Pro-Video Blogger – gear list
I’m often asked what Video Gear I use, so here’s a list of the equipment I own and use on every shoot. (The embedded links are to the same or similar equipment from the guys at Adorama in New York)
Cameras
The first camera I bought was a Panasonic HMC 150 with a Zeiss lense. I have since upgraded to a Canon C100 Mk 2 – part of their Cinema range (Left).
I also have Canon 5D Mk III which I take on every shoot and use it either as a second camera, or when I want the narrow depth-of-field effect that the camera is known for. I use one main lense, a Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8. I tend to use this camera mainly for interviews or presenter to camera. It’s not really a ‘run and gun’ camera.
Some might argue with this, but when you’ve come from a TV news/documentary background, I’d much rather a ‘traditional’ video camera that has audio, viewfinder, shotgun mount, etc all built in. I have shot a lot of documentaries in the third world and whilst the 5D produces great images for shooting sunrise at Angkor Wat, for example, the Canon C 100 Mk II is a lot simpler and easier for the ‘run and gun’ approach. And the pictures are better.
Audio
I started my TV career as a sound recordist, so I always make sure my sound is as good as possible. I use a Rode NTG 1 as my camera mounted shotgun and a Sennheiser EW100 radio mic system with an ME 2 capsule. I also have a Sennheiser handheld ‘reporter’ mic (e835) with either a cable or Sennheiser transmitter (ew100) plugged into the bottom. I recently added a Rode 2.4gb radio microphone system.
I also use a Zoom H4 Digital audio recorder and a Teac PR 60D recorder – mainly because it mounts directly under my DSLR camera and I can see and monitor the audio right there at the back of the rig.
I also plug the Teac into an output from a PA system and record the whole event directly off the audio mixer. This means I have a clean feed from the desk to sync up in post-production.
Camera mounts
I use a Manfrotto tripod and a Rhino slider for my DSLR.
Lighting
I use two Light Panel 900 LED lights and also an Aperture Amaran three light kit which are great as they’re daylight balanced and have V-Lock battery connectors on the back as well as using the Sony NP F960 batteries.
Pelican cases
Pelican cases have become the industry standard for film makers and frankly, you’d be hard pushed to buy anything better to carry camera, lights and sound gear. Here’s how I travel:
- Lighting: My two 900 LED light panels are packed in a Pelican 1600 case together with filters, power packs and remote dimmers
- Camera: My Canon C 100 Mk II is packed into a Pelican 1550 with a custom foam cut out. This case also carries my basic audio kit of a Rode shotgun with suspension mount and windshields plus one radio lavalier mic.
- Two other cases (Pelican 1450) carry my Canon 5D kit with lenses and another one carries my accessories.
That just leaves my light stands and tripods. Tripods generally travel in their own carry case with light stands being the only part of my kit that tend to rattle around amongst the other cases.