Reddit mentions of RODE VideoMic Studio Boom Kit - VM, Boom Stand, Adapter, 25' Cable

You can put together a decent little production studio for a little over $1000. Here is what I recommend [Referral Links]:

CAMERA:

• [Panasonic DMC-G6 camera with kit lens - $500 (on sale)] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CFCTDD6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00CFCTDD6&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20). This is the best value for money large sensor, interchangeable lens camera with a video-capable viewfinder, hours of continuous recording and a mic jack below $700. Links below the equipment list show what this camera can do. DSLRs from Canon and Nikon have viewfinders that go blank when you switch to video mode (blocked by the mirror, which is useless for filmmaking). This forces you to use the LCD for composition and focus - which can be a challenge outdoors, where the LCD can be washed out by bright sunlight. Many DSLR shooters buy expensive LCD viewfinders or Electronic Viewfinders (EVFs) to shoot outdoors. The G6, on the other hand, has a built-in EVF - so outdoor shooting is not a problem.
  
  DSLRs are also limited to 12-30 minutes of continuous recording before they have to be restarted (either manually, or, in the case of Canon DSLRs, automatically if the camera has been modified with third party Magic Lantern firmware) . The G6 can record for hours continuously, without interruption. This can be very helpful for long interviews and speeches.
  
  This camera is also compatible with power zoom lenses, when you can afford them. There are no affordable power zoom lenses for low-end DSLRs.
  
  SUPPORT:
  
  
• [Ravelli AVTP Professional Tripod - $160] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00139W0XM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00139W0XM&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20). I own this tripod, and it is professional quality, with a 75mm bowl - which allows you to level the camera without adjusting the legs. A huge time saver.
  
  AUDIO:
  
  
• [Rode Videomic Studio Boom Kit - $180] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ISETFJW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00ISETFJW&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20)
  
  
• [Tascam DR-60D external recorder - $170] (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5575034783&toolid=10001&campid=5337235943&customid=&icep_item=350993863112&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg)
  
  LIGHTING:
  
  
• [LimoStudio 3 point Umbrella Lighting Kit - $54.50] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FHZ2SI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005FHZ2SI&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20)
  
  TOTAL STUDIO COST:
  
  $1064.50
  
  Here is the image quality this camera can produce:
  
  Documentary:
  
  http://vimeo.com/97274302
  
  http://vimeo.com/73561266
  
  http://vimeo.com/87978429
  
  http://vimeo.com/78507820
  
  Narrative:
  
  http://vimeo.com/78037118
  
  http://vimeo.com/81339712
  
  Music Video:
  
  http://vimeo.com/88584840
  
  http://vimeo.com/84436275
  
  Slow Motion/Sport:
  
  http://vimeo.com/76503135
  
  Travel Video:
  
  http://vimeo.com/88543042
  
  http://vimeo.com/86145944 (shot with a power zoom lens)
  
  Compared to the $3000 Canon 5D Mark III: http://vimeo.com/82318903
  
  There are many more examples on the [Panasonic G6 channel] (https://vimeo.com/groups/dmcg6) I moderate over on Vimeo.
  
  It's a pretty good still camera too:
  
  https://www.flickr.com/groups/lumix-g6/pool/
  
  https://www.flickr.com/groups/2217639@N20/
  
  Hope this saves you some time and money! Happy New Year!

Hi /u/tserbear - welcome to the world of filmmaking!

For $2500, I would get:

Camera: [Panasonic GH4 for 4K and slo-mo - $1697.99] (http://amzn.to/1wMLHAM) - I own this camera and it is the best value for money in this price class.

Lens: [Rokinon 14mm T3.1 cine lens for Canon - $359.99] (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5575034783&toolid=10001&campid=5337235943&customid=&icep_item=360817097434&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg)

Speed Booster: [Third party Canon EF to micro 4/3 Speed Booster - $94] (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5575034783&toolid=10001&campid=5337235943&customid=&icep_item=281240980971&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg)

This combination will give you EF lens compatibility plus a fast, wide cine lens for not a lot of money.

Audio: [Rode VideoMic Studio Boom Kit - $175.99] (http://amzn.to/1sBSXsD) - microphone w a boom stand for one man operation.

Lighting: [Fancierstudio 2400 watt lighting kit softbox light kit video lighting kit - $109.99] (http://amzn.to/1uZUM5g)

Sticks: [Ravelli AVTP w 75mm bowl head - $129.69] (http://amzn.to/1mlN4mp) - I have this tripod and the head pans smoothly - plus it is all metal and very tough.

For $2567.65, you'll have a basic studio that can produce high quality audio and video.

Hope this is helpful and good luck with your short film!

Bill

Hi /u/Griever114 - if you really want to add "umph", please spend $79 more and [get the mic off the camera and onto a boom with this Rode Videomic boom kit] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ISETFJW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00ISETFJW&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20).

Camera mounted mics are not much better than built-in mics.

Here's a video from Wistia that may help to explain why: http://wistia.com/learning/choosing-a-microphone

Good luck!