I cover Cameras, Lenses, Camera Support, Audio, Lights and the Rest of the Kit. You’ll find solid, usable information about what I’ve found that works during the 30 years or so I’ve been a video producer.

You’ll find recommendations for Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced shooters. Plus I make specific comments for Photographers, Video shooters and Aspiring Film Makers for each category.

Now Available on Kindle!

Previous versions of the DSLR Video Buyer’s Guide have been available as a PDF only, purchased through ClickBank.com. I made a decision to move distribution to Amazon.com and you benefit in several ways:

• If you’re an Amazon Prime member you can download the entire DSLR Video Buyer’s Guide at no cost – zero, nada, for nothing! The Guide was accepted into Amazon’s new Kindle Owner’s Lending Library program and that means you can read the book at no cost on any Kindle reader.
• The price has been reduced to almost half of the PDF version so even if you decide to buy from Amazon you’ll save more than 50% of the previous price.
• You still get all the great information, all the links to the equipment online resources, and you can read it on most any computer with free readers.
• I give you a link in the book where you can subscribe to all future updates. And you can download a PDF copy at no cost when you subscribe.

A reader asked:

I am looking for a fair affordable lavalier for personal work before I start into commercial work. What is a sweet spot for good quality product for a good price? I am planning on buying the Zoom H2 and would just like your opinion and a few options from a Pro such as yourself. Thank. Samuel W.

My answer:

First, here’s a link to a post I wrote about a low cost audio kit for DSLR video – Complete DSLR Audio Kit for Less Than $450?

As I mention in the post, the price kicks up a lot if you need to go wireless.

Instead of $50 for the ATR-35s you’ll spend at least $150 for a VHF wireless. But VHF wireless units have very low usable range, pick up lots of static and can be pretty noisy (lots of hiss). A decent UHF wireless starts around $400. Professional systems start around $800 and go up. That’s why I recommend going straight to a small recorder with a lav if you want the best sound for the lowest budget.

Also, the ATR-35s seems to be discontinued. It’s been replaced by the Audio Technica ATR-3350 Omnidirectional Lavalier. The price is about the same and, though I haven’t tested it to make sure, it seems to be as good as the previous version. This is a wired omnidirectional mic that will plug directly into a DSLR or a Zoom recorder.

For a wired cardioid option at about the same price I recommend the Audio Technica Pro Series Cardioid Condenser Lavalier. The output is an XLR connector so you’ll need an XLR to mini adapter if you want to plug it into a DSLR or a Zoom recorder.

Whatever you go with I suggest having both omnidirectional and cardioid lavalier microphones.

Omnidirectional are the standard mic in almost all lav systems and they’re great for when you want to pick up everything around – like the bride, groom and minister at a wedding from one mic. But they are deadly in noisy environments when all you want is to pick up a single voice. That’s when you’ll want a cardioid or even a hyper-cardioid lav to cut the background sound.

Cardioids and hyper-cardioids are more difficult to use because you have to have them pointed at the sound source where an omni will work no matter which way it’s pointing. But it’s worth it to get the sound right on the recording.

I’m working on a real world test of omni and cardioid lavs and will post it soon.

-a-

Someone just asked…

What do you think about the decision from Apple to stop upgrading Color and the new relase of FCPX.
I’ve been working the past two years on FCP7 and just recently I started learning how to use Apple Color and the Technicolor cinestyle display LUT, but I’m worried that this program could become obsolete along with FCP7 because the new policy of Apple.

Perfect timing for this question because you can make the decision and save a ton of money if you move before October 31, 2011. Here’s why.

Adobe is offering Premier Pro CS5.5 for 50% off until 10/31/2011 to encourage people to switch from FCP7. That makes it just about $100 more than FCPX. For a program that offers as much as Premier that is too good to pass up. I just took them up on their offer and suggest you consider doing the same.

Reason Why #1

FCPX is not compatible with previous versions of FCP. If you have projects that will have new segments you’d have to start over. Premier Pro can import and export XML edit lists so you can bring all your cuts and some effects from any FCP project into Premier.

I have lots of clients who add a new testimonial or product video to an existing series. I don’t want to start over and Premier will let me keep most of my work.

Reason Why #2

Premier Pro edits DSLR footage native in the timeline with no rendering required. This alone will save hours and tons of hard drive space. FCPX renders DSLR footage in the background which does save time but you’re still consuming lots of hard drive space for converting everything to ProRes.

Reason Why #3

As much as Apple holds that DVD’s are a dying media, the rest of the world keeps burning DVD’s and Blu-Ray’s like crazy. Premier Pro includes Adobe Encore so you can author SD and HD DVD’s. FCPX can burn a project to DVD but there is no menu authoring or DVD flow structuring. Many of my clients like to mail DVD’s to prospects and I need solid authoring tools.

Reason Why #4

Adobe is committed to supplying professionals with the tools to do superior work. Premier Pro interfaces with key Adobe apps like After Effects and Photoshop. Apple has walked away from the professional video market. It may make sense to them from a business perspective but it does not make sense to me for my business. I need to know that my investment will last long enough to gain significant return.

I’m grateful for all the good years I’ve enjoyed FCP and disappointed that Apple has left the party. I’m excited to make the move to Adobe Premier. There’s nothing like learning a new tool to spark your creativity!

Here’s a link to Adobe’s page for Premier Pro CS5.5. Or, if you want to make a big jump, get the same 50% off on Adobe Creative Suite 5.5 Production Premium. I chose to go with the Premium package to get After Effects and Audition – it’s time to find out what those can do for my projects.

Let me know what you think…

Interesting article from a photographer who moved into video shooting with a DSLR.

DSLR News Shooter | Why did I give up my Canon 7D for the Sony FS100?.

I’ve been using Google + for a few weeks now and it’s a great social network. The comments, questions and interactions are superb.

They just gave everyone 150 invitations to hand out and I’m including a link to mine here on this blog.

If you’re on G+ already, here’s a link to my profile - gplus.to/adrielbrunson

If you’d like to be included in my DSLR HD circle, leave a comment below with your profile link or send a message using my profile.

If you’re not on Google + yet, here’s an invitation link - http://goo.gl/ikI4v

There are only 150 invites for that link so do it now.

See you there!

-a-

What happens when you add a Zoom recorder and a shotgun mic to your DSLR rig?

You’re going to need something to hold all that gear securely.

That’s where the Alzo DSLR Transformer rig becomes an invaluable part of your kit. Here’s a short video showing how this works.

And, as I said in the video, the Alzo DSLR Transformer rig does double-duty. Besides holding all your kit, those handles produce a much more stable image when you’re shooting handheld. For the price, I think this is the best rig like this on the market.

PS – yes, I’m an affiliate of Alzo products. Hopefully you’ll like them as much as I do.

Here’s a great review of these two cameras.

Head-To-Head Review: Canon T3i Vs. Nikon D5100 | TechCrunch.

I’ve loved both Nikon and Canon for different reasons. These two cameras are closely enough matched so that you can make the choice based on your existing lenses or because you’re more familiar with one or the other.

Let me know what you think…

Thinking about moving into Final Cut Pro X? Not sure yet?

Watch this video where two guys take the same footage, load it into FCP7 and FCPX, then race to see who can get the final edit uploaded to Vimeo first.

I’m still running on FCP7 because all my projects are there and can’t be imported into FCPX. But the next new project is when I’ll take the plunge.

I’ve said it before but it’s worth repeating. If you are deep into FCP7 you’re not going to be happy with this update. But if you’re just getting into DSLR video and want a powerful tool set at a great price then this might be the one for you.

Here’s a link to their site with more information - clearheadmedia.com/​blog/​news/​fcp-x-initial-thoughts/​

If you’re into shooting video with a DSLR camera, it’s likely that you have a dream of making a movie. Even if it’s just a short film, most people I know would love to have an entry running in the local film festival. And, from there, who knows how far you’ll go?

But you have to get started. And Jason Brubaker has put together an awesome downloadable guide about the Modern Movie Making Movement.

It’s free, just click on the link above to download the zip file. You’ll find articles from people who make movies on extremely small budgets and with hardly any crew. Not only have they’ve actually done it, they give you the real stuff about how it works and what it takes.

Like everything in life, you have to start where you are. If you’re dreaming of making movies with a DSLR, then this book is the next step toward living your dream.

The Modern Movie Making Movement book has no cost, you don’t even have to sign up for an email list. Just click, download, and start moving forward on your dreams.

To be fair, you need to know that Jason and all the other talented people who created this book have included links to their web sites and products. Yes, these are affiliate links and if you buy something they’ll make money.

Even that is a great deal.

I look at it this way. I want to be supported as a creative person, making a living from making movies. As they say, what goes around, comes around so I support other artists in their projects. Not only do you get great information and encouragement, you’re part of the exploding movement in modern movie making.

Modern Movie Making Movement

I look forward to seeing your videos on the web.

Solid tutorial on syncing audio from a Zoom with footage from a DSLR in FCP X.

Seems easy enough, give this a try and let me know what you think.

How to Sync DSLR Footage with Final Cut Pro X on Vimeo on Vimeo