What's in my Camera Bag - 2024
A question I'm often asked is what gear I use to shoot videos for the channel. This article outlines what I'm using the most, what I like about it, and what to consider.
Main Camera: Canon R6 Mark II
I've used Canon cameras since I was a teenager, and this is the most forgiving one I've ever used. It's my first Mirrorless camera, and the color quality, color accuracy, and performance is pretty wild. You can configure up to 3 preset settings for video, and 3 preset settings for photos.
My video presets are set to:
C1. HD 30fps, audio balanced for a shotgun microphone.
C2. HD 30fps, audio balanced for a lavalier microphone.
C3. HD 120fps (no audio). This is used for slow motion shots.
I've disabled the battery saving modes so the camera doesn't shut off while I'm trying to set up shots. Right now, I don't shoot anything in log, because I've found the color quality to be really good and only need minor color grading adjustments. It also has a toggle between photo + video mode, which is handy not having to dive into the cameras menu's to switch between. The lowlight capabilities are better than any other camera I've ever used. The biggest downsides to the camera I've found are that it only uses SD cards (no compact flash), and the price.
Secondary Camera: DJI Osmo Pocket 3
I recently picked up the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 to have something lightweight that I can throw into places that might damage my main camera. This is a surprisingly capable little camera, with built-in gimbal stabilization, and I opted for the Creator Combo, which includes some additional accessories and a lavalier mic. The lavalier is really, really good. I struggle a lot with audio quality in the shop, the echo is a huge challenge, but the mic does a surprisingly effective job at knocking it down. It also syncs immediately to the camera when powered up. I'm planning to use this camera for anything I shoot handheld, and I'm excited to see how the hyperlapse works when I'm working. I do use the Cine-Like PRO function when recording with this camera, so I do have to color grade the clips when I'm editing. Cine-Like is similar to log, and DJI has a LUT available to convert it to rec709. I've been using this more and more, because setting every shot up with tripods can get annoying.
Shotgun Microphone: Rode VideoMic Pro+
I'm using this mic a little less since getting the Pocket, but it sounds great and I never had issues with it. If I was holding the camera, I would try and turn the mic backwards so it would still pick up my voice. It didn't handle the reverb in the shop as well as I thought it would, but it works well so long as you're not too far away from it.
Rigging: Manfrotto 035RL Super Clamp + Joby 5K Ballhead
This combination clamp + ballhead have been really helpful for getting cameras into weird places without having to use a tripod. The clamp does a good job gripping round or uneven surfaces, even with a moderately heavy camera rig on top of it. I've got a couple sets of this pair that I use in different places in the office and in the shop.
Rigging: Delkin Fat Gecko Stealth Suction Mount
Pairs really nicely with the Pocket 3 for sticking to windows or flat metal surfaces. I'd use a 2-3 suction cup one on the outside of a moving car, but I've been using the Stealth mount to record driving scenes from the inside of the car. Haven't tried using the Stealth to hold up the mirrorless yet, but it's been great on the smaller one.
Tripod: Manfrotto 055 Tripod and Video Head
I picked this tripod up to make shooting overhead videos a little simpler. What's nice about this tripod, is it's able to pivot 90* at the top so the camera faces directly down. It doesn't suspend the camera super far, but it's worked nice for getting some overhead shots in the office and on the welding table.
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