Kisaha

A turn of the screw, and I am in the market for a cheap tripod to go with my S6 head! I want something relatively light, better with flap mechanisms (no twisty things) and between 100-200euros (I guess). It will be my second or third tripod. Preferably from Europe or ebay (no "exotic" US products, unfortunately!). Any suggestion is welcomed. disclaimer: I am not trying to "conquer" the thread, just felt the two (tripod legs and heads) in that price range are very similar.

If it adds 10 bit, then it will be called FS7 mark II, and will be sold for 9.999$ in B&H! (and it will have e-ND too!) I still haven't figure out completely the J-log procedure, the noise in the shadowy parts are insane. If anyone here cares, it would be super-duper to explain the procedure in detail. Cheers.

Those small full frame bodies with big front heavy Canon/Sony/Nikon full frame lenses are a nightmare. Some times small is good, but sometimes small is bad. Even Panasonic went out of its comfort zone to produce a truly great "pro" camera, this GH5 is BIG (and relatively heavy). More space, bigger batteries, better heat sinks, more buttons, better ergonomics, more reliable - hassle free machine. There will be a Sony dSLR like mirrorless soon-ish, some things are tested through decades, and work for more than one reasons, evolution is good, but evolution is to take the good things and move' em forward. Low light is great, but it isn't a panacea to everything but most people use it as an excuse for cuts in technicians, equipment, procedures. Video is not a lonely sport, it isn't photography. Also, IBIS is not a panacea either!

the good thing is that there is already a cheap macro tube with contacts, maybe it is possible to 3d print one of those and put some elements inside. This is were my mechanical capabilities stop!

I would love a 16mm starting zoom, but the low priced ones start from 18mm. Limited focus breathing and parfocalness are two of the most important advantages of those lenses, it took me a while to learn how to work with photo lenses, and still I am not comfortable with those. The Sigma's seem to not meet the criteria of such a lens, and the 18-35 isn't enough (for me) for an all around cine/eng lens. From what I read in various forums and reviews the Sony isn't on par with the aforementioned lenses in many ways. The previous 18-105 even less so. For EF, the Canon seems to tick most boxes, 18-80 is quite useful and has all the electronic goodies of the new Canon cameras. Yes, it isn't one of the great Canon cine lenses, but it seems alright for 18.000$ less than the next one! The Angenieux is a dream, and can become a full frame lens, but it really exceeds my budget, even the servo motor costs as much as the Fuji(!) I have to stretch to reach the Canon as it is already... Fuji's seems really interesting, lack completely a servo, which is mandatory in my opinion for such a lens (I heard a lot of criticism about the Sony's pz functionality). but it is 2.75f and 18-55, very well made and light, the price is right and all the reviews are loving it. It also has macro functionality, which is great to have for the 1% of the time that you need some macro, and that really counts (weddings, docu work). Despite all those goods0, I read on some forum that recalled the first 60 or something that made, because of a manufacturing fault. Just saying. As it is, for C100/300 the Canon seems the best, and for Sony the Fuji, and I hope for a cheap-o external motor to do the job. As I use more Canon cameras, the Tokina 11-16, or similar cine zoom, the 18-80 and maybe a 135mm prime can be all I need for a long time! Still waiting for the NAB announcements in lenses, and hopefully cameras. I am really considering selling most of my lenses and stuff I have and invest on one of those, I believe that it would be a worthy upgrade.

This is very weird, as I do not comprehend why it happens only in 4K mode and not in everything else? Currently I am not using any of the higher bitrates, as I am not certain how bad the excessive heat is for the sensor, and for what I do I prefer lower Giga bytes and reliability than a bit more of bitrate. Where are you sending the camera for repairs? Do you still have any kind of warranty? I hope for the best.

Those Fotga and Neweer grip systems are very good for most uses. There aren't many things that can fail with those (they just have screws mostly, no mechanisms, no delicate complicacies). I guess everyone has something from Fotga! ..the one and only Mattias, kind off topic, but not much

Why not?! Samyang is starting doing great and innovative (for Samyang!) things, I believe they got some of the Samsung NX engineers, responsible for the great 16-50S 2-2.8f lens, why not to make a 16-XX (just put whatever you want at the long end!) T2.9 one for 4.000$?! My only issue with all these aforementioned lenses is that I use too much the 16-17.99mm focal lengths! The Fuji 18-55 seems like the best deal, and if someone cares for all the electronic advantages on an EF mount, then the Canon 18-80 is one way (even though, the most expensive). The thing is, I seriously missed working with specific for moving image lenses, the benefits can really increase the ease of use and elevate our results greatly. Here, Kai doing absolutely nothing with this beautiful lens!

The Canon 18-80mm https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1246187-REG/canon_1714c002_cn_e_18_80mm_t4_4_compact_servo.html https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/lenses/cinema/compact-servo/compact-servo-18-80mm-t4-4-ef the new Sigma's http://www.sigma-global.com/en/cine-lenses/products/high-speed-zoom/ and the Fuji's http://www.fujifilm.com/products/optical_devices/tv_cine/cine/mk/mk18_55mm/ , are creating a new whole group of lenses. What is your opinion about each of these lenses, and do you see any other players contribute soon to this new fashion (Samyang maybe?)? Are you excited about having those options around (I sure am!)?

Too much for your 10$ flat rate, try make one of paperboard. This is very interesting too, https://nl.aliexpress.com/store/product/Crocodile-shape-super-clamp-with-both-3-8-male-spigots-photo-studio-film-clamp/1293354_32441815186.html?spm=2114.12010612.0.0.9XHokd never know when you are going to need one! Cheers

@tomsemiterrific I agree with 95% of what you said, still considering the IBIS as a panacea to everything, is similar with the attitude of the people considering the low light capabilities of the A7s as a panacea, well, to everything! They are tools, and everyone has different uses (I for once, tripod like 97% of my time, and 2% monopod!), plus, there are amazing zoom lenses these days, and with one, you don't have to carry 4-5 FD ones (I have a small FD collection my self, and Takumars). Also, there is a lot of discussion going on about the resolution of lenses in the new 6K downsampling 4K video, and we are moving already to higher resolutions (Japanese TV broadcasted 8K Olympics from Rio!). Cameras are complicated machines and have many uses, my sweet spot is APS-C, and people with NX and Fuji cameras just buy a Crane stabilizer and consider having an advantage over m43 cameras without having the size and weight of 35mm cameras lenses. There is no an end to this. There is not a ring to rule them all in real life, and no one is cleverer than the rest, just people with different needs and workflows! I am not a friend of 35mm photo cameras, especially these days with the leaps in technology of the smaller sensors, but I understand why people are so excited about cameras such the S. I would be more interested on a better APS-C camera (than the ones we have right now), or a super 35 video camera one, in anyway, GH5 is here, and it is shaping the things to come, but I am not buying it, yet..

NX1 and a6500?

There is one such solution @webrunner5, your mobile phone! First of all the date mentions 31 of March, so no 1st of April(!) and second of all, most of the updates are not much, but every little helps!

Just leave those VG cameras to rest.. Some of my worst experiences ever, there were so many "producers/directors" bringing one in every shooting and asking me to be "productive" with those - hated them, and most were insisting that the sound was incredible (the Sony marketing must be unbelievably effective, then and now) and we didn't need any other sound gathering.. There is a similar little camera (if you do not use the handle, has in built mics in the body as well) and is called JVC LS300, with a m4/3 pancake or even small zoom, you just can't believe how small it is, and is a bit more expensive than a GH5 in USA, plus there will be a firmware update that will do 4:2:2 4K internal and 4K/60p on an Atomos (http://www3.jvckenwood.com/press/2017/gy-ls300ch_v4.html). There is a thread about it here. The camera has a variable sensor and Metabones adapters.

The first of these videos were internal recordings. I do not thing that this camera has 10bit capabilities at all, as it isn't just a firmware/software thingy. At one point (soon), I assume we all be needing 10bit, TV industry pushes it slightly for now. https://www.atomos.com/cameras/jvc-gy-ls300

@webrunner5 If you read the reviews, most of the people have very limited use, or experience with video, or used to have small cheap tripods of no significant value (or performance). Maybe for the G7 and a specific style is sufficient, that is a personal matter, for most people those kind of heads are enough, anyway, with your ENG experience, I am sure you would love something sturdier and with better motion (and load). The only thing I am sure, these kind of heads are not even slightly ok with dSLR cameras (like the 5D) or even EF-S zoom lenses (18-135 anyone?). @Inazuma the difference between tripods are vast, that is why Chinese brands (I have used a lot of those) even though are trying for a lot of years now, can't really match the top performance and reliability of top brands. Try a Sachtler Ace head with your mirrorless camera and I am sure you will appreciate it the differences. It will be cheap to rent one in Manchester! Other things with more expensive tripods ( @jonpais already mentioned some) are the quality of the moving parts, the connections, the general quality of the materials, how well thought and practical are, how they stand through time - ALL the Chinese ones we had E-Image and Secced and some other brands- are now completely broken, or a nightmare to use (same for "cheap"-o Manfrotto ones) while big expensive Cartonis and Sachtler that we used to rent are still operational.

@Inazuma If you don't move the camera, or do not getting paid for your camera movements, even a table is sufficient. If you are getting paid for your camera movements (= the people paying you for those movements, expect certain things), or you make. I am using C100mkII extensively for corporates, and with the 70-200 L is a nightmare to make the right moves, and when there is a whole crew or 5+ people, and the customer(s), missing a shot because of your tripod, isn't acceptable (it is easier to miss something because of the focus, as these lenses aren't very good for video, and people tend to forget this easier). @pablogrollan The prices are EXCLUDING VAT, so in the end it is the same (or worst) in Europe. CVP has some of the best prices in Europe (and soon to have the best prices in England only!). How is this head behaving? It is in my price range. What is your typical setup that you are happy with. I would like something that can REALLY stand a C300mkII and 70-200 (or similar) lens. @kaylee For your camera setup, and I have used it extensively, a Sachtler Ace L (M can do, but L is better in any sense, it even has a light leveling bubble! Crazy that the cheaper M doesn't have this additional 0.1$ cost... ) will be perfect. Actually that is why this series is created. Go test one, the legs are terrible, but the head is amazing. P.S I just saw the head you have. You must be joking, right?!

As this is a A7Sii thread, it is appropriate to mention that CVP's mailing list just send a 400pounds reduction on A7Sii and A7Rii cameras. This is a huge reduction in any sense, and a lot of people in UK (or Europe, or wherever this discount applies) will pause for a minute. There is an 300$ offer in B&H also (prices of Asian products in Europe are crazy expensive). Is this the GH5 effect, a A7S(R) iii or something else? http://cvp.com/index.php?t=category/a7pricedropap17&utm_source=mailshot&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=email

Thank you. For the J-log, you follow the JVC's instructions? (put on Premiere, adjust image as to be inside 0-100, and then apply the log?) and when you say "expose very little to the right" you mean over expose? because we tend to under expose a bit. Sorry for the questions, but there aren't many JVC owners on the forums to talk about it!

@Philip Lipetz In my country (where everything is more expensive than the average European or N. American country) the LS300 is 2958euros, and B+H with the rebate is(was?) almost 2460$, while GH5 isn't here yet, and with the XLR thing, ND filters, and the such, will be more expensive than the LS300, and the LS is a true camcorder, while other similar solutions go north of 5000euros. Also, they add 4:2:2 4K/30p on the card, which is enough for most I guess. I believe it to be the best value for camera video camera. Is it perfect? of course not, but if a Canon C100mkIII had the same specs and features, would have at least double the LSs price. If I remember correctly you do record performances? Imagine 2-3 such cameras, with the same settings and accessories, would be perfect for someone doing such work. A dSLR/mirrorless has a lot of video handicaps, even the amazing new GH5, I am reading that battery times are halved, from GH4, and what I liked in GH4 (and my NX1) is the great battery life for a mirrorless camera. For the cost of one FS5 you get 2 cameras that do the job (plus the offer a shotgun mic in the package! which is quite bad..but still, unlike Ursa, you have everything to start recording immediately). @Alt Shoo Do you own one? do you know anything about the J-log post production? Edit: Just to be 100% fair and precise the slow motion function of this camera is almost a joke, that is 100% the most annoying thing and needed fixing as I can't see myself needing that 4K/60p anytime soon, while the heavy crop of the slow motion renders it unusable. For simple 100frames we are using my NX1, and for more we are renting FS700s, which are very cheap to rent right now. I wish the new update has done something for this issue too.

Hoorey! even though still I haven't found a productive way to use J-log (there is huge amount of noise in the "shadow" parts), this little cam is amazing for the price! We strongly consider buying a second one for our production company.

@Snowfun As I said, I agree, and I mentioned that tripod systems has to be very very expensive, I also propose the Sachtler Ace series that starts from 550euros, much more manageable than tripod systems 5 times the price. Budgets though, can be really tough, we do not know the people here, and when someone sets a "hard budget", then he must have his reasons. For most people in the world (I know, our world isn't a fair place!), 1000$ can be a whole family budget for half a year. And, to be pragmatic and precise, he has a GH4, if he is not planning to buy a FS7 or C300mkII soon, a Benro S6 or Sachtler Ace M will be fine for many years to come. If he finds the budget to buy the FS7ii or Ursa Mini Pro, then he would be able to reconsider then, and spend the 2500-3000 euros for a better one, because 1500$ right now, won't be sufficient for a much heavier load, it is kinda a dead man's land. How's the Air by the way? Which model? It is in my list, but I said, I had bad experience with very expensive Miller's before, and I am a bit reluctant. @pekoo I am not very familiar with the cheap Manfrottos these days, usually for similar prices, I found the Benro's a bit better, and that is why when I was choosing my head, I went for the S6 (S7 wasn't out yet, I would have gone with that). Someone with better knowledge of Manfrotto products can be more helpful. I will seriously tell you to consider one of the cheap Sachtler's if possible, the head is really good for it's price. Libec has some interesting low budget options as well. http://cvp.com/index.php?t=category//tripods+||26+support//libec///price/asc////

@funkyou86 I meant the lights tripods (at the right there is one quite visible), not the camera's! and I was wondering about the LED panels, as they seem to be quite efficient (I see that there are relatively far and away from your subject). It must be really a challenge to match so different cameras on post. 50GB for 75minutes isn't bad at all.. Thanks for the info.

@funkyou86 What were the other cameras+lenses? How many GB were each interview (for how much recorded time approximately). You have some quite big tripods there, what lights did you use? Thanks

@Fritz Pierre I agree with you and please take no offense, but the guy said he has a 200-250euros budget for the whole system (tripod+head), and even though it is a very nice Miller head, it is 1400$, and in Europe, we do not have bargains like you in North America or Asia, the euro is very hard, and can't bend well (or at all), especially with imported equipment (Miller is Australian). I already stretched his budget with the S6 (it can be found for around 150-170euros new, with a little luck,+100-150euros for Benro legs) but 1400$ (even 700$+shipping, which is highly unlikely) is not a stretch, that is an unexpected turn of events, for his wallet! If one stretch his budget these days, are buying Sachtler Ace tripod systems, they start from well under 600euros (and 100 more for the L version) http://cvp.com/index.php?t=product/sachtler_ace-tripod-floor_system and it will be perfect for a small cam corder, mirrorless, dSLR, JVC LS300, Canon C100 and a few extras. When people are buying cameras (like everything in life) have to consider the whole costs, maybe someone can stretch a Canon C300markII, but all the accessories have to be better, bigger, more expensive than a Canon C100. I can afford buying a big-ish SUV, but I couldn't afford taxes/insurance/maintenance costs etc. Same logic applies to everything (houses, cars, pets, kids, photo, video). Which head you bought by the way, as I am in the market for something similar. A system between 2000-3000euros that can hold C300mkII type cameras (even barely). It isn't easy, it seems that for the upper tier of cameras you have to exceed 3000euros these days. I am looking at Sachtler, Miller (even though I have some very bad experiences with 3 of their tripods, one we send it back as it was fallen apart as soon as bought, while shooting with the newly bought C300 back then) and Cartoni.