Here is my producing debut. I shot the video on my 5d mark II and then edited it on Final Cut Pro. I only had a 4 gig card, severely limiting what I could shoot, so please excuse the lack of b-roll. Also, the sound was only recorded through my camera, a big no-no to anyone trying to shoot anything worthwhile on HDDSLRS but I did what I could with what I had.

Craigslist helped me find my new camera last week, a used Canon 5D MKII. I’ve been a proponent of used equipment for a while now, because not only does it let you go easy on the budget, but often you get a glimpse of your gear’s past life from its previous owner. My camera, for example, shot a documentary.

While I agree in theory with Will’s post on saving money when expensive upgrades will go unused or underutilized, I actually have had a very different experience after buying the 5D Mark II, the very same camera Will forsook. While I purchased the Mark II having very little video experience, I have been shooting more and more video and am starting to figure out the mindset needed for a continuous stream of meaningful imagery (opposed to the decisive moment school of thought). This is the first video completely shot by …