[Leica] Camera as video, MII

[imagist3 at mac.com (George Lottermoser)]

Correct.
If you're willing to spend an additional $3K to properly set up your  
$2.5K 5DII;
you'll have a pretty fine system to do some very serious work;
for much less, than ever before possible, to achieve the same quality.

As is - the 5DII will, of course, do some amazing video.
Smooth camera moves and accurate focus will be the first things
to try and figure out.

If you get creative you can build various support systems;
rather than purchasing the very well thought out modular systems.

I've used a Leica shoulder stock and pistol grip,
along with a Leica table top tripod on my chest,
with a Canon XL2.

Over the years I've built my own glide-cams
from tripod and mono-pod parts and studio clamps;
as well as a semi serviceable dolly from a three wheeled "walker"
(used by the elderly or infirm) which I picked up at a rummage sale.
All the while continuing to lust after the better built and designed  
units out there
(without a budget to even begin to consider getting "serious").

Regards,
George Lottermoser
george at imagist.com
http://www.imagist.com
http://www.imagist.com/blog
http://www.linkedin.com/in/imagist

On May 26, 2010, at 2:49 PM, Spencer Cheng wrote:

> As George mentioned there is the RED camera but it cost about $20K  
> whereas a 5DII is significantly cheaper. There are plenty of  
> impoverished videographers just like still photographers. :)