Show me your gear!

The ‘gear vs skill debate’ is always on my mind. Well, it's not so much of a debate, as a balancing act. Of course, you need both as a videographer. But which is most important, if you had to tip the scales one way or the other?

I am certainly prone to camera envy and am all too aware that I need to be upgrading my kit frequently to keep up with the competition – cameras are constantly improving, and there’s always something better being released. However, I truly believe the most important thing is what you can do with the gear you have. If you challenge yourself to get the most out of your camera, it makes you a better videographer.

So, as I continue working on my craft, I’m more than happy with my haul…which is pretty top rate any how.

Here is the full list of what I shoot with:

Cameras and lenses:

Canon EOS 5D Mark III with

Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens
Canon EF 50 mm 1.8 STM Lens
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L lens
Samyang 85 mm T1.5 VDSLR II Manual Focus Video Lens

Panasonic Lumix GH5 with Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm f/2.8-4 lens

Stabilization

Manfrotto video tripod with fluid head
Goin Carbon Fiber Monopod

Sound

Zoom H2n Portable Recorder
Rode VIDEOMICPRO

You may also notice that lighting is missing – well, that’s intentional. I do have some LEDs which I bring on every shoot, ‘just in case’, but find I just don’t’ need them. Even when it gets pretty dark, the atmospheric dancing shots are much nicer than anything artificially lit. Plus, the whole idea is I’m capturing the day as it happens, without having to pause proceedings so I can set up lighting.

So, that’s it! A relatively small list, so that I can keep set up to a minimum on the day and be as flexible as possible. Plus, 90% of the time it’s just me – so I’ve got to be able to carry it around the venue all day…which is why you’ll often find me looking like ‘Buckaroo’, laded with gear!