Help needed: Best solution for bts and run and gun filming?

kalimerasas · September 2, 2018

Hi all,

New to the forum but not to the website, thanks all of you for the valuable info, truly helpful to a photographer who is looking to get a bit more into video!

Let me explain my current situation. I shoot stills with a 5D mark III using mostly my 24-105 F4 or 50mm 1.2. Occasionally I may be asked to create some video content, super low budget and not particularly demanding since my clients are looking for quantity and not quality (when it comes to video).

Because of that, I have explored and used the DJI Ronin M, various custom profiles on my camera such as CineStyle and Marvels and on a couple of occasions ML Raw for personal work.

It looks like I will be having more moving image work coming towards my way, mostly BTS videos of fashion shoots (both in studios and on location) and every now and then, during the BTS I may be asked to produce something half decent for the brands social media accounts.

Initially I thought, OK, I need to buy a new camera and started researching the GH5 and A7s II. At the moment, being a newbie (dont forget that), it looks like the GH5 would cover my needs and is overall a great camera but I am a bit hesitant because it lacks the low light performance of the A7s ii. Don't forget I will be filming exclusively in not controlled environments during someone else's shoot (stills).

At the same time, I started debating between spending several thousands pounds for a new camera, lens(es?), a video head etc and sticking to my 5D Mark III for now and potentially investing on a sub £1000 gimbal (maybe a FeiyuTech A2000?)to get the ball rolling.

ML Raw, as much as I love it I'm not entirely confident with the workflow as i'm new to this and I think it's certainly not a viable option when it comes to run and gun stuff. Custom profiles, bit of grading and a gimbal?

Would you recommend that to someone looking to create bts content? These first jobs will most likely determine if more work will come towards my way so obviously I want to get the best possible results with a reasonable amount of post production.

Having read the above info, what would you suggest?

Thanks a lot in advance!

C