Gear

Reader's Comments

1. #
   
   Rafael
   May 17th, 2011 at 5:20 pm
   

   Hey Deejay,

   WHat suggestions do you have for lavalier wireless mic for wedding events? I dont want to spend like 600 bucks on the Sennheiser for example.

   SO, what do you suggest?

   thanks

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   • #
     
     Deejay
     May 18th, 2011 at 7:23 am
     

     How many cameras? Do you need the receiver to be battery powered or can you live with it plugged in? How many microphones do you think you’ll need? What’s your price limit?

     Reply to this comment
2. #
   
   AC
   May 27th, 2011 at 11:52 am
   

   Hey DeeJay,

   I am having a really tough time considering buying a 7D or a 5Dmkii.
   I have been following your blog quite sometime but I still don’t know which camera is better for filming.

   Which do you prefer? and why?

   thanks

   Reply to this comment
   • #
     
     Deejay
     May 27th, 2011 at 4:41 pm
     

     If you have the money to spend. I would go with the 5dmkii. The 5d has the magic lantern hack that gives you many more features that the 7d doesn’t have. You can also disable AGC and record audio directly into the 5d. The 5d also has better low light performance and lens like the 16-35mm are much much wider on the 5d.

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   • #
     
     Ray
     May 16th, 2012 at 1:02 pm
     

     The 5dMK II wowuld be the better choice, over the 7d, if you have the money. The 7d had the same quality as the T2i for filming. The 7d is better for pictures. If you don’t wanna spend much, the t2i gives you the most bang for your buck.

     Reply to this comment
3. #
   
   Mike
   June 6th, 2011 at 3:39 pm
   

   Hey Deejay,

   I’m having issues recording audio into my ZOOM H4N. I have a Rode NTG-2, and it seems that the only way to get decent audio is by having the mic REALLY close to the subject. I’ve learned this the hard way by recording what I thought would be good audio, with the boom at a reasonable distance, and then finding that the levels weren’t as high as I had thought when recording (which then makes the background noise very noticeable when raising the volume in Final Cut). I’m trying to mic scenes with my NTG-2 on a Boom pole– and it’s not doing the job. I can’t tell if it’s the ZOOM or the NTG-2 that’s the problem. Is there some suggestion you may have that might resolve the issue? Or even, better equipment to use when recording the audio of a scene externally? I need to find a better workflow for more reliable results. Thanks for the help!

   Mike

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   • #
     
     Deejay
     June 9th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
     

     I’m not sure what you consider a “reasonable distance”. I normally try to keep the microphone with in 3 feet of my subject. If you’re not getting enough volume out of your microphone it’s probably a combination problem. The RODE NTG-2 doesn’t put out a very hot signal and the ZOOM H4n doesn’t have a lot of input gain. If your NTG-2 isn’t close enough to your subject, you might end up with low levels.

     There are a few solutions to this problem. First you could add an audio preamp to the input of the Zoom h4n. This would increase the volume of the microphones signal into the Zoom h4n. Second you could replace your ZOOM h4n with the Tascam DR-100. The DR-100 doesn’t have as many features as the H4n but it does have a lot more input gain. Third you could change your NTG-2 out for something like the Audio-Technica’s AT897 which is about the same price range and has a much hotter signal output. This would give you a lot higher signal level to work with at the input of your zoom h4n.

     Most of these devices have been holding their resale value, so if you do need to ebay one for another you shouldn’t have to many problems.

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     • #
       
       Mike
       June 13th, 2011 at 8:27 am
       

       Great! That really helps a lot, thanks!

       — Mike

       Reply to this comment
4. #
   
   Chris
   October 26th, 2011 at 1:33 pm
   

   Hey Deejay,

   Do you have any recommendations for good headphones under 100 bucks? I will be using them for video and audio work. Thanks.

   Reply to this comment
   • #
     
     Deejay
     November 20th, 2011 at 9:10 pm
     

     I’ve been very happy with these panasonic headphones. I have three pair and use them all the time. The freq range isn’t breath taking (7 Hz – 22 kHz) but more then good enough for an affordable set of headphones.

     Reply to this comment
5. #
   
   andrew
   November 7th, 2011 at 10:31 pm
   

   What lilliput monitor should i get, 667gl, 668gl or the 669gl? I can find anything that tells them apart, except for the touchscreen on the 669gl. Which one is the best?

   Reply to this comment
   • #
     
     Deejay
     November 20th, 2011 at 8:49 pm
     

     You don’t need the touch screen, the 668gl is usually the most popular in the 7 inch category. Hope that helps.

     Reply to this comment
6. #
   
   Collin
   December 22nd, 2011 at 11:54 pm
   

   Hey Deejay,

   I have a quick question for you, I am buying a 5D Mark II and as I start my lens collection I would like one good general telephoto lens for filming. I was wondering which lens you would recommend, the kit lens ” 24-105mm f/4L” even though it is not the fastest, or another? Please tell me what you think or if I am approaching this in the wrong manner.

   – Collin

   Reply to this comment
7. #
   
   chris
   March 4th, 2012 at 4:09 pm
   

   I also have a 7d that I use for my video podcast. wondering if you are using a boom or lavalier mic currently. Also, what lens do you typically use to shoot your youtube videos with? I have been using my 18-135 kit lens with good results so far but your video seems tack sharp!
   keep up the great work!

   Reply to this comment
   • #
     
     Deejay
     March 4th, 2012 at 4:24 pm
     

     I shoot most of my talking head stuff with a lavalier since I don’t have anyone to boom for me. The lenses used in each video are listed in the video description. The 3 most most used lenses in my collection on a crop body are the Canon 24mm f1.4 Mark II, Canon 35mm f1.4, and Sigma 30mm f1.4. With the Sigma 24 f1.8 being used for macro and close up work.

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     • #
       
       chris
       March 4th, 2012 at 4:32 pm
       

       thank you very much. I originally started recording using a Heil Pr40 and now have a cheap Lavalier mic going into a H4n. I have been looking at the 35mm f1.4 or the 50mm 1.4 as my next lens in my bag.

       thanks for the input and I am glad I came across your site and youtube channel. Im subscribed!

       I will plug your website and youtube channel in my next episode.

       Chris

       Reply to this comment
8. #
   
   Brian
   April 2nd, 2012 at 2:09 pm
   

   Hey DeeJay, great site, huge fan! I am jumping into Outdoor Adventure HDSLR Film. $3500.00 limit. I already have four Cannon Lenses from my 30D. Here is my break down:

   7D Body, H4N Zoom(remote/XLR Splitter), AdioTechnica AT875r Mic, Lillput 879L-80NP Monitor, Cowboy Studio Shoulder Rig, ProVista7518XB with FM18 Tripod, Proaim 6″ Cage, Express35 Offset, Express35 Grip, Delight Digi Matte Box, Delight Digi Follow Focus, ProAm DVC200 Crane Jib, Final Cut Pro, Motion 5.

   All that puts me around $3200.00, leaving room for Cards, Dead Cat, Shock Mounts, Lighting, etc.

   What’s your take? Thanks!

   Brian

   Reply to this comment
9. #
   
   Diego
   April 6th, 2012 at 9:55 pm
   

   Hello desperately need your advice. I am working on producing an online newscast, I need a DSLR suggestion that could be used in the future for TV. Of course, price matters.
   Thanks.

   Reply to this comment
10. #
    
    Qzyxya
    April 29th, 2012 at 9:00 pm
    

    I think you should make some reviews of your lenses sometime, like which ones you use when and stuff like that.

    I personally am thinking about getting a new lens – maybe that tamron 28-75 or 17-50, it’d be cool if you could make a review of any of the lenses u have but especially those.

    Reply to this comment
11. #
    
    Josh
    May 9th, 2012 at 10:28 pm
    

    Hello, I just purchased the CPM Aviator Cage Rig and this is probably a stupid question but how do I put it onto a tripod?

    I have a cheap tripod currently, and there is no way it fits on there.

    In your review you stated that it fits with manfrotto? I’m not exactly sure what that means.

    I purchased the Giottos MH621 QR system with the Cage, and I’m wondering what type of tripod I need in order to mount it on one.

    Also, Which extra parts did you purchase to make a shoulder mount?

    Reply to this comment
12. #
    
    FilmISH
    August 17th, 2012 at 4:17 am
    

    Hello Deejay,

    you have some nice blog.
    I have a qeustion. I have a Canon – 60D and I look for a monitor.
    so far i know the 60D put out a 4:3 720 × 480 signal. does that mean that i dont need a treu HD screen? When i buy a 7 or 10inch screen does it matter or will only the borders be bigger?

    excuse me for my english.

    Thanks

    Reply to this comment
13. #
    
    DeSean
    September 2nd, 2012 at 10:34 am
    

    Wow DeeJay dude you are one incredible individual for us budding film makers, because of you I have purchased many items based on your tutorials and I have to say my knowledge is ever so slowly increasing so thank you first of all for your selflessness its rare to find un biased help. I have a thousand questions but I’ll start off with one. I am at a point where I need a light kit to shoot music videos, I have a budget of under a thousand dollars and don’t what to look for if I can get away with under 750 I will have accomplished this under my original budget . Most kits seem to be geared towards photography which is fine because I want to be able to shoot stills but more importantly music videos. Will you please recommend one? Also where can I find a tap for my new Haier video monitor. I don’t want to bugger the thread.

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14. #
    
    Damian
    December 18th, 2012 at 7:50 pm
    

    Hi Deejay,
    I’m leaning toward the Konova slider. Did you ever work out how to adjust the bearings? I’m thinking that 31.5 inches is long enough for films but short enough that I can use one tripod. Do you agree? I really hate that the K3 is $130 more than the K2 and all you’re getting is 1 more bearing and a $5 tool.

    Reply to this comment
    • #
      
      Deejay
      December 18th, 2012 at 8:28 pm
      

      You can take the top plate off the adjust the bearings, but it’s a pain. If you are only using one tripod just make sure it has a wide enough base and can support that much weight. If you look on ebay the K3 sometimes goes on sale. Mine wasn’t much more then the original version.

      Reply to this comment
15. #
    
    Jadefox
    February 18th, 2013 at 10:19 am
    

    Hi, Love the site and all the excellent advise! Thanks. I am looking for an entry level (read inexpensive) shoulder mount system for my 7D. A friend recommended the ePhoto Shoulder Mount Video DSLR Rig Camera Support Rig COUNTER WEIGHT, Follow Focus, Matte Box, Top Handle Kit RL002FMCW (under $200 at Amazon), but it does not appear capable of handling a 7D with a battery grip. In fact, I’m having a hard time finding any reasonably priced shoulder mount systems that will accomodate a battery grip on a 7D. Do you have suggestions? Thanks!

    Reply to this comment
16. #
    
    Paul
    June 11th, 2013 at 6:52 pm
    

    Just want to say great job with your site and tutorials. The movie making learning curve is steep and your advice has helped hugely.

    Keep up the great work and thanks so much!!!

    Reply to this comment
17. #
    
    Matty
    December 17th, 2014 at 1:43 am
    

    Hey DeeJay,

    First off, thanks for making all the awesome videos. You truly rock and your effort is appreciated.

    I was wondering if you sell any of the products that you have reviewed? Like the older stuff that is maybe 2 or 3 generations back.
    If you have anything for sale, please email me. I’m looking around to upgrade my camera.

    Reply to this comment
18. #
    
    Anders Ek
    March 22nd, 2015 at 12:08 pm
    

    Hi Deejay,

    Thanks for a great podcast and a great website.

    I am desperately looking for some camera buying advice. I am looking for something like the 5d mark III or the Sony A7s, but I can’t spend more than about $1000-1400.

    I don’t want any issues with moire and aliasing, I need good performance in low light, raw recording features or a relatively good video codec, and I prefer a full frame sensor. A headphone output, and acceptable audio recording quality from external mics would also come in handy. I don’t mind buying second hand gear, moire filters, and maybe a speed booster (to “emulate” a full frame sensor), as long as I get good results.

    Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.

    Reply to this comment