Hello all,
I am new here and am looking for some help from experienced videographers. I have experience shooting stills for about 3-4 years now, but this year I have started doing a lot of video work and had surprising success. It started with a friend wanting me to shoot a wedding video for her and now it has turned into an almost every weekend gig. I think that with more practice/learning It could develop into a full time profession that I love. I need help with budgeting money and getting your advice on what equipment I should most intelligently choose to purchase/upgrade. I'll start by telling you what I currently own and I would like input on what my next step should be and why. I will give a budget that I am looking to spend.
Currently own:
Canon 5D Mark II (With Perfect LCDVF)
Canon T1i w/ kit lens (I am going to sell this and put money towards new body)
Manfrotto 561BHDV-1 Monopod
Canon 50mm 1.4
Canon 50mm 1.8
Rode Videomic
Zoom H1
I also have access to use Canon 70-200mm f/ 2.8, and Canon 16-35mm f/ 2.8. Everything else I rent.
What I am thinking about purchasing:
Canon 60D
Canon 7D
Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera
Panasonic Lumix GH2 (for hack)
Panasonic Lumix GH3
What it will be used for:
Wedding Highlight Reels
Music Videos
Short EPK work for Musicians
A documentary about my hometown starting next summer
What I need from my new upgrade:
60 fps (preferrably @ 1080p)
Very sharp IQ (I can get lowlight and DOF out of my 5D Mark II)
Easy profile for grading in post (This is what I need most help on, my grading skills)
Budget: $1500
I know lighting/location/style have alot to do with it, but which sensor of the 5 listed above gives the most cinematic look? BMPCC? I have been extremely impressed with what I have seen out of the GH series.
Keep in mind Lenses and Rigs will be a priority too. I can continue renting lenses if I go for a more expensive body, or I could get a used GH2 and buy good cinema glass.
So if it were your decision and you needed a second body used PRIMARILY for video. How would you use your money?
Thanks and looking forward to hearing from this community.