Equipment suggestions

[Montrealer]

Hey guys,
I'm putting together a wish list for some new equipment in a foreign bureau and thought I would pick your brains about a couple of things.
First thing is a small portable versatile light kit for interviews. The one I'm leaning towards is the Rifa Pro66 kit. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. Would love something with a soft light and two focus-able spots if you know of any that come in a compact case.
Also, looking for a small inconspicuous second camera that doesn't raise attention in certain delicate situations but shoots and handles well. Even less conspicuous than an EX1. Something that would not look odd in the hands of your average tourist if you know what I mean.
I'll leave it at that for now but I'm sure I'll have a few more questions as I work further on this list.

[zac love]

Look at the JVC HM150 or Canon XA10. Both of those cameras can be stripped down & they'll look like consumer cameras. Panasonic & Sony might have variations of similar cameras.

I'd lean toward the JVC as it has some more toggle switches & such. But the Canon XF100 or XF105, might be small enough too & then you'll get 4:2:2.

---

For lights, I do like Lowel. They're small, cheap & work well for the money. I know a lot of people who dislike Lowel, but to each their own. I've had some problems with Omni lights blowing bulbs when attached to live truck generators & the Lowel Pro light is super small, but sometimes it is hard to tighten it down so it doesn't tip forward.

Arri is the go to hard lights for the much nicer look of Fresnel lenses. 150 are small & compact, 300 isn't too much larger, 650 is a work horse & I know some people love the 1k for softboxes. Though I think a Lowel Tota in a softbox is a better course of action for the size of it all.

Also check out "Cool Lights," cheaper made than Arri lights, but they have some hard lights, HMI, "budget / fake HMI," fluorescent & LED fixtures. Plus a good blog is attached & the main guy behind it all is good at answering questions.

[Montrealer]

Thanks for your input Zac. After looking into those cameras, the Canon XA10 sounds like exactly what I'm looking for as an "amateur" camera.
Anybody else know of other lights that come in small kits similar to Lowels?
Also...what is the smallest, lightest tripod that is able to handle a full size camera without compromising quality or function? I'm used to pro Millers, Sachtlers, etc but was wondering if anybody had knowledge of smaller more portable set of sticks that could handle the weight of a big rig yet be more convenient for travel and long walks?

[cyndygreen]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...um_Tripod.html

I have one of these for my lightweight Panasonic HMC150. Light and very portable but sets up quickly with half ball head. Smooth pan...tilt can sometimes be problematic.

[zac love]

How big of a rig? Sachtler Ace looks interesting to me for lighter cameras.

Otherwise, I've been pleased with Manfrotto 535 carbon fiber legs & a Vinten 3AS head. You could get a Vision Blue if the rig is a little lighter, or 5AS if a little heavier. Or Sachtler's FSB line I think are some good heads for the weight ranges.

Though I really wouldn't want to put a 20lb camera on a 75mm bowl. Something that heavy & I'd like a 100mm bowl.

[Montrealer]

It is for a full sized camera. Sony PDW700, PMW500 or PMW350 to be exact. There will be a very good pro tripod...probably an Arrow 40 Sprinter II 2-Stage Carbon Fibre. But I was wondering if any of the very small tripods out today could theoretical be used in situations where you can not possibly be expected to lug around sticks. Something you could sling on your back. I know these smaller tripods are not made for large cameras but when you're in a situation where any tripod would be better than none at all, does anyone know of one that will at least stand up to the weight of the camera and allow you to use it somewhat effectively. I also realize that going this route means never leaving the camera unattended on them. Used almost like a monopod would...see the shot, grab the little sticks, set up, get the shot and that's it. That's basically the idea.

[zac love]

Sachtler FSB-8 is rated for cameras about 2lbs to 20lb via ten steps of counter balance. There are plenty of light weight 75mm legs. Like I said, I like the Manfrotto 535, the 536 legs are a little heavier, but can take 75mm or 100mm bowls.

If you can do a demo, test it out & see if one of these smaller tripods can do the job.

[Montrealer]

Thanks Zac...I'm going to try out some 75mm bowls and see how they perform.
Next question on my list...I'm looking for a good and small (7") LCD field monitor that has an SDI input and takes v-mount batteries. Any suggestions?

[Focused]

I have a tvlogic and a marshall that both fit the bill. The logic is the better of the two as reflected in the price.

There are a lot of choices today. If you dont need diagostnics its hard to go wrong.

[Cameradude]

In todays world, I would go with LED or florescent lights. You can plug a LOT of light in on one breaker without worrying about tripping a breaker. They are a LOT cooler also, and the bulbs last forever.

I'm a bit spoiled, because I roll up with a four light florescent kit, two LED's, pattern projectors, and a six piece tungsten kit. It's not exactly designed for a one man band.

If I had to cut it down I would have a florescent/LED's for a key, a reflector for a fill, a small 150 watt tungsten for a hair light, and a pattern projector (I call it the crutch light!!) for the background. This will fit in a Pelican 1650 with some extension cords and a couple of dimmers.

[Montrealer]

Thanks for the input Cameradude. I was thinking of maybe going a similar route. The pelican 1650 is a great case and am definitely going to look at it and the lighting combinations it can carry.

[wtv]

Check out Dedolights, small, powerful, dimmable, lots of patterns, etc, etc....... love them.

[dazapper]

Originally Posted by Montrealer

Also, looking for a small inconspicuous second camera that doesn't raise attention in certain delicate situations but shoots and handles well. Even less conspicuous than an EX1. Something that would not look odd in the hands of your average tourist if you know what I mean.

More and more clients are asking for video from DSLRs, I used mine three time on high end broadcast shoots last week. I have the Nikon D4, it's a bit pricy ($6K) but it's been awesome and it not only shoots great video, but it creates instant .mov timelapses as well. As with every still camera purchased over the years, I stick gaff tape over the camera brand name and model number to make it look cheap so it doesn't draw attention to itself and become attractive to sticky fingers. These cameras are becoming more the norm for use as seconds on shoots, and they are certainly less conspicuous than video cameras. All and all the D4 has been a worthwhile addition to the kit and I get to utilize all the Nikkor lenses I've been carrying for the last 30 years.