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 me edited by my dear friend (and director of the lisztomania video I wrote about) Ian Parker.