Daniel Schulz

Hey guys, I had to decide between posting it in "DSLR", "Lens and Accessories", or "Camera Operating". I decided to post it here, because I do not primarily focus on DSLR cameras, nor do I look for consulting on which lens to buy (though you can share our experiences and suggestions, pimarily about Canon lenses). I'm considering to buy a new lens for my Canon T3i. I have right now 2 lenses. One with and one without IS and I have to say that I appreciate the IS a lot. I can shoot with 35 or even 50 mm (on crop) without nocticeable shakings. Now I want to buy a new lens but my desire to have IS reduces the number of possibilities a lot. Without IS would be much easier to decide. So I would like to know how important it is for you guys. Do you fix shackings in post? Or you always use tripods? Or have magic hands without slightest shackes even with some zoom in it? Or use other gear what actualy helps a lot? I also film sometimes documentaries or other things, where I do not have the time to set up my tripod. I anyway don't like Tripods too much, because I am less flexible in my camera movements compared to handheld. I just would like to know your opinion, struggles and experiences with handheld shooting and whether you recommend too look specificly for a IS lens or not. Thanks, Daniel

Canon 50mm f1,8 II Tiffen 77mm Variable ND-Filter (or any other one but that one is good and not too expensive) Check the internet to find out why you want to have them.

No, because Camcorders are too much consumerlike. You would most probably not learn how to set your exposure, shutter speed, ISO, focus etc. Have you ever compared the video look of a DSLR and a camcorder? If you want to do run and gun, go for a camcorder. If you want to learn how cameras work and want to have the possibility of very decent and professional looking footage, go for a DSLR. Remember that your aims was "I plan on experiencing with video camera and shooting short films and gain experience". Of course you can make videos with Camcorders. I also did it a few times. But I didn't learn much through it. I learned everything through DSLRs and professional Cameras. I say it once again. Go on the web and get information about video shooting. Then you will see very soon why we all suggest a DSLR.

Salah, you remind me on myself a year ago. With the slight difference, that I never asked anywhere for help but simply went in the internet, googled for "video DLSR" and read and read and read. I opened one link, read it and got offered 5 more. And read them and so on. Half of my time I spent on amazon. Not to buy stuff, but to read what the people say about the product. That was so helpful. One thing I learned is, that if you want to make it in this industry, you really have to go for it and put all your effort in it. Part of that is not to ask "what should I buy" but to go on the internet and inform yourself as much and deep as possible and then make your own choices. Of course it's good to get help but if you are not able to get to know all the accesiour that is out there by your own, then I doubt you will make it anywhere. Search on youtube for the channel "VnadV". "South - A Short Film" is what I did when I had no idea how a DSLR works. It's bad, I know. "East - A Short Film" is what I did a few months later when I had at least some knowledge and "Stutong Park" was a little project I did a few weeks ago in morning spontainiously with my girlfriend. I did a lot more projects for other people and organisations. So far I haven't earned a cent but it was worth the experience. I'll tell you what I bought but like I said before: Go, and get as much knowledge as you can by yourself. Read about the different lenses. What they can, what problems they have and so on. I bought: Canon Rebel T3i Canon 50mm, f 1,8 II Canon 18-135mm f3,5-5,6 IS STM Camerastrip Lens bags Tiffen variable ND-Filter 77mm (+Step up Rings) Rode VideoMicPro Cheap but big (and not at all fluid) Tripod (will be replaced by a manfrotto soon) I bought it in the order I wrote it down. I borrow tripods before I finally got my own. All together I spend around 1500 USD. But some of the stuff I bought in Hong Kong, were it is much cheaper. If you really can not effort all this, choose the kit lens instad of the 18-135. You anyway don't really need more then 55mm for filming, because it's a crop camera. If you still have to save more then wait with the microphone. You can use the build in. The video quality won't be as good but it won't hinder you from learning. Of course you also dont need to have Camerastrip and lens bags but it makes it much more convinient. Sorry for grammar mistakes, I'm a German.