because it seem to be the most video friendly of all the models (with its pop out LCD). Since my subjects will be involved in lots of singing and musicals I also plan to get a Zoom n4H (expensive!) and maybe a rode shotgun mic for concerts. (What do you think guys?)

Could you folks recommend sort of good video lens, a follow focus and a decent tripod that can be rolled around? I have a limited budget so it would be great if I can get the equipment that I need that won't break the bank! Thanks a lot!!!

[Salaryman Ryan]

I'm no expert but by the looks of what you are planning to do looks mighty expensive. For the lenses, perhaps somebody here can recommend a place where you can get second hand ones for less then new. I dipped my hand in DLSR photography a few times enough to know that lens can get expensive.

[rbenzon]

since you have decided to shoot video with DSLR, i wish you luck--especially focusing on (drum roll) children!

capturing still images of children is easy. but "still video" (how many DSLRs can autofocus while recording?) to "capture" kids being kids will require a ton of trial and error--mostly error!

but it can be done. video pros use manual focus all the time. when in doubt, lose the DoF!

[dvsadvocate]

If you plan on shooting long format videos, DSLRs might be a problem since it overheats. I dont know if this problem has been solved with the 60D but usually, DSLRs are good for short clips only and shooting a whole song might be too long for a DSLR to shoot.

In this case, the old Panasonic HVX200 might be a better choice, though you might lose some DoF drama in your shots. The good thing about the HVX is that you can over or under crank it for good slow motion shots.

You can also get a lens adapter for this camera if you really want good DoF though it will be expensive. You might be looking to spend around 300 grand for all the equipment you are looking for (which is not far from what you plan with your DSLR setup).

[poleng]

for your starting equipment these are my suggestions

Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 OS for low light ( this beats the crap out of canons 17-55mm and tamron 17-50mm in terms of image quality and its much cheaper than the tamron but 5k more expensive than tamron). Or get the Canon 24-105mm f4L IS for additional range and decent wide end.

3-4 pcs 16gb UDMA 60mb/s memory cards

tripod with ballhead to easily level your cam on uneven floor or ground

Zoom H4N so you can just put your mic near the choir

Fader ND filter with 2-8 stops for outdoor shots and for DOF shots when shooting under bright sunny day or there's so much light on the scene

overheating issues might not be a problem assuming your choir will sang for 5-8mins the 60D can easily handle that

[Kenneth]

Nice equipment available at Aperture. I think a steadycam would be good.

http://aperturetrading.com/index.php/downloads-page#

[poleng]

i wouldnt suggest the steadycam first TS is a girl, its heavy and hard to master

[minggoy]

wow i like this thread , just like zoey i plan to get a 60D to shoot videos...
do you also recommend a dslr rig to help stabilize the camera..
whats a good and affordable dlsr rig in the market now?
thanks

[Kenneth]

Something like this would be helpful. But still, any steadycam rig takes practice to use. Also finding the center of gravity and achieving a perfect balance is really really hard.

But one inexpensive easy trick is to mount the DSLR on a light tripod or monopod and simply hold it at the shaft. Instant steadicam!

[m]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4v-YYslSmz0[/m]

[Salaryman Ryan]

Hmm since you are hellbent in buying all that glass to film the kids I have another suggestion. Instead of buying all those expensive batteries/SD cards, lens and photography widgets, why not just buy a low priced Panasonic HDC 900 series (the one with a Hard drive so you don't have to worry about SD cards.) for the general purpose shots such as kids fooling around AND a Canon 60D (or even a cheaper 550D since they have the same Video quality) with a specific lens for those artistic shots and just meld them all into final cut pro? This will also give you the advantage of having at least two cameras for different angles shooting at the same time. I feel that in your case, having several cameras shooting different POV is actually better then just having a single big expensive camera. Its also nice to have a backup for those super rare occasion you need an extra. Not to mention you can now actually film any children's presentations that take longer then ten minutes if needed.

Also I agree with Poleng with the Zoom n4H. My friend has it for his piano and concert covers and its a great recorder and I think it is more versatile then an external mic for recording.

Also be careful buying all your stuff to put on your camera, with all that accessories you might end up like these guys and scare the children:

[M]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixVjpvrn7n4&feature=colike[/M]