This is the gear I personally own and use when filming. I am constantly adding to this list as I use and acquire new gear. Recently, I have switched to a Digital SLR workflow. The shallow depth of field the camera's large sensors are capable of is stunning, but many features required for film are lacking. Because of this, a large stable of support accessories are required to elevate the camera to be a worthy contender for digital video. However, with the right gear, it is very possible to craft a large-budget film look with these rather inexpensive cameras.
Canon EOS 60D
With the new EOS 60D DSLR, Canon gives the photo enthusiast a powerful tool fostering creativity, with better image quality, more advanced features and automatic and in-camera technologies for ease-of-use. It features an improved APS-C sized 18.0 Megapixel CMOS sensor for tremendous images, a new DIGIC 4 Image Processor for finer detail and excellent color reproduction, and improved ISO capabilities from 100 - 6400 (expandable to 12800) for uncompromised shooting even in the dimmest situations. The new Multi-control Dial enables users to conveniently operate menus and enter settings with a simple touch. The EOS 60D also features an EOS first: A Vari-angle 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (1,040,000 dots) monitor for easy low- or high-angle viewing. An improved viewfinder, a number of new in-camera creative options and filters, plus HDMI output for viewing images on an HDTV all make the EOS 60D invaluable for the evolving photographer. With continuously curved surfaces, user-friendliness and exuding solidity and refinement, the EOS 60D is true digital inspiration!
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Covering a range from 29mm-216mm in 35mm format, Canon's new EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS offers a winning combination of size, range and features and is a perfect complement to APS-C cameras. With high-quality optics, dedicated image stabilization and more, this new lens promises to be a favorite for EOS users.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
Standard lens featuring superb quality and portability. Two high-refraction lens elements and new Gaussian optics eliminate astigmatism and suppress astigmatic difference. Crisp images with little flare are obtained even at the maximum aperture.
Light Craft 58mm Fader ND Mark II Filter
The Light Craft 58mm Fader ND Mark II Filter is a remarkable tool to have on hand. With one filter, you can dial in the degree of neutral density that suits your need. No more having to buy multiple ND filters and lugging them around in your gear bag. The cost-effectiveness of this filter is self-evident.
Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 2.5x & Gorilla Plate
The Z-Finder Pro 2.5x is another one of Zacuto’s Optical Viewfinders that allows DSLR cameras to have the correct form factor for video. It offers 2.5x focusable magnification (3x is available),a 40mm diameter Zacuto optical designed lens, an anti-fog coating protective cover, an eyecup preventing extraneous light leakage, a diopter and a field of view perfectly matched to 3” LCD screens. The diopter allows you to dial in the focus to match your eye.
Jag35 DSLR Baseplate
Gorilla Stand/Zacuto 8" Rods/Tripod Plate Pro
The DSLR Baseplate is a small and compact way to mount your Follow Focus and Mattebox to your DSLR Camera. Now you can configure your DSLR Baseplate to your specific needs with the additional options available.
CowboyStudio Shoulder Support Pad
The CowboyStudio Hands Free Shoulder Pad For Camcorders is a great edition to any studio. This lightweight video support helps to eliminate camera shake while recording, at an affordable price. This hot item is an absolute must for anyone serious about getting the perfect shot, time after time.
D|Zoom
It’s a gear driven zoom lever allowing the operator to pull zoom from the side of the camera, similar to how a follow focus enables focus pulls from the side.
D|Focus V3
A Follow Focus is a Focus control mechanism used in film and video cameras. It is ergonomic rather than strictly necessary; in other words it does not contribute to the basic functionality of a camera but instead allows the operator to be more efficient and precise.
D|Crank
The D|Crank is a standard speed crank for your D|Focus. Used for quick pulls from close focus to infinity or to help the operator with rack focus moves.
D|Gear
Designed by Dave, creator of the D|Focus, finally we’re able to offer a Universal Pro Lens Gear. They are professionally injection molded, designed and built in the USA!
Rode VideoMic
The VideoMic from Rode is a cost effective shotgun microphone that can easily be mounted on a video camera because it features an integrated shockmount that attaches to the camera's shoe. The VideoMic is lightweight, and when mounting on a camera it does not appear in the frame. Its super-cardioid polar pattern attenuates sounds from the sides. The result is a signal that sounds closer to the camera, even when shooting in noisy environments or at moderate distances.
Zoom H4n Handy Mobile 4-Track Recorder
The Zoom H4n Handy Recorder picks up where the H4 left off and adds additional features to an already popular audio recorder. Ideal for recording interviews, lectures, rehearsals, meetings, and more, this palm-sized unit packs the ability to record up to 4 channels of audio at greater than CD quality.
Sennheiser ME66/K6
The Sennheiser ME66 short shotgun microphone is a popular choice among video, film and ENG / EFP professionals. The capsule features a highly directional, cardioid polar pattern yielding great attenuation at the sides of the microphone, maximizing pickup at the front. The result is a focused pickup in highly ambient environments. A wide 40-20,000Hz frequency response provides detailed, accurate signal reproduction. The ME66 capsule takes advantage of the K6 modular power supply. The K6 houses a standard AA alkaline battery and is also capable of accepting phantom power from outside sources. Its compact design allows mounting to video cameras. The ME66 is at home in event videography, ENG / EFP use, video depositions, corporate media applications and film.
Rycote Standard Hole Softie Windscreen
Rycote Softies provide optimum wind diffusion and noise rejection while remaining cost effective. This softie features a standard size hole and measures 18cm (7.08") in length. The softie will fit microphones with diameters from 19 - 22mm (0.74 - 0.87").
Rycote Medium Hole Softie Lyre Mount & Pistol Grip
The Softie Lyre Mount & Pistol Grip allows handheld operation of shotgun microphones, or boom pole mounting with the 3/8" threading at the base of the grip. The Softie Mount features a medium sized hole that accommodates microphones with 19-25mm (0.74 - 1") diameters.
K-Tek KE-89CC Avalon Series Aluminum Boompole with Internal Coiled XLR Cable
The K-Tek KE-89CC Avalon Series Aluminum Boompole provides a moderately priced, lightweight boompole solution for ENG, EFP and other field recording applications. Its sturdy aluminum design is tough enough to endure the rigors of road use while remaining lightweight and travel worthy. This pole features an internally coiled cable and XLR connection at the base of the pole. A total of 4 aluminum sections telescope between 2' 5"- 7' 2" (0.76 - 2.19m) and will easily store in any standard equipment case. The captive-collet coupling system lock each section in place for even further reliability.
Sony MDR-7506 Circumaural Closed-Back Professional Monitor Headphone
The MDR-7506 is a staple within the recording, film and live arenas. Due to its low impedance and closed ear design, the headphone does an outstanding job of cutting down background noise while providing plenty of volume in the studio or in the field. Additionally, the closed design helps eliminate "headphone bleed" when overdubbing in the studio.
Impact 5-in-1 Collapsible Circular Reflector Disc - 42"
The Impact 5-in-1 Collapsible Reflector Disc is versatile in the field and in the studio, providing shadow-lightening detail in your subject, using available, or studio lighting. It starts out as a translucent white disc -- perfect for softening direct sun, or lights without diffusion. Use the removable, reversible zippered slipcover to reflect light into shadow areas of your subject. Your choice of color -- silver, gold, white, silver/gold mix -- will be determined by the lighting conditions, and your personal preference.
Pearstone Acrylic Dry Erase Clapboard with Color Sticks (9.25x11")
The Pearstone SADC-911 is a production slate made of white acrylic and designed to be used with dry erase markers. A cost-effective production tool that's especially useful in sync sound productions--whether video, film, or dual-system DSLR--the slate comes with standard-size color clapper sticks and has a writing surface of 7 x 11".