Gear Guide: Video
Below is my video gear guide to give you some ideas of what to select for your own shoot. This guide will change from time-to-time so do check back.
For my photography gear guide click here.
Cameras
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Canon EOS R
Great camera for both stills and video and the latest full frame camera from Canon. I often use it side by side with the Canon EOS C200 Cinema EOS camera (more on that below). It is a mirrorless camera that means it is lighter and has great features especially with autofocus. This camera also works well in low light which is very handy for events. I often couple this with the Atomos Ninja V HDMI recorder which extends recording time beyond the 30 minute limit and is also a useful monitor (more on that on this page).
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Shoots 4K
Canon EOS R MirrorlessCamera Body with EF mount adaptor
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2XiiVJP
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2NaEB99https://amzn.to/2ZINLLo
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Canon EOS C200 Cinema EOS
This is a very good all round camera for what I do, useful for shooting promos, vox pops, conferences/lectures (no 30 minute limit). Good battery life, can be connected to mains power, dual slot recording. Connectors are good for when I need long cables for live streaming. This camera is really for advanced users.
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Shoot 4K
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Canon XF200
This is an excellent camera for run and gun camera for conferences, lectures, vox pops, blogging. It is lightweight and quick to set up. I also use it for live streaming when connecting to my laptop.
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I would recommend this camera if you have to work quickly and need to record a variety of different types of videos especially events and lectures where they might be over 30 minutes.
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Shoots HD (high definition)
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GoPro
These are great cameras for action or getting into those tight spaces. Handy for filming in cars and useful for vlogging. I really like the timelapse on both of these cameras.
Hero 7 Black: https://amzn.to/38xBluf
Hero 8 Black: https://amzn.to/2upia7m
Lighting
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There are lots of options when it comes to lighting and so much depends on what you need for specific applications. This is what I use on a day to day basis.
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LED lights
Very popular and they use much lower power than the tungsten lights they consumed a lot of power and got really hot and at 800 watts, you needed to be careful not to burn yourself and they took time to cool down.
Rotolight AEOS
My most powerful light, using 42 watts (almost 1/20th the power), it doesn't get hot and can be battery powered. I can adjust the brightness and colour.
Rotolight NEO
This is great too, It is smaller and can also go on the camera and fits easily in my bag. It can be either connected to main power or battery powered (AA batteries).
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Westcott Ice light
This has a lovely soft light, easy to carry and looks like a light sabre (a Star Wars reference if you haven't ever seen it).
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Manfotto
You will definitely need some light stands too. I have been using this as it is compact and reasonably light.
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Reflectors and diffusers
I use the reflector with the lights to fill shadows and in natural light can double as the main light or to fill shadows.
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The diffuser is used to soften lights either indoor or outdoor. Great for softening harsh lights, particularly the sun.
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Rotolight AEOS: https://amzn.to/2Gfi9VY
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Rotolight NEO 2: https://amzn.to/38x0XYd
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Westcott Ice Light 2: https://amzn.to/2RVDxW3
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Lastolight reflector 75cm silver/white: https://amzn.to/38yMNWB
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Lastolite diffuser 120cm two stop diffuser: https://amzn.to/3aFGGlo
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Manfrotto Compact Stand , Air Cushioned: https://amzn.to/2RGIVMA
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Audio
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Headphones
it is really important to be listening to the sound all the time and you will want something comfortable that reduces the amount of ambient sound so you can concentrate on what you are hearing from the microphones. I use over the ear headphones.
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Bose QuietComfort 35 (series II) wireless noise cancelling
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Microphones
The sound recording is key and I usually use wireless mics, they are quick to setup and not too much fuss. Without a sound recordist it is not always possible to get a boom/shotgun mic in there.
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I use the Rode Filmmaker kit. They are digital and do not require a licence. I also recommend the Rode wireless
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Rode Filmmaker Kit: https://amzn.to/2RMbisN
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Rode wireless Go: https://amzn.to/38zg83i
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Mic for wireless Go - RØDE Lavalier GO Professional-grade wearable microphone: https://amzn.to/2RGZnw5
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Accessories
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Tripod
Get a decent tripod. Too light and it is not stable. I do have a lightweight tripod, carrying around heavy tripods can just add that extra load with all the other gear but the vast majority of the time I use a solid tripod. My go to tripod is the Sachtler Ace.
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Sachtler System ACE M GS: https://amzn.to/2TPeSVx
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Gimbal
This is a really useful item if you want to get nice smooth handheld style shots. This is not quite an item you pick up and use without balancing the camera and getting used to it so if you want to use one practice. Although not too heavy you are holding it in front of you so it can start to feel heavy fairly quickly.
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I use the DJI Ronin-S:
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HDMI Recorder
The HMDI recorder not only records, and helps overcome the 30 minute limit on mirrorless and DSLR recorders, but the screen is bigger and that helps as a monitor. I use the Atomos Ninja V.
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Atomos Ninja V: https://amzn.to/38xzUvR
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HDMI Cable Y
Check what HDMI connector you have on your camera and choose the right cable. It might be a full HDMI, mini HDMI or micro HDMI connector. The Ninja V needs the other end to be a full HDMI connector.
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Gaffer Tape
Gaffer tape: Magtape Matt 500 Tape Black 50MM x 50M: https://amzn.to/2XBc1C0
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