SL2-s Video Rigs and sound setups - please post photos

[robb]

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I am moving toward providing some more video to clients.  Mainly short 2 minute interviews on-site with workers.  It’s not my main wheelhouse.  I have an atmos ninja v with an ssd mounted up top plugged in with an hdmi coiled cable.  I ordered some DJI wireless mics to keep things simple for just one subject I am shooting within about 10 feet.  

as I’m new to the video setups, I’d like to ask for some photos of how users in this group rig up their cameras so they are still run and gun, lighter weight and smaller form factors.  I’m mainly going to use this with my apo summicrons on a fixed tripod.  

I also have a zoom h6 that I have used for voiceover recordings up close to me speaking in quiet spaces.  Not sure if I need to incorporate this into being on the camera or tripod for those interviews.  I’ve had the zoom a while so it may be old tech not really needed these days.  

Trying to keep the setup as wireless and small footprint as possible since I’m a one-man show.  Can you use these setups with wireless headphones or apple pro earbuds or do i still need wired headphones plugged into the sl2-s which is another thing to carry…?

I use a DJI magic 3 and mini 3 pro set of drones and just added a DJI osmo pocket 3 which I like so far, hence why I selected the dji wireless mics to keep it easy and in that family.

appreciate the suggestions and you sharing what works for you.  

Robb

[Archiver]

Not my video, but here is something about a SL2S video rig:

 

[Archiver]

Here is another:

 

[Archiver]

1 hour ago, robb said:

I am moving toward providing some more video to clients.  Mainly short 2 minute interviews on-site with workers.  It’s not my main wheelhouse.  I have an atmos ninja v with an ssd mounted up top plugged in with an hdmi coiled cable.  I ordered some DJI wireless mics to keep things simple for just one subject I am shooting within about 10 feet.  

as I’m new to the video setups, I’d like to ask for some photos of how users in this group rig up their cameras so they are still run and gun, lighter weight and smaller form factors.  I’m mainly going to use this with my apo summicrons on a fixed tripod.  

I also have a zoom h6 that I have used for voiceover recordings up close to me speaking in quiet spaces.  Not sure if I need to incorporate this into being on the camera or tripod for those interviews.  I’ve had the zoom a while so it may be old tech not really needed these days.  

Trying to keep the setup as wireless and small footprint as possible since I’m a one-man show.  Can you use these setups with wireless headphones or apple pro earbuds or do i still need wired headphones plugged into the sl2-s which is another thing to carry…?

I use a DJI magic 3 and mini 3 pro set of drones and just added a DJI osmo pocket 3 which I like so far, hence why I selected the dji wireless mics to keep it easy and in that family.

appreciate the suggestions and you sharing what works for you.  

Robb

As far as I know, there is no provision for monitoring SL2S audio via wireless earbuds without an appropriate transmitter. You'll need to run headphones from the SL2S.

If these two minute on site video interviews are not your main wheelhouse, exactly how much audio quality do you need? I run Rode lavalier mics directly into my Panasonic S5 and G9 without issue, and acceptable audio quality. If more quality is needed, I can dual record with an Olympus wav recorder or the Zoom H6, but I did that for years and found it quite cumbersome.

[BernardC]

Cages take a long time to set-up, and I find that they get in the way for still work. In your case, I would attach the Ninja to the tripod separately, and then plug-in the HDMI when you want to shoot video.

I use a clamp that attaches to my tripod leg, and attach the Ninja to that. Microphones are plugged into the recorder.

You can use the Zoom H6 to record additional audio. The more audio the better. All modern editing suites have a way to synchronize video with sound by matching waveforms. You just tell it which video file corresponds to which sound file and your software will do the rest. 98% of the time... You can help it along by using a slate, or a hand clap, and by trimming your audio files (if you left the Zoom on all day, for instance). The key thing is that both your on-camera sound and Zoom sound should hear the same things, even if the on-camera sound isn't very clear.

You should consider using a dedicated video camera if your clients want a lot of video. An S5iix, fp, or the new L-mount Blackmagic would be great for this.

[hansvons]

I shot a few video projects on my SL2-S—one with the Ninja, and then never again.

Why? Because the internal video 10Bit log codec is good enough for high-quality videos. I use the EVF for focusing, as it's still the best option regardless of what the let's-build-a-Christmas-tree folks tell you. I use this and pro-grade Sennheiser lavs (could also be DPAs, Voicetechs, etc.; the mics make the sound, as do lenses the image) for sound recording. The Tenctacles have the advantage that I don't have to care about syncing and audio levels as the TC is fed into the camera's audio, and the 32-bit audio recording renders audio levelling moot. 

Izotope RX is a must-have for restoring audio. Check it out here. It's the industry standard. Audio quality separates okay video from good video.

1 hour ago, BernardC said:

You should consider using a dedicated video camera if your clients want a lot of video. An S5iix, fp, or the new L-mount Blackmagic would be great for this.

Couldn't agree more. Get a dedicated video camera. The S5IIx is the best bet for the money and single shooters. Its video IBIS options somewhat defy a tripod or gimble. Plus, it has an articulated screen. The colours are quite good as well, and the AF is extraordinary. Precisely what a one-man band needs. The next level would be a Sony FX3. But this little gem of a cinema camera is made for serious filmmaking. 

Edited December 18, 2023 by hansvons

[hansvons]

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16 hours ago, Archiver said:

Not my video, but here is something about a SL2S video rig:

 

 

That video shows precisely what I would consider a filmmaker's nightmare. If you want a big cinema camera, buy/rent a big cinema camera. The beauty of hybrid cameras is their compactness, easy handling and affordability. 

[LocalHero1953]

Shooting amateur video, for recording plays and performance, I found the SL2-S produced excellent video quality. For a while I had a separate monitor/recorder (BM VideoAssist), but found putting it all together was a faff given that I am often travelling to venues by bicycle with a backpack! Needing a second video camera, I wanted something more dedicated to video, and now have the Blackmagic CC 6K in L-mount. I might have gone for the S5iix (of which I have no experience), but the BM's large screen is a real bonus, eliminating any residual wish for a separate monitor/recorder. Its touchscreen menu system is excellent, making changes to focus and exposure during recording very simple. The BM is a bit larger and heavier than the SL2-S or S5iix, to accommodate the big screen.

For my usage I have a Zoom H4n recorder which I hide somewhere on or near the stage while I am more distant with the camera. I have a Rode hotshoe mic, but hardly use it - I use the internal mic to sync with the Zoom recorder. I have an external 2Tb Samsung T7 SSD for recording (in a clamp in a cold shoe attached to the BM) alongside an internal 1Tb CFexpress. (Both S5iix and BM record to an external SSD via USB, which the SL2-S does not). 

For all matters video I defer to the experience of @BernardC and @hansvons, from whom I have learned a lot! Like them, though, I find no need for a cage. The one occasion I handheld video recording with the SL2-S I used a top handle in the hot shoe, and would do the same with the BM. I'm not sure the hot shoe of the SL2-S is designed for that purpose, but a third party cold shoe bolts firmly onto the top of the BM body.

Edited December 18, 2023 by LocalHero1953

[Photoworks]

For an interview on a tripod, I don't think you need a cage.
I do have a cage from 8Sinn on one of my cameras, it is not big and can still be used handheld for photography. It is on it all the time.

I often do shoots with 2 cameras and have to decide how to handle the audio. I set the audio in the camera to the main camera as it is the most important.

I use 2 kinds of systems:

Rode Wireless mic PRO LINK . you can record 2 mics at the same time to the transmitter and have the receiver fit it to the SL2's, they already have level preset for leica. As backup they record 32bit to the lav units that you can retrieve when you finished. Most of the time there is no interference or audio dropouts.

On rode is connected to a Sanken Cos-11D lav and placed on the person.
the other rode lav is connected to the Sennheiser MKE 600. most of the time I will use this audio. In small spaces, I will use a different shorter capsule on the boom to reduce the sound bouncing in the room.  All this is rigged on a simple make-shift boom from a light stand extension from Manfrotto and a clamp. Minimizing weight and products to take.

The only other equipment I would suggest is the Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 set LINK. I am in Manhattan where wireless interference is almost guaranteed. It looks for free channels and switches all the time without you ever noticing it.
this little unit will just level on the mic for you, and deliver clean audio. If your talent talks quietly and then gets loud, you don't have to do anything it is all done before you record.

the sound from the 2 rode Lavs goes into the camera or recorder.
I will monitor from the camera with good headphones. I hade some issues on the SL2 output, been combined with cable release, the camera has to detect the headphones, didn't work with all studio monitor. This days I have used a older Rode set to make my headphones wireless. a great solution with almost no delay (only when the camera has an HDMI out).

If you have more than one talent, well you can feed all does mics on the h6 and back to a camera. I would give that responsibility to a sound person, and he has a mixer recorder.

I don't use a recorder, it is easy to see most of it in a viewfinder and focus at the same time. On longer takes it is nice to have a monitor, especially on dual camera shoot, I use something that can be seen outdoor and it is bright. I don't use the ninja V, the screen is not good outdoors and uses to much battery. I use the shinobi 7inch.

in post.

izotope is a great tool and very powerful, but if you want something more simple to use: Supertone is clear, it isolates spoken work with Ai.  LINK, you can probably use my code for a good price of $29. Coupon Code: BETA29

Good luck with that...

and don't buy too many mics, only a few good ones.

[Luke_Miller]

I do a weekly five-minute video with my pastor for the church's Facebook page.  Shoot the SL2 (recording internally) off a RRS video head and tripod. Audo is from the Sennheiser AVX system and I second the recommendation by Photoworks.

[robb]

Really appreciate all the comments.  I am likely to keep the sl2-s as light as possible for shooting interviews and some on-site work on a tripod.

I will likely add a DJI ronin 4D to the mix to use the 6 L-mount apo summicrons while I am moving around with the camera.  Will let you know how that goes.  Should add a dif tool to the box.

Robb

[LocalHero1953]

Interesting - I hadn't noticed that DJI is part of the L-mount alliance (as well as offering other mounts).

[Chuck Albertson]

The Leica Rumors site noted the other day that Smallrig is taking orders for cages for the SL2/SL2-S, as well as for the SL3:

https://www.smallrig.com/list/Leica.html

[PANGAEAmedia]

Am 17.12.2023 um 22:34 schrieb robb:

I am moving toward providing some more video to clients.  Mainly short 2 minute interviews on-site with workers.  It’s not my main wheelhouse.  I have an atmos ninja v with an ssd mounted up top plugged in with an hdmi coiled cable.  I ordered some DJI wireless mics to keep things simple for just one subject I am shooting within about 10 feet.  

as I’m new to the video setups, I’d like to ask for some photos of how users in this group rig up their cameras so they are still run and gun, lighter weight and smaller form factors.  I’m mainly going to use this with my apo summicrons on a fixed tripod.  

I also have a zoom h6 that I have used for voiceover recordings up close to me speaking in quiet spaces.  Not sure if I need to incorporate this into being on the camera or tripod for those interviews.  I’ve had the zoom a while so it may be old tech not really needed these days.  

Trying to keep the setup as wireless and small footprint as possible since I’m a one-man show.  Can you use these setups with wireless headphones or apple pro earbuds or do i still need wired headphones plugged into the sl2-s which is another thing to carry…?

I use a DJI magic 3 and mini 3 pro set of drones and just added a DJI osmo pocket 3 which I like so far, hence why I selected the dji wireless mics to keep it easy and in that family.

appreciate the suggestions and you sharing what works for you.  

Robb

Hello,
I have been shooting with the SL2-S for 2 1/2 years now and have experimented a lot during this time, including testing different rigs and cages. Leica is not yet well represented on the video market like Sony. It changed with the new Leica SL3-S. Great update with many new Video Features. 
After some time I came across 8Sinn, who offer a perfect cage for the camera. I bought the cage and what I really like about it are the various options for accessories such as microphone, monitor, handles... can be attached. 
I use the Atomos Ninja V, top handle, handles on both sides, to the left of the cage I use a wireless video focus, camera microphone, matte box and for longer shoots, an attachment for my Easyrig. 
From SmallRig I use a rod holder to connect my external battery with 15mm rods. I use a USB-C cable for this, because the batteries from the camera don't really last long on longer shoots. When I conduct interviews, I use the Zoom H6 with clip-on microphones or if I need to be quick, I use the DJI Mic Mini and headphones. 

It is important that you test the camera and sound before every shoot to achieve a clean result. 

 

 

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Edited March 9 by PANGAEAmedia

[Photoworks]

Here is an SL2 with 8Sinn cage and Atomos Monitor and an SL3 with SMallRig cage and Atomos monitor.

Video setup for verticle content.

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[Olaf_ZG]

Stupid question: all m/q shooters are complaining about weight. How many times a video guy/girl goes to gym?

 

[Photoworks]

I use a camera saddle, which helps a bit! No Gym

[hansvons]

14 hours ago, Olaf_ZG said:

Stupid question: all m/q shooters are complaining about weight. How many times a video guy/girl goes to gym?

 

😎 Gym should be anyone’s routine. But film guys tend to lift considerable weights on set daily like any other craftsman.

As a young man, I worked for a newsroom and other broadcaster as a cameraman, often involving  international travels. The camera weighted around 8 kilos, add to that a proper tripod etc., the weight was considerable but normal in that business. Schlepping around the gear and shooting for ours with 8 kilos on your shoulder does take a toll. Many like me ended up with slipped discs.