Putting together a new rig for shooting hand-held video for a project. Hello S1 with the V-Log update.

I've recently started off on a few video projects which, because of the current state of the world, require me to be a one person video acquisition team. That's okay because I like everyone on my team, so far.  At any rate I needed to put together a shooting solution for video that would give me the quality I want in 4K but still be handhold-able and manageable when shooting on my own.

The final piece of my simple "puzzle" arrived yesterday and I was able to put everything together and test it this afternoon. Right after I photograph a physician in the studio (it went very well. Thank you).

While I'm still smitten with the Sigma fp as an all-around, hybrid camera I have to admit that I really need the multiple image stabilization capabilities offered by the S1 when used in tandem with the Lumix 24-105mm lens for good hand held work. That puts the Sigma fp out of the running for work that happens with me posing as the tripod but it stays in the fold for all the times I can use a tripod or monopod.

My hand held video intensive rig includes:

The Lumix S1 camera augmented by the V-Log upgrade which gives me 10 bit 4:2:2 4K recording in camera at 150 mb/s..

The Lumix 24-105mm f4.0 lens which upgrades the overall performance of the system by adding dual-I.S. to the mix. It makes holding the camera still much easier. It's more than sharp enough for video, even when used wide open. I wish it had the sliding manual focus ring which has hard stops but I can live without it for most run and gun work. It's a great range of focal lengths for video!

I'm using the Panasonic DXW-XLR1 audio interface in the hot shoe of the camera. This allows me to take advantage of any microphone that uses a balanced output into an XLR cable while putting all the necessary controls within easy reach. It's also a great pre-amp and provides phantom power to microphones that need it.

I go back and forth on types of microphones but if I don't have an assistant and I need to move quickly I'm currently sticking with shotgun style microphones. Pre-Covid19 I'd usually put a lav microphone on my subjects but...social distancing and contamination control makes that risky. I have two different shotgun style microphones I like, for various reasons. One is the original Aputure Deity which has a clean and analytic sound quality. I really like it when the situation is just right. It does require phantom power.

The other microphone is the Rode NTG4+ which is a convenient microphone since it has a built-in power source, low cut filters, and a minus 10 Db attenuator. The sound is a bit smoother and has less "personality" than the Aputure Diety.

I choose the one I'll be taking into the field on any particular day by: A. Seeing if the Rode Mic's battery is charged, and B. By flipping a coin.

Not shown but used anytime we go outside to shoot video is the Zomei variable ND filter. The company makes inexpensive products but they seem to hold up well and are optically very good for video. The lens in this scenario takes a 77mm filter...

Finally, the accessory that holds everything together is the SmallRig cage made for the S1 camera. It provides a stable platform for everything and gives me more connection points for mounting the microphones and, if desired, mounting an external monitor to the assemblage. I like cages because they provide quick solutions for mounting problems.

I'm working on several video projects that have long time lines. A mix of interviews and b-roll. Subject matters as diverse as "Love in the time of Pandemic" and "The LifeLong pursuit of Swimming."

Good to get the tools sorted so you can forget about them and focus on shooting. Hope everyone is having a great day. Drop a note. Say, "hello." Checking for a collective pulse...

What I learned yesterday on my first portrait session since lockdown: 

1. Have your client call from their car when they arrive so you can open the door for them into the space. Doorknobs are a much used touch point.

2. Designate a flat, smooth surface near the door as a place for your client to put car keys, cell phone, pocket junk, etc. So you can "inventory" which spaces were used and possibly contaminated. Then you'll know exactly where to wipe down afterwards.

3. A 90mm lens is sometimes too short to effectively fill the frame and provide the tight cropping you might want while maintaining an appropriate photographer-to-subject distance.. Better to use a 70-200mm lens around its 135mm focal length to keep the social distancing safe.

4. Have a designated C-Stand for hanging additional wardrobe that the client might bring. Again, only one point of possible contamination to wipe down.

5. In your restroom facility be sure to have disinfectant wipes on the counter in case the client wants to wipe down a surface before use. Instead of cloth towels provide a stack of paper towels for hand drying.
Put your trash can adjacent to the door so the client can use the paper towel to operate the door knob for exiting and then toss the towel into the trash. Use a trash can with a foot activated opening mechanism so the lid automatically closes.

6. Wipe down with Chlorox wipes any contact surface used by the client. That would include, in my studio, the posing stool. Re-sanitize restroom if used by client.

7. Invite client to apply readily available hand sanitizer on entry and on exit. You do the same.

8. Try to limit sessions to 20 minutes or less.

9. Before the client arrives and after the client leaves open available windows to allow in fresh air and to dilute any airborne pathogens.

10. Use an air conditioner that can pull in fresh air instead of continually recycling interior air.

11. Wipe down camera, lens and tripod with alcohol after the session.

12. Remember to smile under your mask and also to have fun.

Finally, consider raising your usual rates by a good margin to compensate yourself fairly for all the additional work that's required.

Our session went smoothly yesterday. The doctor was a good source of detailed information. Oh, and everyone liked the photos.