My Canon EOS 60D HDSLR Starter Video Gear

By SimplyNess On April 5, 2011 · 5 Comments

Canon EOS 60D with a Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Lens, Audio Technica ATR-6550 and a Zoom H2 Stereo Recorder

As you may have known, I just recently bought a Canon EOS 60D and because of it’s Video Feature I’m starting to learn the ins and outs of HDSLR Video Making. Here is a list of some of the gear I have for starting cheap with Video DSLR.

The Camera

Canon EOS 60D 18 MP (Body Only) : Sporting a 18mp Digic IV processor from Canon, the same processor that is used in the Canon 7D, T2i and the new T3i. It’s the first in the Canon line of DSLR to have a Vari-angle 3.0 inch clear view lcd monitor, has improved ISO capabilities from 100-6400 expandable to 12800. THe 60d also features the ability to control manual sound input which isn’t not found in the 7d. It supports 30 fps and 24fps video shooting both at 1920x1080p aside from the usual 1280×720(60), 640×480(60) and crop modes.
Available from :
Amazon
Adorama

The Lens
Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR ZL Di LD Aspherical (IF) for Canon: This ground-breaking high-speed mid-range zoom is prized by pros and serious shooters for its fast F/2.8 constant aperture, evenness of illumination, and its outstanding imaging performance, and by all photographers for its compact size and reasonable weight that make it feel like an ordinary standard zoom. These admirable characteristics have been achieved by the use of special XR and LD glass, the efficient use of aspherical elements, and non-rotating internal-focus (IF) design. This remarkable zoom lens also focuses down to 0.33m (13”) (1:3.9 magnification) at all focal lengths for satisfying close-up performance and is compatible with APS-C and full-frame-format SLRs. Not surprisingly it is widely acclaimed as a classic.
The most compact and lightest in the history of fast zoom lenses. Thanks to the revolutionary downsizing “XR” technology employed by Tamron in the development of high-power zoom lenses such as the 28-200mm and 28-300mm, the dramatic compactness that makes this lens the world’s smallest and lightest is achieved. Its compactness makes it look and feel like an ordinary standard zoom lens, yet the versatility that a fast constant maximum aperture offers will definitely reshape your photographic horizons.

Available from:
Amazon
Adorama
Now with a $25 rebate until 4/30/11

The External Shotgun Microphone

Audio Technica ATR-6550 Video Camera Condenser Shotgun Microphone. It has a much better capability than the Canon 60d’s built-in microphone. Designed especially for use with video cameras, this condenser shotgun mic features a switchable polar pattern for effectively capturing nearby or distant sound sources. Get crisp and intelligible pickup in the studio or in the field.
Available from :
Amazon
Adorama

The Stereo Recorder

Zoom H2 Handy Portable Stereo Recorder: provides brilliant stereo recording in an easy-to-use, ultra-portable device. Use for seminars and conferences, electronic news gathering (ENG) and podcasting, to musical performances, songwriting sessions and rehearsals, the H2 provides amazing recording quality. And no matter what kind of music you perform or the instrument you play, the H2 can effortlessly record it in high-quality stereo. The H2 is the only portable recorder with 4 mic capsules on-board for 360° recording. With 4 mic capsules in a W-X/Y configuration, the audio is decoded instantly, bringing these four signals together for unparalleled stereo imaging.

But the H2 doesn’t stop there. For maximum flexibility, you can record from the front of the H2 in a 90° pickup pattern or the rear of the H2 in a 120° pickup pattern at up to 96 kHz/24-bit resolution as a WAV file, or as an MP3 file at bitrates up to 320 kbps. Additionally, you can record in a 360° pickup pattern at up to 48kHz/24-bit resolution which will allow you to convert your recordings to 5.1 Surround.

Available from :
Amazon
Adorama

The Grip
BARSKA Accu Grip Handheld Tripod SystemThe Barska Accu Grip Handheld Tripod System is a convenient way to shoot stable pictures with your camera. Now you won’t have to take another blurry shot. Easily mounted to any camera, the handheld tripod system’s non-slip finish provides a sturdy grip along with a greater range of motion. The Accu Grip can be mounted to a tripod for additional extension and grip. It is even compatible with spotting scopes and binoculars that are tripod adaptable.
Available from:
Amazon
Adorama

High Capacity Memory Cards

Transcend 8 GB Class 10 SDHC Flash Memory Card TS8GSDHC10EI’m testing this new cards from Trascends, I bought three 8gb and 1 16gb Class 10 SDHC cards. The cards are seem to be well made and realiable, and best of all, pretty cheap, compare to those Sandisk Extreme III cards that I have. I’ll give it a month or two and if they don’t fail on me I getting two more 16gb cards.

Fully Class 10 compliant, the card features fast data transfer speeds (guaranteed minimum write speed of 15MB/s) and satisfies the high-capacity demands of today’s new SDHC devices such as high-end digital cameras or digital camcorders. You can store your entire music or picture collections, video clips, or even complete full-length high quality movies. Transcend’s SDHC card also includes special features such as a mechanical write protection switch that keeps your important data safe from accidental deletion or over-writing.
Available from:
Transcend 8 GB Class 10 SDHC Flash Memory Card TS8GSDHC10E
Adorama

Additional Support and Accessory Bracket

Cowboystudio Heavy duty Photography Video L bracket with 2 Standard Flash hot Shoe MountsI used this L bracket for additional support and as a accessory bracket. I position it on my left side and use it to mount the external microphone and since there are 2 standard flash hot shoe mounts I can also attached a audio recorder or some other accessory.
Available from :
Amazon

1/4″ Mount Adapter
Marshall V-LCD-MT Monitor Adapter 1/4″ Mount Adapter To Video Camcorder Hot Shoe For LCD Monitors: The V-LCD-MT allows you to attach additional devices to your hot shoe or the accessory bracket. This is what I use to mount the Zoom H2 on the L- Bracket.

Available from :
Amazon
Adorama

My Monopod
Manfrotto 680B Monopod (4-SCTN) – Replaces 680 (Black) Four section Monopod featuring sure rubber grip, wrist carrying strap, quick action lever leg lock system with 45° run, large 60 mm camera/head platform with plastic cover and dual 1/4” – 3/8” camera fixing screw. I’ve had this monopod for a while now but I haven’t really used it that much, but now that I’m starting to shoot more video, I’m starting to appreciate it more and more.
Available from :
Manfrotto 680B Monopod (4-SCTN) – Replaces 680 (Black)
Adorama

Variable Neutral Density Filter
The Light Craft Workshop Fader ND mark II Variable Neutral Density Filter is the latest addition to my video arsenal. This offers an adjustable 2 to 8 stops of density. With this filter, now I can use a wide open aperture for a really sweet background bokeh and or a slower shutter in midday if I needed to. Very useful both for photography and videography. Now I also have the ability to adjust my exposure by just turning the dial on the LCW variable nd on the front of my lens. You can read a brief intro on this here.