John Burton

I think it all depends on what sort of event you're shooting. If it's a wedding, I know some videographers will use a small LED panel when shooting the reception--but this is VERY UGLY. Looks like you've mounted a GoPro to a cop's headlamp. Plus, it disturbs the guests and pisses off the client. I'm with the previous posters who've suggested prying your aperture as wide as it'll go, upping the ISO to just-usable levels, and (if you absolutely have to), bumping down your shutter speed a hair. If you don't have a fast lens yet, try buying old Canon FD lenses ($50 on Ebay for a 50mm f1.4, then $30 for a decent adapter). As concerns sound recording: The Rode Videomic Pro is a good solution if you want to record into your camera. If not, the Tascam DR-60D is rig-mountable, and a freakin' beast in the built-in preamp department. If you need to put a lav mic on the groom or officiant (assuming it's a wedding we're talking about), GO CHEAP on the mic itself (google "best cheap lav mic"). Seriously, I have bought a chinese lav for $.99 on Ebay--that's a dollar, folks--and it sounds great. Wouldn't use it to shoot THE TITANTIC, but for a wedding, she'll do just fine. A wireless transmitter/receiver set will cost an arm and a leg for usable quality, so I'd buy a Zoom H1 (or just use your phone with the Rode Record app) and slip it into the groom's pocket. Speaking of the H1, it's a great tool for sampling from the DJ's soundboard. Just make sure you have 1/4'' and AV adapters handy! As concerns rig: Amazon sells a basic Neewer rig for $88. No follow focus, no matte box, but plenty of mounting points. For a follow focus, Hondo Garage's $50 Follow Focus Pro (which is really $85, go figure) is a great option. Just know: it won't work with the canon 50mm 1.8! You'll want a couple 50mm clamps and mounts, which can be found on B&H for $100+, or on Ebay for as little as $2. Your call. One last tip: You can power most Canon DSLRs with a dummy battery and the OXA Metal Box S1 (on Amazon for $36). Quadruples the battery life. Incidentally, the OXA will simultaneously power the Tascam preamp/recorder I mentioned earlier (though I wouldn't hold out much hope for powering a ring light). I velcro that bad boy to the shoulder mount on my Neewer rig. Perfect. Hope that helps!