Lighting and Microphone Equipment Recomendations

[Indiana Red]

I am wanting to take the next step toward getting rid of some of the amateurish feel of my videos. I am thinking that a couple lights and a couple of the right microphones would go far towards this. A good part of the projects i am thinking of doing will be sets, interviews, mock news casts, some greenscreen, and plenty of post-production (for a amateur anyway). Multiple camera angles possibly even 5-10 min "shorts". you know, things that "feel" more like movies than snapshots.
I am thinking my basic kit will need a Laveliere mic (wireless) and a shotgun as well. But I am much less informed on what kind of lights I will want.
I know pro stuff will be very spendy, but decent lighting will be like night and day on my shots, I expect.
Any experiance or recomendations on these related stuff would be appreciated. What do you have, what would you upgrade to etc.
Thanks for your help.

Ken

[Chuck Engels]

There are a couple of posts already that may help;
viewtopic.php?f=25&t=300

viewtopic.php?p=11595#p11595

Those should get you started anyway

[Indiana Red]

That does.
Thanks.

[jackfalbey]

Some general info to keep in mind when shopping...

Wireless mics should have adjustable frequencies and should be UHF because VHF can sometimes pick up more outside interference.

You will get the best results from XLR-connected mics; if your camcorder doesn't have XLR inputs, you can get an adapter from BeachTek, but it won't be quite as good as direct-connect.

Lights have different color temperature depending on the type. Tungsten, Halogen, and Quartz are the least likely to produce abnormal color in your video, as long as you properly white-balance the camcorder. Some bulbs last much longer than others, so be aware of bulb lifespan to avoid racking up the replacement costs.

You will want a mix of direct and indirect lighting so you can highlight your actors and make them stand out from the background.

There are some great lighting tutorials on the web; of course, if you join Muvipix as a member you will have access to Steve's Film School which covers lighting and many other topics, and you also get full access to all of the free backgrounds, templates, music and tutorials as well.

[Steve Grisetti]

Hey, and did you see my Steve's Film School article on basic three-point lighting?
http://muvipix.com/products.php?maincat ... ubcat_id=7

[Indiana Red]

Jack,
Thanks for the guidelines. That is the kind of help I was looking for. My Optura50 does not have XLR but I think that moving away from the onboard mic will be a big improvement for a while. I am looking at a modest shotgun like the ATR-55 and for wireless, an Azden system like the WLX-Pro.
A muliti point lighting kit is what I need as well. KSB 1250 3 light kit w/ softboxes look nice. Or maybe something like this http://www.pclightingsystems.com/DFEZ/E ... 201050.htm
Allready, thats 5-6 hundred bucks though.
Maybe even work lights from Home Depot http://images.lowes.com/product/805673/805673010505.jpg
softened with some kind of home made box or filter.

[jackfalbey]

Those look like decent mics for the price. Remenber to check prices at B&H http://www.bhphotovideo.com, they are often cheaper than other retailers and very reliable. If you plan to move up to a pro camcorder in the future, you can get pro mics now and use an XLR adapter http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/3 ... l_XLR.html with your Optura.

I use this light kit http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/2 ... Flood.html and it works pretty well for $200. These bulbs http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control ... 838&is=REG can be used with it and are rated for 2000 hours of lifespan. You can use work lights from the hardware store as a low-cost alternative, but if you are shooting professionally your clients might question your expertise if you show up on a job with the same lights they have in their toolshed...