Phil Begnett » Video Camera Equipment

The Camera I use for Video Blogging

Phil — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 07:47:05 +0000

The Flip Ultra H.D. – Easy to Use, High Quality Results and Cost Effective Price

Steadi-Cam Shoot

Phil — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 05:49:47 +0000

I recently worked with Olly Lawer (seen left) who runs an online video production company called opl productions over in Norwich. He asked me to be his “production assistant” for the day, helping with client communication, and supporting him and another camera operator as they both worked on a “web video” shoot for one of his clients.

I was totally in my element, with 2 amazing cameras, and two focused but relaxed guys who loved their work.

David Crute

Using the power of Google, Olly hired the talents of David Crute (above) with his amazing Steadi cam rig. With 20 years experience in broadcast filming, including large film productions, pop videos and tv adverts, it was really great to work with a seasoned pro, who was very friendly, very focused and just loved talking about his work!

I spent most of the day “shadowing” Dave, making sure he didnt bump into things as he used his Steadi-cam rig for some lovely sweeping shots of the people in the factory hard at work. As the floor was slippery in places, and he does a lot of “walking backwards” it was important I was right behind him just incase he lost his balance.

I don’t know the make of his camera, but lets just say it was extremely expensive! To put it into perspective, his “view finder” cost more than my camera does!

The great news is that we are all meeting up again next month for another day’s shoot at the same location, where perhaps even more “toys” will be used, and Dave has also promised me that I can wear the Steadi-cam rig to see what it feels like! (Im definitely going to do a video blog about that!)

I have started my own Flickr account, so if you want to see the rest of the pictures I took of this film shoot then please click on the picture below and you will be taken to the Flickr website to view them.

Monopod it!

Phil — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 06:07:53 +0000

I picked up a little tip last week on how to use the flip cam’s a slightly different way rather than just using a small desktop tripod, and

thats to use a “Mono pod” with it. A telescopic mono pod is very light, and combined with the small camera that allows you to screw a stabilizing facility in to it, its a great way of “opening up” your shots, or perhaps getting two people into view instead of going from one to the other.

Sony PMW EX3 Vs Canon XL H1S which one would you choose?

Phil — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 21:58:35 +0000

If I had about £5,000 placed in front of me right now to purchase a new camcorder for my work, then it would be a straight choice between the Sony PMW EX3 or the Canon XL -H1S.

I’ve put reviews of both these amazing cameras below for you to watch.. but the question is….

Which one would you choose and why?

Sony XDCAM PMW-EX3

Canon XL-H1