About a year ago I did a short post on how my 5D MK II was set up for video. As you would expect it has evolved considerably over the year so here is my set up now. As I point out on a PhotoSociety post the camera is set up intentionally so that it really won’t work well as a still camera when I am shooting video. I don’t want to be temped to try and switch back and forth between the two.
Here is the list of what is attached along with links to the stuff.
Here is the list of what is attached along with links to the stuff.
Jag35 straight rig. I like the Jag35 stuff, it is well made and reasonably priced.
D Focus kit also from JAG35. An affordable follow focus kit. If I was using cine lenses instead of Canon EOS lenses I might consider one of the more expensive kits from Red Rock Micro or Cinevate .
SmallHD DP4 electronic viewfinder. I’ve got a thing for small companies and theses folks in North Carolina make a viewfinder that does way more than I need it to. The HDMI pass through also lets me hook up an additional monitor so that clients can see what they are paying for when I am doing commercial jobs.
Tascam DR-100. I used a Zoom H4N for a long time, but the Tascam also has a line out so I can hook it to my camera and use headphones at the same time. The Tascam has a large dial to adjust the sound input so it is easier for me to adjust on the fly than the Zoom. Last year I was using a juicedlink and running sound straight to the camera only but I find the external recorder give me better sound.
Sescom -25 DB downpad cord. This attaches the Tascam to the 5D. I set the audio levels in the 5D to manual and then one click above off. This cord adjusts line level to mike level and I get ok sound in the camera. I still usually replace the camera sound in post but this makes the replacement easier.
Sennheiser EW100 wireless set. You can’t do interviews without a wireless microphone. There are many out there. I use the Sennheiser.
Rode NTG 1 shotgun. Again there are a world of shotgun mikes out there. This Rode is just good, forgiving and reliable.
Rode Dead Cat. Can’t use a shotgun outside without wind protection.
Set up this way the camera gives me good sound and beautiful video but it is somewhat complicated. There are 5 power switches to turn on. That is a lot to keep track of and it is sort of reminding me of 26 inch mountain bikes. They got increasingly complicated suspensions until someone decided to make the wheels 3 inches bigger. There has to be an easier way to do this and I think it is a dedicated video camera. Canon releases the C300 in January...
Stephen Alvarez
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