Sleepyhead

Perfect is the brand of LCD View Finder I purchased.

Good to know though.

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.