Sam's Recommendations for
PRODUCTION GEAR
Updated 8/10/2020
CAMERAS
NOVICE
Smart Phone
Many smart phones (like the iPhone) include fantastic HD cameras that can absolutely be used to create films.
PROS:
-Easy to use
-Small, Compact, Versatile
CONS:
-Poor Audio Recording Capabilities
-Best paired with a specialized tripod
-Lacks customizable settings
-Storage Limitations
From:
$100+
INTERMEDIATE
Panasonic AG-AC30
A solid, all in one, full HD video camera with XLR inputs for recording professional audio, touch screen LCD and LED headlamp!
Similar to the SONY HXR-NX100
PROS:
-XLR inputs for professional microphones
-External Zoom, Focus and Iris rings
-Easy external access to most settings
-Full HD image quality
-Built in LED lights on handle
-Price is very reasonable!
CONS:
-Smaller image sensor (no 4k)
From:
$1300+
DIGITAL CINEMA
Canon XC10
A compact professional cinema camera, styled after the DSLR design, with exceptional image quality. However, this camera offers limited support for HD audio recording.
Similar to the Blackmagic 4k Pocket Cam
PROS:
-Cinema Grade Image Quality (4K)
-Large Image Sensor
-Small, Compact and Solid
-External Zoom and Focus Rings
CONS:
-No XLR support for audio recording
-Lens is not interchangeable
From:
$1400+
NOVICE
Panasonic HC-VX981K
Much like the smart phone, this little camera is easy to use and very compact. It also shoots in 4k for a higher image quality.
Similar to the Canon VIXIA HF R80 (non-4k)
PROS:
-Easy to Use
-Small, Compact, Versatile
CONS:
-Poor Audio Recording Capabilities
-Limited user control over settings
From:
$600+
PROFESSIONAL
Panasonic HC-X1000
This solid, all in one, 4K video camera has everything an independent filmmaker would need to capture high quality image and sound. Great for narrative filmmaking as well as commercial work.
Similar to the Panasonic AG-UX90
PROS:
-High 4K Image Quality
-XLR inputs for professional microphones
-External Zoom, Focus and Iris rings
-Easy external access to most settings
CONS:
-Price is slightly high comparatively
From:
$1900+
DIGITAL CINEMA
Blackmagic URSA Mini 4K
The URSA Mini is a reasonably priced cinema "brain" with a Super 35 sensor and many customizable features. However, the base price of $3000 will increase as you purchase required add-ons like lenses, monitors, batteries, etc.
PROS:
-Huge Super 35mm Image Sensor
-Easy external access to most settings
-XLR inputs on attachable handle
-Supports Interchangeable lenses
CONS:
-Requires a lot of additional attachments
-Very large and heavy camera
From:
$3000
INTERMEDIATE
Canon Rebel T7i
DSLR cameras (like the Rebel T7i) are a good option for photo-journalists who also want to shoot HD video.
PROS:
-Strong image quality
-Interchangeable lenses
-Small, Compact, Versatile
CONS:
-Poor Audio Recording Capabilities
-Better suited for photography, not film
-Slight learning curve
From:
$800+
PROFESSIONAL
Canon C100 Mk II
This full frame HD video cameras has everything an independent filmmaker needs to make professional quality films.
PROS:
-Excellent Image Quality
-Full Frame Image Sensor
-Easy external access to most settings
-Very customizable
-XLR inputs on attachable handle
-Supports Interchangeable Lenses
-Incredibly hardy camera
-Price is very reasonable!
CONS:
-Does not shoot in 4K (like the C200)
From:
$3400+
DIGITAL CINEMA
Canon C200
The Canon C200 has a Super 35mm cinema sensor and includes all the necessary components to capture cinema quality image and sound at a reasonable price.
Similar to the Sony PXW-FS5M2
PROS:
-Huge Super 35mm Image Sensor
-Easy external access to most settings
-XLR inputs on attachable handle
-Supports Interchangeable lenses
-Very hardy camera
CONS:
-Requires some additional attachments
From:
$5500
TRIPODS
MICROPHONES
NOVICE
Rode smartLav+ Lavalier
Plug and Play Lavalier microphone for cameras with 1/8 mini audio jacks (DSLRs, Camcorders, Smartphones, etc.
PROS:
-Easy to Use
-Great options for interviewing with phone
CONS:
-Audio quality is just okay
-Will need to purchase extension cable
From:
$80+
PROFESSIONAL
Tascam DR-60DmkII Field Recorder
This field recorder mounts on the bottom of DSLRs and converts XLR signals to 1/8 mini. A must have for professionals working with DSLR camers to record high quality audio.
PROS:
-Compact and Very Adjustable
-Records great audio
-Can also be used alone to record!
CONS:
-Nothing, great product for filmmaking!
From:
$200+
PROFESSIONAL
Rode NTG1 Shotgun Field Kit
Very good shotgun microphone recording kit including everything needed for recording high quality audio.
PROS:
-Records great audio
-Professional XLR Connection
-Phantom Powered Mic!
-Kit includes XLR rigged Boom Pole
CONS:
-Must have a camera with Phantom Power
From:
$500+