Great video. You can always tell the difference between a TH-camr chasing views and a passionate filmmaker who loves to teach. You are clearly the latter. I will be back.
Listen! This video and the video of what we dint need as a film maker - is single handedly the most insightful videos I’ve ever seen! Thank you so much! Finally the only creator that talks about gear and actually shoot high-ticket projects! Thanks!!
Very good points. As a Filmmaker my advice would be get 2 Sigma art Primes ( 35mm &85mm), a Sheinneser mk600 shotgun, a Nisi variable ND filter and several T5 SSD and start shooting.
I definitely prefer creating images vs capturing them, but you make me appreciate doc work. there's a beauty in capturing what is there to tell a story.
I have no intention of shooting full documentaries, and I really have just watching your videos to learn, but your passion is contagious... We'll see :)
Canon c100 is cheap now, bought mine for 600 dollars with 18-55, 6 batteries, 2 sd card, and a polariser, bought a glide cam too for 50 bucks all used, all this as a package for 650, the hours on the camera is a mere 356 hours, you don't really need a 4k if you are just starting out and only gonna publish it online cause the standard is 1080p 24fps either way, if one day I need 4k I can just buy atomos ninja and upscale it in process cause this camera is 4k downscaled to have sharp look, all you basically need is skills
Don't forget there are plenty of dedicated video cameras around at a very good price, sure, you can't swap the lens but they still give great value for money. Absolutely love my Canon XF200, granted not the best around but it still pulls its weight. For mics, I use the Rode NTG2 for dialogue or the Videomic X for ambient, both can be picked up used for a good price. I also have a selection of tripods from really light to really heavy, the most expensive of which was £150. Great video, thanks for sharing. Love your passion.
What a perfect video and intro. Exactly what I was looking at. There was no middle ground between iphone documentary and a 20k USD geometric mess of equipment
My essentials would include dtap battery and an Atomos recorder. You’ll ultimately save a ton of money investing in these two items. Even the Ninja 2 is a great option.
I’m close to getting an FX3 with the 24-70 2.8 GM II. I currently have the FS5m2 with the 18-105 f4. I’ve had this camera since 2018 and I’m upping my game into FF world to have the FX3, FX6, then later on an FX30.
great recommendation for the sigma art lenses. I have started grabbing b roll with the 35 1.4 on all my projects. such a sweet look. Also, one other great camera that can be gotten for not a lot of $ is the Lumix GH4 and 5. super camera, not a lot of money.
I use step-down and step-up adapter rings for my ND and other filters because my various cameras have different lens diameters. It's cheaper than buying new filters.
My essentials would include dtap battery and an Atomos recorder. You’ll ultimately save a ton of money investing in these two items. Even the Ninja 2 is a great option.
Awesome video Great for professionals as well, kind of touch base with basics again in case you got lost in all the techno babble over the years. Bottom line get the basic gear right and shoot. Thanks Luc.
Why didnt i watch this video earlier please 😭.... see most of the videos have watched are just full of advertising gear etc....as a beginner now i know where to start from .....
Just discovered you and you just earned a sub. This and the "Don't Need" are perfect and right on the money. Also, glad you shouted out Caleb at DSLR Video Shooter. I started watching him when I first started filmmaking. Cheers!
I think this can be rolled back further.. you need to be able to see and hear... camera ND - to see in the bright - audio to hear, zoom so see a width of things, prime - to see in the dark - light (even 4 aa batts!) to see when it is black, tripod to see without too much shake. As for cheap primes.. nifty fifty canon, or manual focus used - mintola olympus canon fd nikkor.. $50 .. also I think a shower curtain to modify light.. but you dont need it.
I would recommend something for the light reflector or an little led light. My first video I made with non or a ND-filterset which I needed to change and often took to much time in fast changing light conditions, inside/outside/sun/no sun. Variabel ND is a must have.
I ended up selling my drone for like a 10th of what I paid for it there's just so many licensing issues and you also have to do so much to be able to get it over the border it's not really worth it when you're going to film documentaries
Careful when choosing a wireless system for a lav mic. Analog wireless systems like the Sennheiser G3 (which ARE great, no question!) use different frequency bands, depending on the model. Not every country allows you to use a certain frequency, and fines can be horrendously high (they don't want you interfering with their military radio communication I guess). While it's true that high quality audio gear holds its value, in some cases even decades, a cheap system like the Rode Wireless Go series can be used anywhere in the world because it uses 2.4 GHz. They don't sound nearly as good, and with integrated batteries, they are going to become unuseable at some point, which is wasteful. But they're much easier to operate and use anywhere in the world, so keep that in mind.
Here's a better idea. Scrap the wireless, and use a PDR, personal data recorder. Lots of companies make them, but my favorite is the Tascam DR 10L pro. It's not cheap, $238 with the Bluetooth dongle, and 32 bit float. You can monitor recording levels of up to 5 lavs, and no interference, not dropped signals. You can get a DR 10L without the Bluetooth monitoring, and this is what I used for years. It has a dual track, 6 or 12 dB lower, in case your talent starts yelling. They work great, they run 10 hours, set and forget. Deity and Tenacle makes them as well, but Tascam is my favorite. Curtis Judd has a video on it.
Hey ! Really cool ! But if you want to keep your shutter rule, really need an ND or variable one for your zoom. Then for the mic, I’d take an M/S (audio technica Bp4029, I love it). And your advice are really the best : put the money on things you’ll keep ! And lenses, you’ll keep them also ! Better to have a 500$ camera and 5000$ lens than opposite. That’s what I think. And if you want a style lens, just buy some old cheap lenses prime. They’ll give you bokeh, flares and tint that you’d like to build in post with a sigma art ! :) + it goes on a budget more easily I’m not having a lot of docu experiences. But from my professional experience, that’s what I’d tell to my friends :) 😊
Sennheiser G's are a no brainer. The only problem is that with time countries change the range of open frequencies (especially in areas of conflict) and traveling with them to other countries means you may not be able to use them.
One of the best , honest and most inspiring videos seen here for a long time. I would have two questions for you as an amateur who just loves "taking videos" (more to come soon, hopefully) with my Lumix S1H: 1) I own a Sachtler Flowtech 75 (and love it!), but how do you carry it on longer walks other than over your shoulder? Is there any smart belt or so to get your hands free when walking? 2) As I am regularly struggling with nailing focus on my 5'' Shinobi monitor I am thinking about a very good EVF - is there only Zaccuto around? Many thanks in advance!
Wasn't there some rich guy who thought he was getting away with a murder, who was giving an interview, and confessed to the murder, while talking to himself, in the restroom? Problem being he was wired for sound.
You’re right about people telling you all the gear you’ve got to have. But one thing that annoys me is all the people who want to tell me how to shoot it. I shoot in 4k 60p. I’d shoot in 8K if I could afford it. But I need it to show fine details, so the viewer can see how something works without losing track of what just happened. I also need to be able to seamlessly switch between slow motion and regular speed without losing any of the detail and focus. So many people tell you to shoot in 24p vs 30p as if you’re only shooting the type of footage they’re shooting.
You're very right. Story is always what matters and everything you do should be about what works for what your story is. Nothing anyone else says matters! Happy shooting
Putting soccer or art aside, Let's talk about how expensive photography really is... I recently purchased a Mackie PA sound system (my other hobby) and had a no comprise attitude. As expensive as purchasing a 6k watt sound system is, I bought the whole dang set up new with outboard gear for a tad more than what I paid for my fx3 body and handle only. (No mics, no cards, no lenses, no cages!)
One of the best , honest and most inspiring videos seen here for a long time. I would have two questions for you as an amateur who just loves "taking videos" (more to come soon, hopefully) with my Lumix S1H: 1) I own a Sachtler Flowtech 75 (and love it!), but how do you carry it on longer walks other than over your shoulder? Is there any smart belt or so to get your hands free when walking? 2) As I am regularly struggling with nailing focus on my 5'' Shinobi monitor I am thinking about a very good EVF - is there only Zaccuto around? Many thanks in advance!
I personally strap my tripod to my backpack (F-Stop Tilopa). Still heavy, but hands free. Don't have a lot of experience with Atomos stuff, but my small HD monitors have been great for focus. I also have a zacuto Gratical EVF and that works great too. Think they're really the main players in that space if you really want to go EVF
@@LucForsyth Thanks, Luc, for your reply. I feel, I will not really get around the EVF from Zacuto - Love the built-in EVF of my S1H, but would need it in a different place. What I will explore beforehand is one of those new VR glasses. Perhaps, the right model can act as an external EVF, too.
I saved 3 years for a7siii and 1 year for sony 16-35 gm but it was worth combo. Though i could have grabbed something from apsc line but really wanted to save every penny for something more quality right the way Also the things you said is true. I am literally bought zoom, shotgun mic and recently prime (I went even wider with 20mm) and know I also need something wireless before even watching this. Of course tripod is needed too but I also noticed i use it only 10% of the time lol. And I really miss ballhead on it, probably one of my next purchase will be good tripod becayse mine is cheapo hama one. Which is the best ? I wamt to buy one of the best because I also love to reuse stuff for many years not just buy buy and buy
Yeah, tripod is key for interviews, but most other stuff can be done hand held if you like that style. I like the sachtler flow tech tripods, but they’re not cheap!
You forgot... "A Script." Ha! I know it's a tech video, but all I'm saying is that if you have an idea and don't have a script, or at least an outline, or a beat list, or even a shot list... or anything that keeps the filmmaker from running out and shooting a 1000 to 1 shot ratio and then hoping to find a story in post. Good luck with that and give yourself a year to do the edit.
Any suggestions for a small on camera light. I’m thinking of might shooting perhaps an event like a vigil that won’t work just in camera but also need to be hands free
The aputure MC's are solid, and for something with a bit more power an build quality you could try Aladdin A Lites (though they're quite a bit more expensive)
as for tripod i alredy have a good manfroto that i use for photo , just buy a video head as for camera i buy at the time the cheapest nikon that shoot video i could get the d3200 since i alredy have bunch of lents work well , after i buy 3 more used for 200 each ,dont shoot well in low ligth ,but is good enof for iso up to 1600 , so naw i have 4 and cam shoot multi cam , for shooting live music show i got also a 4ch audio interface , to hock up to the laptop i already have ,
@@LucForsyth yep , for what i do , and the budget most of my client have(almost nothing) is more than enof , feel free to see what i have on my channel , and if some one want better quality i can always rent some gear ,
the smallest, lightest gear only, and avoid all but the most crucial accessories if you are traveling alone. You do NOT want to have to check your bags :)
I keep coming back to your channel for quality information, so thanks for the work you put in, it really helps. But I have a novice question here. I bought a zv-e10 with Sigma 30 contemporary 1.4 (yeah, that youtube rabbit hole) for shooting interviews and teaching videos (I´m a nurse who started a professional podcast). I discovered that it is cool to shoot video and I´m planning to shoot a mini documentary on a forest firefighter in the near future, so I´m gearing up. Shotgun will be either Videomic pro or Sennheiser MKE 400, whatever comes cheaper second hand. I´m looking at either Zoom H1N, Zoom F2 or Tentacle track E for in body recorder OR a wireless system so you can divide right/left audio channels between shotgun and wireless. How would you approach the audio here? Thanks again for your job. I´m on the waiting list for your future course...Wide-medium-tight!
Hey man, yeah audio is a tough one. Sounds like a pretty good set up. I've personally never used the F2, but I do own several tentacles. They're super useful, but make sure you have some sort of timecode system otherwise syncing them in post will be horrible! If you're planning to run wireless labs into the H1N and will have to sync anyways, then I'd just go with the tentacle system as then it's one less piece of gear. If you can run a wireless lav into your camera and only have 1 character to deal with, then wireless is easier because it will be embedded on your camera's audio track. Personally I wouldn't use a splitter because I think good stereo audio is essential. Hope that helps a bit!
Hey mate! I have one question. It is possible to use the v mount battery plate usb-c port as a charger input? For example a small rig v mount plate with USB-C? Thanks!
Which Fujinon lenses do you use? I looked at the premista for full frame to couple with FX9 but they are 40k :-) so thoughts it might be better to buy one good Zeiss supreme that gives a super detailed image . What are your thoughts ?
@@LucForsyth no doubt about that! To be frank I really have enjoyed your content and it had brought me some very well needed information. For that I thank you good sir!
Great video man. Thanks for that. Let me ask your thoughts on cinema primes vs photo prime lenses. Lets say each of them at the specific focal length I want cost the same price. Would you suggest one over the other?
If you have lots of spare cash, the cinema ones are great, but also very heavy. For me a good focus pull is really important, and that’s generally why I like sigma art lenses. Lighter than cinema primes, but also good focus throw
@@LucForsyth I hear you. I am already covered with a full set of primes and also zooms but for photography use. But pulling focus by wire can be a pain. It is possible and IMO, does not justify the cost of a cinema set, for me at least.
here is my thought.. spend money on v lock and get dummy batteries to fit every camra and light you ever buy . my vlocks cost but they powered my 5d2, fs100, fs7, f3, canon r6, canon c200, atomon monitor, small hd monitor and small led panels. The same battereis I bought in 2008
do you think a prime of 1.8 like the Lumix 24 or 35 is enoough (most companies have the 1.8 primes so i think many have the same question) or you find yourself in need of the 1.4 of the Sigma.... or it is about sharpness and quality that you recomend the Sigma art prime? thanks in advance mate
yes! I think whatever you have is enough, but honestly 1.4 is nice to have but not necessary to tell a good story by any means. The sigma's are just such good value for money I think they're great for doc. Good luck!
Why would anyone buy a DSLR to shoot video when you can buy a proper, dedicated 5k Video camera for far less. Better handling, focusing, sound capture, useability, durability etc.. SLRS are for shooting stills. DSLRs are for shooting digital stills.
Both! I have a full set of them and love them, but they are digital looking compared to cine glass. Nothing wrong with them, just pick whatever works for you in the moment
Hello! I like to say "use what you have", so if a phone is what you have at the moment, use it to tell the stories you want until you can afford investing in more professional gear (camera and audio).
I’m going to jump in and say do NOT try using your mobile phone camera. All phones record in some type of bastardised variable frame rate which will cause you regret.
I would love to pay you to get on a Skype call with me and help give me advice for what equipment I need for filming this solo project I am working on, I am new camera equipment and am very lost
well im starting out and I got flowteck because of you bullet boy so fuck that I'm using this thing every day for no logical reason it cost so much I'm currently typing this on my new rolls Royce tripod
Listen! This video and the video of what we dint need as a film maker - is single handedly the most insightful videos I’ve ever seen! Thank you so much! Finally the only creator that talks about gear and actually shoot high-ticket projects! Thanks!!
Don't forget there are plenty of dedicated video cameras around at a very good price, sure, you can't swap the lens but they still give great value for money. Absolutely love my Canon XF200, granted not the best around but it still pulls its weight. For mics, I use the Rode NTG2 for dialogue or the Videomic X for ambient, both can be picked up used for a good price. I also have a selection of tripods from really light to really heavy, the most expensive of which was £150. Great video, thanks for sharing. Love your passion.
I saved 3 years for a7siii and 1 year for sony 16-35 gm but it was worth combo. Though i could have grabbed something from apsc line but really wanted to save every penny for something more quality right the way Also the things you said is true. I am literally bought zoom, shotgun mic and recently prime (I went even wider with 20mm) and know I also need something wireless before even watching this. Of course tripod is needed too but I also noticed i use it only 10% of the time lol. And I really miss ballhead on it, probably one of my next purchase will be good tripod becayse mine is cheapo hama one. Which is the best ? I wamt to buy one of the best because I also love to reuse stuff for many years not just buy buy and buy
Hey mate! I have one question. It is possible to use the v mount battery plate usb-c port as a charger input? For example a small rig v mount plate with USB-C? Thanks!
Listen! This video and the video of what we dint need as a film maker - is single handedly the most insightful videos I’ve ever seen! Thank you so much! Finally the only creator that talks about gear and actually shoot high-ticket projects! Thanks!!
Great video. You can always tell the difference between a TH-camr chasing views and a passionate filmmaker who loves to teach. You are clearly the latter. I will be back.
thanks Scott! Glad to have you.
Definitely
I also love how he doesn’t primarily budget but encourages you to think in terms of professional mindset and levels!
Listen! This video and the video of what we dint need as a film maker - is single handedly the most insightful videos I’ve ever seen! Thank you so much! Finally the only creator that talks about gear and actually shoot high-ticket projects! Thanks!!
High praise indeed! Thanks for that!
Very good points. As a Filmmaker my advice would be get 2 Sigma art Primes ( 35mm &85mm), a Sheinneser mk600 shotgun, a Nisi variable ND filter and several T5 SSD and start shooting.
THIS GUY CLEARLY GETS STORYTELLING IS NUMBER ONE.
💯
I definitely prefer creating images vs capturing them, but you make me appreciate doc work. there's a beauty in capturing what is there to tell a story.
Yeah, I get that too. Sometimes when I have time to really work on something it's extremely fun. Appreciate how tough it is too!
I have no intention of shooting full documentaries, and I really have just watching your videos to learn, but your passion is contagious... We'll see :)
Canon c100 is cheap now, bought mine for 600 dollars with 18-55, 6 batteries, 2 sd card, and a polariser, bought a glide cam too for 50 bucks all used, all this as a package for 650, the hours on the camera is a mere 356 hours, you don't really need a 4k if you are just starting out and only gonna publish it online cause the standard is 1080p 24fps either way, if one day I need 4k I can just buy atomos ninja and upscale it in process cause this camera is 4k downscaled to have sharp look, all you basically need is skills
Don't forget there are plenty of dedicated video cameras around at a very good price, sure, you can't swap the lens but they still give great value for money. Absolutely love my Canon XF200, granted not the best around but it still pulls its weight. For mics, I use the Rode NTG2 for dialogue or the Videomic X for ambient, both can be picked up used for a good price. I also have a selection of tripods from really light to really heavy, the most expensive of which was £150. Great video, thanks for sharing. Love your passion.
What a perfect video and intro. Exactly what I was looking at. There was no middle ground between iphone documentary and a 20k USD geometric mess of equipment
The rode go 2s wireless are incredible. On board recording for when the signal cuts out. and not very pricy for like $350 CAD. 2 Transmitters and 1 RX
Never tried them myself, glad they work for you!
My essentials would include dtap battery and an Atomos recorder. You’ll ultimately save a ton of money investing in these two items. Even the Ninja 2 is a great option.
I’m close to getting an FX3 with the 24-70 2.8 GM II. I currently have the FS5m2 with the 18-105 f4. I’ve had this camera since 2018 and I’m upping my game into FF world to have the FX3, FX6, then later on an FX30.
great recommendation for the sigma art lenses. I have started grabbing b roll with the 35 1.4 on all my projects. such a sweet look. Also, one other great camera that can be gotten for not a lot of $ is the Lumix GH4 and 5. super camera, not a lot of money.
yeah, great options for sure! good call
Other pages make me feel hopeless and overwhelmed. Thank you 💀🙏🏾💯
You're so welcome!
By the way, your videos are so informative that I'm tempted to take notes!
love that compliment! Thanks!
I use step-down and step-up adapter rings for my ND and other filters because my various cameras have different lens diameters. It's cheaper than buying new filters.
yeah, great tip. I do the same!
My essentials would include dtap battery and an Atomos recorder. You’ll ultimately save a ton of money investing in these two items. Even the Ninja 2 is a great option.
Love your videos, Luc! Very inspiring to get hands on.
Awesome video Great for professionals as well, kind of touch base with basics again in case you got lost in all the techno babble over the years. Bottom line get the basic gear right and shoot. Thanks Luc.
You're welcome! It's easy to get bogged down in all the gear that you lose sight of what you really need. Happy shooting!
Great video - not selling anything - but guiding and helping out - much appreciated.
unless you'd be interested a new iMac Pro from my affiliate store....
Why didnt i watch this video earlier please 😭.... see most of the videos have watched are just full of advertising gear etc....as a beginner now i know where to start from .....
You are simply superb with content & no hype pure essential tips, easy catchy and interesting
Thank you 🎉
i swear it’s like you’re in my brain 😂 i needed this video. I get so excited when i see a new upload from you :)
maybe I am....😯
Just discovered you and you just earned a sub. This and the "Don't Need" are perfect and right on the money. Also, glad you shouted out Caleb at DSLR Video Shooter. I started watching him when I first started filmmaking. Cheers!
I think this can be rolled back further.. you need to be able to see and hear... camera ND - to see in the bright - audio to hear, zoom so see a width of things, prime - to see in the dark - light (even 4 aa batts!) to see when it is black, tripod to see without too much shake. As for cheap primes.. nifty fifty canon, or manual focus used - mintola olympus canon fd nikkor.. $50 .. also I think a shower curtain to modify light.. but you dont need it.
Agree! Maybe another future video
this and your follow up video are REALLY good! I very much appreciate professionals on this platform trying to help
Glad to hear they help!
You speak so much truth. Thank you
True and true. Thank you for your thoughts.
Your point about the ball head is so valuable and definitely often forgotten.
I still have one tripod that doesn't have one and it is very annoying.
when you finally get one it's a game changer!
I would recommend something for the light reflector or an little led light. My first video I made with non or a ND-filterset which I needed to change and often took to much time in fast changing light conditions, inside/outside/sun/no sun. Variabel ND is a must have.
I ended up selling my drone for like a 10th of what I paid for it there's just so many licensing issues and you also have to do so much to be able to get it over the border it's not really worth it when you're going to film documentaries
Hey Luc, great video and congrats on the channel, so much useful content on it. :)
Thanks Dagna, enjoy your new kit!
Careful when choosing a wireless system for a lav mic. Analog wireless systems like the Sennheiser G3 (which ARE great, no question!) use different frequency bands, depending on the model. Not every country allows you to use a certain frequency, and fines can be horrendously high (they don't want you interfering with their military radio communication I guess). While it's true that high quality audio gear holds its value, in some cases even decades, a cheap system like the Rode Wireless Go series can be used anywhere in the world because it uses 2.4 GHz. They don't sound nearly as good, and with integrated batteries, they are going to become unuseable at some point, which is wasteful. But they're much easier to operate and use anywhere in the world, so keep that in mind.
Here's a better idea. Scrap the wireless, and use a PDR, personal data recorder. Lots of companies make them, but my favorite is the Tascam DR 10L pro. It's not cheap, $238 with the Bluetooth dongle, and 32 bit float. You can monitor recording levels of up to 5 lavs, and no interference, not dropped signals.
You can get a DR 10L without the Bluetooth monitoring, and this is what I used for years. It has a dual track, 6 or 12 dB lower, in case your talent starts yelling. They work great, they run 10 hours, set and forget.
Deity and Tenacle makes them as well, but Tascam is my favorite. Curtis Judd has a video on it.
Wow, that was really good information. Thank you!
Great, informative video. Thank you for the commercial free info!
Glad it was helpful!
Hey ! Really cool !
But if you want to keep your shutter rule, really need an ND or variable one for your zoom.
Then for the mic, I’d take an M/S (audio technica Bp4029, I love it).
And your advice are really the best : put the money on things you’ll keep !
And lenses, you’ll keep them also ! Better to have a 500$ camera and 5000$ lens than opposite. That’s what I think. And if you want a style lens, just buy some old cheap lenses prime. They’ll give you bokeh, flares and tint that you’d like to build in post with a sigma art ! :) + it goes on a budget more easily
I’m not having a lot of docu experiences. But from my professional experience, that’s what I’d tell to my friends :) 😊
Thanks very much. Great information!!!
Been really enjoying your content Luc. Thanks for the great videos!
You’re very welcome!
Sennheiser G's are a no brainer. The only problem is that with time countries change the range of open frequencies (especially in areas of conflict) and traveling with them to other countries means you may not be able to use them.
Great advice.
nice and simple ... love it
informative video
One of the best , honest and most inspiring videos seen here for a long time. I would have two questions for you as an amateur who just loves "taking videos" (more to come soon, hopefully) with my Lumix S1H:
1) I own a Sachtler Flowtech 75 (and love it!), but how do you carry it on longer walks other than over your shoulder? Is there any smart belt or so to get your hands free when walking?
2) As I am regularly struggling with nailing focus on my 5'' Shinobi monitor I am thinking about a very good EVF - is there only Zaccuto around?
Many thanks in advance!
get a portable travel tripod, and get a camera with good Autofocus that can easily be turned on or off.
Just another great episode :-) Cheers!
Thanks! Glad you liked it
Wasn't there some rich guy who thought he was getting away with a murder, who was giving an interview, and confessed to the murder, while talking to himself, in the restroom? Problem being he was wired for sound.
Great channel Luc! Would love to see your take on field monitors.
Great idea - I'll put it on the list! I've had the same one for about 4 years but I have some ideas for sure.
You’re right about people telling you all the gear you’ve got to have. But one thing that annoys me is all the people who want to tell me how to shoot it.
I shoot in 4k 60p. I’d shoot in 8K if I could afford it. But I need it to show fine details, so the viewer can see how something works without losing track of what just happened.
I also need to be able to seamlessly switch between slow motion and regular speed without losing any of the detail and focus.
So many people tell you to shoot in 24p vs 30p as if you’re only shooting the type of footage they’re shooting.
You're very right. Story is always what matters and everything you do should be about what works for what your story is. Nothing anyone else says matters! Happy shooting
@@LucForsyth Thanks. You too!
Great tips thank you
Were you in the Army or Marines? Noticed your cap
Putting soccer or art aside, Let's talk about how expensive photography really is... I recently purchased a Mackie PA sound system (my other hobby) and had a no comprise attitude. As expensive as purchasing a 6k watt sound system is, I bought the whole dang set up new with outboard gear for a tad more than what I paid for my fx3 body and handle only. (No mics, no cards, no lenses, no cages!)
One of the best , honest and most inspiring videos seen here for a long time. I would have two questions for you as an amateur who just loves "taking videos" (more to come soon, hopefully) with my Lumix S1H:
1) I own a Sachtler Flowtech 75 (and love it!), but how do you carry it on longer walks other than over your shoulder? Is there any smart belt or so to get your hands free when walking?
2) As I am regularly struggling with nailing focus on my 5'' Shinobi monitor I am thinking about a very good EVF - is there only Zaccuto around?
Many thanks in advance!
I personally strap my tripod to my backpack (F-Stop Tilopa). Still heavy, but hands free.
Don't have a lot of experience with Atomos stuff, but my small HD monitors have been great for focus. I also have a zacuto Gratical EVF and that works great too. Think they're really the main players in that space if you really want to go EVF
@@LucForsyth Thanks, Luc, for your reply.
I feel, I will not really get around the EVF from Zacuto - Love the built-in EVF of my S1H, but would need it in a different place.
What I will explore beforehand is one of those new VR glasses. Perhaps, the right model can act as an external EVF, too.
I saved 3 years for a7siii and 1 year for sony 16-35 gm but it was worth combo. Though i could have grabbed something from apsc line but really wanted to save every penny for something more quality right the way
Also the things you said is true. I am literally bought zoom, shotgun mic and recently prime (I went even wider with 20mm) and know I also need something wireless before even watching this. Of course tripod is needed too but I also noticed i use it only 10% of the time lol. And I really miss ballhead on it, probably one of my next purchase will be good tripod becayse mine is cheapo hama one. Which is the best ? I wamt to buy one of the best because I also love to reuse stuff for many years not just buy buy and buy
Yeah, tripod is key for interviews, but most other stuff can be done hand held if you like that style. I like the sachtler flow tech tripods, but they’re not cheap!
I wanna start more documentaries type work but I get discouraged because I’m 43 and think I missed the opportunity I should have started 10 years ago
Do it
43 is not old at all. Why would you think it is???
@@TeddyRumble thank you 🙏🏾
You forgot... "A Script." Ha! I know it's a tech video, but all I'm saying is that if you have an idea and don't have a script, or at least an outline, or a beat list, or even a shot list... or anything that keeps the filmmaker from running out and shooting a 1000 to 1 shot ratio and then hoping to find a story in post. Good luck with that and give yourself a year to do the edit.
Your editor keeps forgetting the links! Great video though
Any suggestions for a small on camera light. I’m thinking of might shooting perhaps an event like a vigil that won’t work just in camera but also need to be hands free
The aputure MC's are solid, and for something with a bit more power an build quality you could try Aladdin A Lites (though they're quite a bit more expensive)
Thanks for your tips
You’re very welcome!
Can you do some BTS on how you edit your docs?
Good idea! Might take a bit, but I’ll get there!
great advice
for interview , i got 3 cheap 40$ audio tecknica lav mic , and a 50$ olympus voice recorder work quite well , wireless system on the cheap ,
as for tripod i alredy have a good manfroto that i use for photo , just buy a video head as for camera i buy at the time the cheapest nikon that shoot video i could get the d3200 since i alredy have bunch of lents work well , after i buy 3 more used for 200 each ,dont shoot well in low ligth ,but is good enof for iso up to 1600 , so naw i have 4 and cam shoot multi cam , for shooting live music show i got also a 4ch audio interface , to hock up to the laptop i already have ,
nice one, sounds like everything you need. The most important thing is that you're actually using it!
@@LucForsyth yep , for what i do , and the budget most of my client have(almost nothing) is more than enof , feel free to see what i have on my channel , and if some one want better quality i can always rent some gear ,
Thank you
Oh snap, my friend Sam Little Frog was in the first video you shot? She looks pretty young there, must have been a while ago.
Really?? Small world!
@@LucForsyth Yeah, I actually reffed two of her MMA fights in Thailand, that's how we met and eventually became friends.
the smallest, lightest gear only, and avoid all but the most crucial accessories if you are traveling alone. You do NOT want to have to check your bags :)
2. Gear is far less important than the commitment you have to your project, your script, access to the story, etc.
I keep coming back to your channel for quality information, so thanks for the work you put in, it really helps. But I have a novice question here. I bought a zv-e10 with Sigma 30 contemporary 1.4 (yeah, that youtube rabbit hole) for shooting interviews and teaching videos (I´m a nurse who started a professional podcast). I discovered that it is cool to shoot video and I´m planning to shoot a mini documentary on a forest firefighter in the near future, so I´m gearing up. Shotgun will be either Videomic pro or Sennheiser MKE 400, whatever comes cheaper second hand. I´m looking at either Zoom H1N, Zoom F2 or Tentacle track E for in body recorder OR a wireless system so you can divide right/left audio channels between shotgun and wireless. How would you approach the audio here?
Thanks again for your job. I´m on the waiting list for your future course...Wide-medium-tight!
Hey man, yeah audio is a tough one. Sounds like a pretty good set up. I've personally never used the F2, but I do own several tentacles. They're super useful, but make sure you have some sort of timecode system otherwise syncing them in post will be horrible! If you're planning to run wireless labs into the H1N and will have to sync anyways, then I'd just go with the tentacle system as then it's one less piece of gear. If you can run a wireless lav into your camera and only have 1 character to deal with, then wireless is easier because it will be embedded on your camera's audio track. Personally I wouldn't use a splitter because I think good stereo audio is essential. Hope that helps a bit!
Hey mate! I have one question. It is possible to use the v mount battery plate usb-c port as a charger input? For example a small rig v mount plate with USB-C? Thanks!
I think so. You can use one to power a sound bag worth of stuff.
Hey great tips what are your thoughts about fx30
What is your opinion on the Blackmagic Ursa as a documentary camera?
Which Fujinon lenses do you use? I looked at the premista for full frame to couple with FX9 but they are 40k :-) so thoughts it might be better to buy one good Zeiss supreme that gives a super detailed image . What are your thoughts ?
Yes! It's Wednesday!
haha, the best day!
@@LucForsyth no doubt about that! To be frank I really have enjoyed your content and it had brought me some very well needed information. For that I thank you good sir!
Very helpful
Glad you think so!
Where is the stopping bullet tripod video?? XD
well done vid
👊🏻
Great video man. Thanks for that. Let me ask your thoughts on cinema primes vs photo prime lenses. Lets say each of them at the specific focal length I want cost the same price. Would you suggest one over the other?
If you have lots of spare cash, the cinema ones are great, but also very heavy. For me a good focus pull is really important, and that’s generally why I like sigma art lenses. Lighter than cinema primes, but also good focus throw
@@LucForsyth I hear you. I am already covered with a full set of primes and also zooms but for photography use. But pulling focus by wire can be a pain. It is possible and IMO, does not justify the cost of a cinema set, for me at least.
@@kobologi what about manual photo lenses with hard stops.. canon fd, olympus, mintola nikon.
What do you think of the rode wireless go 2?
Never used them, but people seem to like them a lot! I'd say they're a good option on paper!
Which third party battery brand do you like? I use a c100 and canon RP
I don’t really use any when it comes to batteries
here is my thought.. spend money on v lock and get dummy batteries to fit every camra and light you ever buy . my vlocks cost but they powered my 5d2, fs100, fs7, f3, canon r6, canon c200, atomon monitor, small hd monitor and small led panels. The same battereis I bought in 2008
do you think a prime of 1.8 like the Lumix 24 or 35 is enoough (most companies have the 1.8 primes so i think many have the same question) or you find yourself in need of the 1.4 of the Sigma.... or it is about sharpness and quality that you recomend the Sigma art prime? thanks in advance mate
yes! I think whatever you have is enough, but honestly 1.4 is nice to have but not necessary to tell a good story by any means. The sigma's are just such good value for money I think they're great for doc. Good luck!
Why would anyone buy a DSLR to shoot video when you can buy a proper, dedicated 5k Video camera for far less. Better handling, focusing, sound capture, useability, durability etc.. SLRS are for shooting stills. DSLRs are for shooting digital stills.
Curious what your thoughts are regarding the Irix Cine Primes.
never tried them!
$7000 for a full set of RF primes seems pretty tasty but man that’s still a lot of cash you could invest into a story.
Is Full frame/dlsr recommended?
Why not? The Panasonic has great color, and finally autofocus actually works. Canon has great products too.
But you just said that the sigma art zoom was too clinical in the other video, the art prime series are even more perfect and clinical. Which is it?
Both! I have a full set of them and love them, but they are digital looking compared to cine glass. Nothing wrong with them, just pick whatever works for you in the moment
@@LucForsyth Which instances would you use them instead of the Fuji Zoom?
You forgot to add the link to the tripod video.
Thanks Olli, fixing now!
amzn.to/3xvYpt4
Sir I'm a beginniner, I want make documentary films in India. Can I use i phone for this? Please reply me. 🙏
Hello! I like to say "use what you have", so if a phone is what you have at the moment, use it to tell the stories you want until you can afford investing in more professional gear (camera and audio).
I’m going to jump in and say do NOT try using your mobile phone camera. All phones record in some type of bastardised variable frame rate which will cause you regret.
ideally not, agree. BUT - if it's between that and not shooting anything, use the phone
Good way to lose gear is to check it.
I would love to pay you to get on a Skype call with me and help give me advice for what equipment I need for filming this solo project I am working on, I am new camera equipment and am very lost
I do consultation calls for exactly this type of thing! superpeer.com/lucforsyth
You need a samsung and a tripod.
You're not wrong, but I'd say without audio tools it's going to be hard to tell a strong story. It's definitely possible though!
Your videos look much too dark. You need to take a lighting class.
well im starting out and I got flowteck because of you bullet boy so fuck that I'm using this thing every day for no logical reason it cost so much I'm currently typing this on my new rolls Royce tripod
starting with a nikon d5200
Listen! This video and the video of what we dint need as a film maker - is single handedly the most insightful videos I’ve ever seen! Thank you so much! Finally the only creator that talks about gear and actually shoot high-ticket projects! Thanks!!
Don't forget there are plenty of dedicated video cameras around at a very good price, sure, you can't swap the lens but they still give great value for money. Absolutely love my Canon XF200, granted not the best around but it still pulls its weight. For mics, I use the Rode NTG2 for dialogue or the Videomic X for ambient, both can be picked up used for a good price. I also have a selection of tripods from really light to really heavy, the most expensive of which was £150. Great video, thanks for sharing. Love your passion.
I saved 3 years for a7siii and 1 year for sony 16-35 gm but it was worth combo. Though i could have grabbed something from apsc line but really wanted to save every penny for something more quality right the way
Also the things you said is true. I am literally bought zoom, shotgun mic and recently prime (I went even wider with 20mm) and know I also need something wireless before even watching this. Of course tripod is needed too but I also noticed i use it only 10% of the time lol. And I really miss ballhead on it, probably one of my next purchase will be good tripod becayse mine is cheapo hama one. Which is the best ? I wamt to buy one of the best because I also love to reuse stuff for many years not just buy buy and buy
Hey mate! I have one question. It is possible to use the v mount battery plate usb-c port as a charger input? For example a small rig v mount plate with USB-C? Thanks!
Listen! This video and the video of what we dint need as a film maker - is single handedly the most insightful videos I’ve ever seen! Thank you so much! Finally the only creator that talks about gear and actually shoot high-ticket projects! Thanks!!