A bag full of toys
The life of a videographer consists of these typical processes:-
Idea > plan > shoot > edit > publish > promote
Naturally as a beginner, I am looking to get better each step the overall project lifecycle. The best way for me to do that is to learn how to best utilise the equipment I have at my disposal.
So it’s safe to add
Research and Upgrade to this list.
With this in mind.
“What’s in my kit bag?”
Sony Handycam CX190
Canon 550d (Rebel T2i)
Canon 18-55mm lens
Canon 18-135 IS-STM lens
DURAGADGET Anti Shake Adjustable Tripod
A generic low-cost selfie stick
The Sony Handycam CX190 was the first camera I’ve really used to shoot anything meaningful. Although the picture quality is reasonable for family films, I was looking for something that would produce a more professional picture quality. This is the primary reason I moved over to DSLR.
Perhaps I was a touch naive in my assumption that I would be able to quickly master this 550d. I have produced satisfactory videos with the camera to date, but am still looking at ways to get the best out of this camera. I am always trying to improve my overall photography and videography work.
New Additions
Two areas I definitely am aware that need improvement are audio and Image Stabilisation.
So I’ve done a bit of searching and gotten myself some good deals online. Recent additions to my arsenal of kit are
A Manfrotto 680B Monopod
Rode Video Micro on camera microphone
I was quite anxious to get out with the Monopod (Manfrotto 680B) so took that out for our recent Gloucestershire Pug Owner’ Club meetup. (This one is in the “to-edit” pile)
Previously, I have relied on screwing a selfie stick into the camera, resting that against my chest as a point of contact while counter balancing with the camera strap taut behind me. A cumbersome effort, which, in all honesty has not produced good results while actually moving.
What was immediately apparent using the Manfrotto 680B was that it did offer me far more flexibility in terms of portability, (no bothersome tripod to lug about) but also physical movement while recording seemed easier. The monopod is more weighty than I’m used to, but it is a comfort to know it is at least sturdy. I found by retracting the cylinders, I was able to get quite low to get some nice passing shots close to the ground. Panning shots were also much easier than I’m used to.
One thing I hadn’t factored for while purchasing this which became obvious fairly quickly. The monopod is a useful tool. Compared to a tripod it does offer a more immediate and speedy set up and usage. The downside I would really need to add a head to the monopod (Ideally with a fluid head) for smooth movements (pans/tilts)
I’m yet to fully test the microphone as my focus this for the most has been to get to grips with using the monopod.
I attended a family party. I was holding the baby for much of the day, so was unable to record a lot of material. I did have the microphone mounted to the camera. Of the scenes that I have recorded, it is already clear that the audio quality is substantially better than the camera mic. Again there is much further testing required, and with a bit of free time permitting, I would like to be able to edit the audio. I’ve not really done much audio editing so it will be interesting to integrate this into my usual workflow.
A kind donation
Unexpectedly, a colleague has kindly donated a cool tool to add to my kit bag. A Sutefoto S40 stabiliser.
It is going to be another learning process balancing this properly. I was considering putting some money aside to source a glide-cam at some point, I hope that this will give a a bit experience working with a similar tool. Balancing the S40 is clearly not a 5 minute job. I think I’ve got somewhere close to getting it set up correctly. Once I’ve cracked it, I’ll be looking forward to giving this a full test while out and about. Having a dog will help. Plenty of scope for tracking, following and circling shots.
I’ll be updating here soon with my progress with this through a series of short tests.
Along with improving skills and technique, there will always be a new gadget/lens/camera on the market that I’d like to add to my kit list.
What’s on my wish list?
Newer DSLR
Now this is a can of worms in itself. In all honesty, I think rather than look at getting a new camera, I should learn to master my Canon 550d. Once I have learned its limitations and I feel I have outgrown its functionality, then I can look to upgrade to a new one. Naturally, this would then become my B camera. Always good to have a backup.
Prime Lenses
I heard some great advice at Shadows and Light about shooting minimal, by restricting to a single focal length, I would be encouraged to find creative ways to add variety to my shooting. My first lens upgrade would be to go for the “nifty fifty” 50mm 1.8 Lens.
Then, as budget allows, expand with a 75mm.
Glidecam
Having had a small go on a glidecam, I am already aware that these are not an easy to set up gadget. This is on my longer term wish list, as I now have a new stabiliser to master. though as a professional grade piece of equipment, I would love to be able to hone my technique in using one of these.
Zhiyun-Tech Crane-M Gimbal
I’ve seen one of these in action at Shadows and Light, I really need to get my hands on one of these. The pistol grip gimbal allows smooth motion and being a smaller hand-held device, would offer an incredible freedom and flexibility for movement in shots. If used sparingly, I think this would add real value to my videos.
Manfrotto Xpro Video Monopod with 2 Way Head
and Quick release plate for tripod/monopod (with fluid head)
As mentioned above, I need to add a head to the monopod to allow better pan/tilt for my monopod shots. That extra bit of flexibility could really help me take more immersive action shots in my camera work.
Action camera (and stabiliser/gimbal)
I do need to source an action camera. I have a few situations where one could come in handy. The decision I need to make really is to either go for a Go pro or another reputable brand. Of course, the latest version would be preferred, but budget will always be a consideration as I add to my kit. I would also need some means of stabilisation for the camera for better quality output.
Slider
I’ve been considering getting a slider for some time. There is a school of though that sliders are often overused. I think they still have their place in video making. I would be looking to use this mostly for establishing shots and B-roll situations.
Testing – Testing
Over the next few weeks I’m planning to play around with settings on my camera, and with the gear itself. Over a series of tests I’d like to see whether I’m able to achieve a better quality of image adjusting colour profiles. Watch this space.