The Ultimate Indi Setup
Over the last few months I've been using my gear for the youtube show "The Partners Project," hosted by Shira Lazar. If you haven't heard of the show check it out here. It's basically a talk show that interviews all the youtube successes and discussing how they've made it big on youtube along with some behind the scenes info on who these people are and what they do. Check it out, it's awesome.
On the show we use a pretty basic DSLR setup that revolves around the 5D mkii. I've decided to take some time to list all the gear I use and that is used on the show for people who are interested.
So here it is. This should be everything you need to start your own show or shoot your own Films.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II 21.1MP Full Frame CMOS Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
This is the ultimate DSLR camera. You'll get better grain control in lower light then you will with other canon camera's except maybe the 1Ds series. It won't shot slow motion though. A lot of guys are using the 7D and 60D. If your going for image quality go for the 5D mkii. If you want a cheaper camera that won't do as well in low light but will still look good and give you 720p slomo then the 7D, 60D, T2i, and T3i will be your choice. I recommend the 60D or T3i out of those.
(5D tip: Shot at either a 320 or 640 ISO. Turn on highlight tone priority and use the neutral color preset with contrast and sat turned down a few clicks)
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Standard Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
This is the most professionally used canon lens. It really makes all the difference, more so then the camera. I highly recommend a good lens because it will not depreciate in value and will last you years. If you think this lens is too expensive and are going to buy the 5D with a cheaper lens. I'd recommend still getting this lens but getting a cheaper camera body instead.
SanDisk Extreme - Flash memory card - 32 GB - 400x - CompactFlash
Flash card. It's big, fast and reliable. Just like I like it.
Zoom H4n Handy Portable Digital Recorder
This is a really cool recorder. Tons of features and settings, and great quality. Best bang for the buck as far as recorders go. It will even tune your guitar!
VariZoom Adjustable Swivel Shoe Mount, Accessory Shoe To 1/4x20 Thread for Mounting Video Monitors
I use this to mount the recorder to the top of my camera sometimes.
Tiffen 77mm UV Protection Filter
Never shoot without a UV Protector. You'll keep your lens safe from scratches or accidence. Plus it cuts out UV light which will reduce haze.
Tiffen 77mm Neutral Density 0.9 Filter
For photography this really isn't needed unless you want to do long exposures during the day. For filming you'll want it for bright days so you can still shoot at a 1/48 with a reasonable aperture. Should be able to put you around the f/5.6 range on a bight summer day depending on your ISO and shutter.
Tiffen 77mm Circular Polarizer
You'll want this for shooting outdoors, period. It will kill a lot of reflections and make your colors and the sky pop. Stay away from Linear Polarizer filters because you camera will have trouble focusing through them.
Lowepro Fastpack 250 Backpack Digital SLR Camera Case
Great backpack I love. If you have a lot of lenses and flashes get the bigger one. I can fit everything listed above comfortably in mine. This one comes with a cleaning kit.
Slik Compact Alloy Travel Tripod with 3-Way Pan Head
This is a photo tripod. You won't be able to pan with this very well with this. I use it because I do more photography then video. But it's light weight and compact. Great for run and gun type shooting. I love it. If you want a tripod that's more for every day video needs, get something with a fluid head.
Flashpoint 32 reflector
This is a two sided reflector. Don't go without one, and don't get ripped of by your local camera store. Get it on amazon. It will save you in so many situations. The cool thing about this reflector is that it will fit in the lap top pouch of the Lowepro FastPack 250 with a lap top inside.
Cowboystudio 3 Photography Video Photo Portrait Studio Umbrella Continuous Lighting Kit
This is a great little lighting kit for the price. I use it for photography and for video. For anything other then interviews or portraits you might want to buy some more powerful bulbs, but they really are great little beater lights that you don't have to care about.
Satechi TR-A Timer Remote Control Shutter
Don't forget a Timer Remote if you plan on doing any time-lapse. I use this one, it feels very solid and so far has been good. Better then the other cheap models out there.
This should all pretty much get you started. It's the ultimate indi setup and is everything I use for video, and a lot of what I use for photography. I don't regret any of my purchases. I love everything listed above and use it all the time.
