SPARKNOTES AT BOTTOM
sooo I currently have an Olympus EP2 with a kit lens. Its awesome for the little photography I do, but want to urgrade to something with 1080p 60fps and most customizable features fot video.
This is going to used mainly for short films and the like, hardly any skiing. But hopefully this setup is versitile enough to function all around.
I am not too much of a gear-whore, but I do feel it is a good time to upgrade. I've done a bunch of research, and I was having a tough time deciding between a prosumer camcorder (like the HVX) and a DSLR, but I found out the school I am attending next year has HVXs, etc for students to use, so I am going with a DSLR to get the best of both worlds. For video only, it looks like the GH2 was the way to go. And please dont post any of that "its not the gear its the artist" stuff. If I am spending this much money, I want to make sure I get the most bang for my buck.
CAMERA:
Pansonic GH2, hacked (if anyone can recommend a hack, that would be amazing)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0043VE27Y/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0043VE31O&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1WP4DWA0R23C4DXJP4EC#productPromotions
-I could buy the camera new with kit lens, body only is about $50 cheaper, and buying from amazon warehouse deals in "like new" condition is another $50 cheaper. for the $50 should I just buy new orrr are warehouse deals really good?
LENSES:
-as I said, not much of a gear-whore, so for now I am going with a kit lens for usual filming, (with the gh2s EXtele mode i dont think i need a telephoto atm), and i am using the prime for when i want a really shallow dof. I also know nothing of all that crop sensor stuff. if someone could enlighten what that means with these lenses thatd be great.
Kit Zoom:
-I still have the kit lens for the olympus pen, same focal length and apature as the gh2 kit lens. But I can get the GH2's kit lens for $60ish. Is it worth it to get the panasonic kit lens? or is there another kit lens under $200 that will blow them both away?
http://www.olympuscanada.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1463&page=overview
vs.
http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/lens/g_vario_14_42.html
Prime:
as I said, only used for shallow dof shots and low light shots. is something like this okay?
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/pml/pho/3023838884.html
Adapter:
and a cheap adapter
http://www.amazon.com/Fotodiox-Adapter-Olympus-Panasonic-AG-AF100/dp/B003EAVUMK
AUDIO:
Rode VideoMic Pro (not enough money for it currently, buying it down the road)
-I do not want to use an external recorder at the moment and have to sync audio in post, so it would be plugged straight into the gh2, sometimes on a boom sometimes in the hot shoe
STABILIZATION:
usage: 70% tripod, 20% stationary shoulder rig, 10% handheld/tracking/steadycam
Tripod:
(i have a best buy gift credit so this is kind of the only option, upgrading from a $20 tripod)
http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/velbon-velbon-fluid-head-tripod-c400-c400/10145473.aspx?path=164535ea37f217413aaa73b150da1e78en02
Steadycam:
(only really using this for the occasional tracking or following shot, not my main form od stabilization)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hague-MMC-Mini-Motion-Cam-Camcorder-Stabilizer-/380354337248?pt=UK_Tripods_Monopods&hash=item588ee299e0#ht_2496wt_903
RIG:
Now before you say it, I know alot of ppl use a huge rig with a mattebox and all the stuff, alot of which is useless for their purposes. Honestly, I dont really think I need a rig. BUT, I really enjoy building and tinkering with things so I'm making a DIY rig a bit of a summer project, and I am really excited about the building process.
Following the design in the first photo:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?185853-DIY-Gearless-Follow-Focus
Adding some diy handles and a cheap shoulder mount similar to this
http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Shoulder-Support-Camcorder-Camera/dp/B0036NMQ7S
Congrats if you actually read all that!
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SPARKNOTES:
QUESTIONS:
Which is better?
http://www.olympuscanada.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1463&page=overview
vs.
http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/lens/g_vario_14_42.html
is something like this good with an adapter?
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/pml/pho/3023838884.html
Are amazon warehouse deals reliable?
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Thanks so much NS!!!