You decided to jump in to shooting videos on a DSLR. However, you did not have the sufficient funds to get the full frame sensor from Canon’s 5D markii. Therefore, you felt more inclined in to getting a 4/3 sensor camera. Probably because it is cheaper, it uses no mirrors, full manual control on video mode, and has an electronic viewfinder. Then the hacker13 came out; bigger bit rates per seconds and BOOM you choose to take the 4/3 road.

NOW WHAT? That’s what everyone asks as soon as they made their purchase.

Questions:

Where do I get cheap used lenses?

How can I get descent gear on a budget?

It’s a tough route. Especially, when you are on a limited budget or no budget at all.

You are on the right place my friend. It’s a pain in the ass to put together a nice rig. Where people can take you seriously. Respect your inner drive of making a short form creation with your 4/3 camera.

For example, you have a spanking new GH1 body. Where do I get cheap used lenses? I personally use ebay as my main resource to find cheap used lenses. In good condition of course. However, beware of some faulty lenses that are sold on this site. Make sure to read the camera’s condition of what the seller is “Selling” and it’s review with other customers past transactions.

There are some great things out there in the internet-the internet is a great tool to find resources on how to get that film look we all are looking for in a DSLR video shoot. Take this video as an example:

Advantages:

• Super Cheap…come on you are giving a break to your wallet.
• Most of this lenses are fast lenses and you will get a variety of looks.
• If you love Bokeh. Then some of this C-mount lenses are great for those out of focus backgrounds creating those surreal look.
• *The 4/3 sensor duplicates the focal lengths of the lens.*

Disadvantages:

• The camera’s does not crops these images very well.
• There are some vignetting on the corners of your footage.
• *The 4/3 sensor duplicates the focal lengths of the lens.*

Also, everyone could use Nikon and Canon’s prime lenses with the help of an adapter. As another way of keeping a nice gear on a limited budget.

Prime Lenses 101: Quick facts for those wookies with leaning difficulties.

• Prime lenses have a fixed focal lengths. Not like Zoom lens they have different focal lengths.
• Prime lenses have a wider F-stops. Which it means it’s a lens that works great on a low light envoirment.
• Great shallower Depth of Field.

These lenses possesses the same effects as the c-mount lens. 

Remember, we are on limited budget. I can’t add the actual Ultra Prime Lenses. These lenses works the same way as any other lens. It needs an adapter too. Buying those babies will cost you lots of money. However, you could rent them if you have a production with a big budget.

This post reminds me of one quote from one of my college professors.

It’s not the camera that makes your movie, It’s the lens what matters in Cinematography. The lens could make your movie look like a masterpiece…

To be Continued in PT.2…How can I get descent gear on a budget?