Loren's Custom A1U

I've got an A1U in the mail so no pictures yet, but they will be forthcoming. I've been using an FX1 on loan for the last two months now (25+ hours of tape so far for a documentary project) and picked up the A1U primarily for its flexibility as a B cam/stealth cam. I'd love some feedback so here goes:

Camera:

• HVR-A1U
• 2 Sony NP-QM91D's (considering 71D's or even 50's instead for size/weight)
• Sony VCLHG0737Y HG Wide Conversion Lens x0.7
• Tiffen 37mm Deluxe 3 Filter Kit

Audio:

• Sennheiser ME64/K6P mic
• Sennheiser ME66/K6P mic
• Sennheiser G2 Wireless Kit
• Sennheiser HD-280 Pro headphones
• Sennheiser MZW64 Pro Foam Windscreen
• Rycote 18cm Medium Hole Softie
• Rycote Universal Furry Lavalier Windjammer
• Beyerdynamic accessories shoe shock mount
• Beyerdynamic GST400 mic stand
• Gitzo G-555 Boom Pole
• Edirol R-4

Lighting:

• 2 Lowel Ego Kits w/stands from B&H
• 1 Impact 32" Reflector w/stand

Other:

• Spider Brace 2
• Bogen 3001N w/3126 fluid head
• Giottos Lens Cleaning Kit

What do you all think?

[Manuel Guzman]

I'd like to see your images, especially with the Lowel Ego lights. I just ordered this although this was for photography, not videography. I never considered using it for this. Would be nice to see how you use it.

[Cliff Etzel]

Loren - Nice self contained equipment list - although I'm just starting out, my list is similar. This has given me a reference list of things I still need for my production bag.

How goes the project?

Originally Posted by Manuel Guzman

I'd like to see your images, especially with the Lowel Ego lights. I just ordered this although this was for photography, not videography. I never considered using it for this. Would be nice to see how you use it.

The interviews I shot with them look pretty good - I don't have my RAID powered up right now or I'd upload some stills.

As for the project it's going pretty well. It's really hard to get a good idea of what your footage is going to end up looking like since the A1U's viewfinder is so poor. Also the low light capability is dismal. As a second or backup camera I definitely would recommend it, but as a primary it just isn't worth the risk of not knowing how your footage will turn out.