My New Video Equipment

In a recent Twitter post I mentioned I spent some money on video equipment. I was first inspired to buy the Panasonic TM300 because of Roger Chang's recommendation on Tekzilla. I was convinced after watching this one particular video on YouTube.



Here are the lists, starting with what you can get from Amazon. I have an Amazon Prime trial membership right now and tried to get as much as I could there.

• Panasonic HDC-TM300 Twin Media HD Camcorder (Black)
• Litepanels LP Micro Compact LED Camera Light Kit Includes Gel Kit
• Rode VideoMic Directional Shotgun Mic w/Mount
• Manfrotto Basic 055XDB Tripod (Black) Outfit with 128RC (3130) Micro Fluid Head
• Pelican 1600 Case w/Foam (Black )
• Litepanels AC Adapter for Micro-LP LED Light Housing
• Rode DeadCat Windshield for VideoMic, NTG-1 and NTG-2 Microphones
• VidPro 35" Tripod Carrying Case with Strap for Bogen-Manfrotto, Sunpak, Vanguard, Slik, Giottos & Gitzo Tripods
• Panasonic VW-VBG260 2800mAh Li-Ion Battery Ultra High Capacity

There were still two pieces missing, as far as I was concerned. First, the mic and light would be fine on the camera by themselves, but I was worried that both together would put a strain on the camera. The Bracket1 system seemed the right thing to get. B&H carries them.

• Bracket1 BRB1M Mini Wireless Reciever Bracket for Sony, Panasonic and Canon Camcorders
  
• Bracket1 BROCCS Over Camera Shoe Mount Accessory for BRAAHD and BR1Mini Systems
• Bracket1 BRCS1 Cold Shoe 1 - Optional Shoe Mount for BR1aHD, BR1 Mini

A good camera's image can be ruined by stray light scattering across the lens. For that you need a matte box with french flag. I found a good one, cheap, but was suspicious of the vendor you have to go through to get it until I saw this review of the unit.



I bought it straight from the The Cine City web site (thecinecity.com). SUNSHADE MATTEBOX WITH FRENCH FLAG (For all DVand HDVcameras)