I was in Chicago a couple of weeks ago and stopped by
Zacuto.
Zacuto is a business that has made outfitting DSLR cameras for video a specialty. They have cleverly engineered an assortment of their party add-ons that take these cameras to a higher level. They have also provided solutions to overcome some of these cameras shortcomings. Depending on the genre you are working in, documentary work, corporate, indie films or photojournalism will ultimately determine which way you’ll need to “trick” these cameras out.
I was looking for products that were designed to help with camera stability, focus aids and audio when using the
Canon 5D or
7D which I will soon be purchasing. My motivation for buying these cameras wasn’t because I was moving to video for the first time, because I’ve been shooting video for 11 years and already have a high-end HD camera – the
Sony EX-1. The main reason that I will be buying these hybrid cameras is that I am undertaking a
global project where I will be shooting both still images and video where I will literally be traveling around the world for a three month period and I can only bring what I can carry on my back. So taking two camera systems was out of the question.
I tested quite a few items at Zacuto but finally settled on the following solutions. For my audio needs I will use my existing
Sennheiser shot gun mic and lav/transmitter/receiver kit. But I decided to capture my audio independently using the
Samson H4 Zoom digital audio recorder and will sync it later in post. I also opted for the
EZ-Finder that is an eyepiece that snaps on over the monitor. This not only makes it easier to focus in the sunlight, but provides a point of stabilization as well. Speaking of stabilization, I have also opted for the
DSLR Sharp Shooter rig that comes with a shoulder mount, Zgrip Z-mount and mini baseplate with quick release adaptor. I supplemented that rig with a FLEX-DSLR remote trigger and a 3.4 counterbalance weight.
I’m glad that I personally visited Zacuto and tried out the rig – fitted to me. It felt right and fit with the way I am accustomed to shooting. A hybrid solution that bridges the still photo and video worlds. I’ll need a lighter weight tripod and am hoping to keep my
Manfrotto fluid head. I’ll need to purchase a backup
MacBook Pro and portable hard drives because my workflow will be tapeless and therefore redundant.
That’s going to be a lot of gear on my back. Guess I’ll be packing light when it comes to my personal needs.