What are the must-have accessories for a Panasonic S5II video rig?

Question

So I just picked up the Panasonic S5II because everyone says it is great for video but honestly I am so overwhelmed looking at all these rig photos online. I have a wedding for a close friend coming up in about a month here in Chicago and I really want it to look professional but I literally have no idea where to start with the extras. My logic was maybe I need a cage first to protect it? Or maybe a handle so it isnt so shaky when I hold it? I only have about 400 bucks left in my budget after buying the lens so I cant go too crazy.

do I need a cage?

extra batteries?

a microphone thing?

Is it better to get a monitor or just use the screen on the back? Sorry if these are really basic questions I just dont want to waste money on stuff I wont actually use...

ThunderBolt88 · Accepted Answer

Im really satisfied with these basics for long wedding days:

Rode VideoMic GO II Compact Microphone

Panasonic DMW-BLK22 Battery Pack Clear audio saves edits and extra power is non-negotiable. Grab these first!

VivantVictor · Answer

Honestly, the first thing I did was grab a cage just for peace of mind. I once bumped my old camera against a marble pillar at a church and it was a total disaster, so safety is huge for me. For the S5II, I looked at two main options.

SmallRig Black Mamba Camera Cage for Panasonic LUMIX S5 II: Its super lightweight and fits the hand well, though some mounting points felt a bit crowded.

Tilta Full Camera Cage for Panasonic S5 II: This one felt way more rugged and safe, even if it adds a bit more bulk. You definitely need extra power. I grabbed Wasabi Power Battery 2-Pack for Panasonic DMW-BLK22 and they got me through the reception without stress. Skip the monitor for now. The built-in screen is decent, but you really need a Rode VideoMic NTG On-Camera Shotgun Microphone because internal mics are basically useless for professional audio.

ByMymn · Answer

@Reply #1 - good point! Honestly tho, I had some issues with the heavier rigs early on. It’s a total letdown when your wrist starts cramping halfway through the reception because you over-caged the thing. Unfortunately, I wasted a lot of cash on a cheap monitor when I first started that was basically invisible in sunlight, so I'd skip that for now. The S5II screen is actually alright if you're careful. I've shot a few events in the city and it gets hectic... you really just need reliable power and audio. Most people forget about the audio until its too late.

Kondor Blue Panasonic S5II Cage - much better ergonomics imo

BM Premium DMW-BLK22 2-Pack Batteries - way cheaper than official ones

Rode VideoMic GO II Lightweight Shotgun - simple and sounds pro Dont overcomplicate it yet. Just get the basics so you dont run out of juice mid-vows. It’s the worst feeling ever.