Reddit reviews Powerextra 2 Pack Battery and Charger Compatible with Panasonic DMW-BLC12, DMW-BLC12E, DMW-BLC12PP and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85, DMC-FZ200, DMC-FZ1000, DMC-G5, DMC-G6, DMC-G7, DMC-GH2, DMC-GX8

Batteries - $22 - https://www.amazon.com/Powerextra-DMW-BLC12E-DMW-BLC12PP-DMC-FZ1000-DMC-FZ300K/dp/B01IMQAVDY/ref=sr_1_19?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1518114737&sr=1-19&keywords=panasonic+g7 - Always used these and they've never let me down. G7 lasts a good 5-6 hrs of shooting, but another battery can get me through an entire day.

Luckily for audio stuff, audio isn't much of a concern, but if you need something, the VideoMicro is only around $50.

Bag choices are endless and i really cant recommend one simply because there are so many options. Look at B&H or amazon. I use the Lowepro Transit Sling (around $35) when i'm traveling. In general, lowepro makes a ton of good options that aren't crazy. I also love the Canon 100DG or 200DG bag for something a little bit bigger

For lighting there are a couple ways to go. On the ultra cheap side, you can essentially DIY a lighting setup using home depot clamp lights and/or work lights. But that's like emergency level broke. You're better off just saving up and picking up either a few budget LED panels or I also REALLY like the older Lowell Pro light kits that you can get used. They're tungsten hard light kits but are great as a solo shooter. I picked up a 4 light (200w/each) kit on ebay with stands, gels, diffusion, case, etc, for around $200. For LED panels, i recommend looking at the Yongnuo YN300iii. It's $60 but it's better than most LED options under $100. Keep in mind that you will need a stand ($20) and batteries ($20).

For memory, pretty much any UHS-1 speed card from a major manufacturer will work. You can get away with 32gb but you'll probably just want to pony up for a 64gb. It's up to you though. I use various sandisks. Here is a good one - https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Extreme-32GB-UHS-I-SDSDXXG-032G-GN4IN/dp/B01J5RHBQ4/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1518115492&sr=1-3&keywords=sandisk+extreme+uhs-1+32gb

I'll keep adding stuff as i think of it

Does that include everything, like you need audio equipment to fit the $1k budget too?

Assuming that's the case, here's what I would buy...

The Panasonic G7 camera kit, the Rode Filmmaker wireless mic kit, and the Rode VideoMicro. Grab some spare batteries for the camera while you're at it. Rechargeable batteries for the mic are also a good idea.

That's the best video kit you can get on that budget right now.

The G7 is a great camera, easily the best 4k video for the money, and you absolutely have to have the audio gear for interviews, and good video in general.

Use the wireless mic for interviews, and the VideoMicro for b-roll and everything else.

Also, fyi, the a7 doesn't do 4k video anyway.

I returned the Rode Pro and ordered the Pro +. Already ordered spare battery's I got these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IMQAVDY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
which I hope are encoded. I got the Movo 4" bar and this tripod
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LW14QNB/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks for the quick and informative reply. I think I'll go with [this one]https://www.amazon.com/Powerextra-Compatible-DMW-BLC12E-DMW-BLC12PP-DMC-FZ1000/dp/B01IMQAVDY) as it mentions the exact battery model and comes with 2 other batteries, and it has good reviews. Thank you for the help :)

Powerextra 2 Pack Battery and Charger Compatible with Panasonic DMW-BLC12, DMW-BLC12E, DMW-BLC12PP and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85, DMC-FZ200, DMC-FZ1000, DMC-G5, DMC-G6, DMC-G7, DMC-GH2, DMC-GX8 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IMQAVDY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_mfg.BbVFD1APG

I bought these ones a while back and they are great. I don’t notice much of a difference when it comes to battery life between these and the original battery.