THE GEAR I USE
I think it’s important to differentiate between my reviews and the gear I use on a day-day basis. This list will always represent gear that I own, and more importantly the gear I use regularly.
Sony PMW-EX1 Kit
- Sony PMW-EX1 video camera
- Sony BP-U60 batteries (x4)
- Sony BC-U1 battery chargers (x2)
- Sony 8Gb SxS cards (x2)
- Sandisk 16Gb SxS cards (x2)
- Sony 32Gb SxS cards (x1)
- Sony VCL-EX0877 wide angle adapter
- Libec ZC-9EX zoom/rec controller
- Kata CRC-15 rain cover
- Zacuto mini-baseplate
- Shoot35 Cinefocus
- Shoot35 CineBox
- K-CAM-SM Shock Mount
- EX-FLAT Mic mount conversion
Canon DSLR kit
- Canon 5D mkII
- Canon 7D
- Canon 24mm f1.4 L
- Canon 35mm f1.4 L
- Canon 50mm f1.2 L
- Canon 70 – 200mm f2.8 IS L
- Canon 24-105mm f4 IS L
- Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro IS L
- Sandisk Extreme 60MB/S 32GB CF Cards (x4)
- Lexar Firewire 800 UDMA CF Reader
- Zacuto Zip-gears
- LCDVF Viewfinder
- Shoot35 Cinefocus
- Zacuto mini-baseplate
- Manfrotto 394 Quick Release plates (x6)
- Canon LP-E6 Batteries (x7)
- Delkin dual chargers (x2)
- Kata E-702 Rain cover
- Hoya 77mm lens Hood
Sound & Audio
- Senheisser MK416 shotgun mic
- Sony UWP-V1 wireless mic system (x2) (I use V1/67 UK versions, one has a HiRose connector)
- Sony ECM-77BMP Lav mic
- Sony ECM-77BC9X Lav mic (HiRose connector for use with DC-78 or HiRose UWP-V1)
- Sony H2 Wireless handheld mic (I use the UTX-H2/67 UK version)
- Sony DC-78 mic PSU (powers the ECM-77BCP lav mic for use with XLR connection)
- Rycote hand grip & softie
- Sony MDR-7506 headphones
- Zoom H4n recorder
- RedHead H4n windscreens
- Rode Videomic (x2)
Speciality Cameras & Accessories
- GoPro HD Motorsports Hero
- GoPro HD Helmet Hero
- GoPro Battery BacPac
- GoPro LCD BacPac
- GoPro batteries (x8)
Video Monitoring
- Marshall 7″ HDMI monitor (Sony B Mount)
- SmallHD DP4 + EVF
- SmallHD DP6
Support & Grip
Bags & Cases
- Peli 1564 hard case
- Peli 1554 hard case
- Kata HB-207 Backpack
- Kata R-102 Rucksack
- Lowepro Stealth Reporter bag
- Porta Brace CS-DV4
Lighting
Editing
Filters
- Hoya 77mm Pro 0.6 ND
- Hoya 72mm Pro 0.6 ND
- Hoya 77mm Pro 0.9 ND
- Hoya 72mm Pro 0.9 ND
- Tiffen 4×4 0.9 ND
- Tiffen 4×4 0.6 ND
- Tiffen 4×4 Ultra Polarizer
- Fader ND 72mm
- Fader ND 77mm
Misc
- Nexto DI NVS2500
- Lacie Rugged Ext Drives (x4)
- Giottos Rocket Air Blower (x2)
- LensPen (quite a few – always handy!)
- Bluestar eye cushions
Hi,
quite a lot of you use!
Are you happy with the LaCie Rugged Ext. Drive? Any crashes? Do you use the Triple Interface 500GB version?
I’m asking because I’m thinking of buying them.
Daniel
Hi Daniel.
I had a problem with a 500GB USB version a few weeks ago when I was working in Barcelona, it was just a generic “there was a problem writing to the drive” etc etc msg from my macbook so I reformatted it and it’s been fine since. I also use the triple interface versions and prefer them because I use FW800 with both the macbook and my mac pro.
I always assume any drive is going to fail and keep everything on at least two of them. I just like the way the lacie rugged drives are soft and rubbery, they pack well and don’t feel like they’re going to get smashed up in a bag or a case, and more importantly they don’t damage other things around them. I also purchased a set of different coloured bumpers for them which helps a lot in knowing which is which :)
Thanks for the fast answer. Do you use 5400rpm or 7200rpm?
5400 I think, just the cheapest option as I’m not normally in a rush when using those drives. My MacBook or the NVS2500 normally do backups to ext drives while I’m eating or sleeping :)
Its just as well your kids like playing in the garden with sticks and mud!
lol, it’s funny you should say that :)
Hey Paul,
I have been looking to get some rails for some time now and now is that time to get that Glidetrack Hydrid. I just wanted to know how it connects to the tripod. Is it sold with the plates? Do I screw on my tripod plate to the bottom of the slider? Whats the deal? When I get it, I want to get all the necessary parts at the same time. You know how it goes when you buy something and then when it arrives, you realise that you need some more things that you were not awear of. Can you please give me a lil rundown of the things I might need. I use one of those small Satchler tripods that came out around the time the Panasonic DVX100 were popular.
Thanks in advance,
Sean
Hi Sean
they do not come with any tripod plates, they just have threads to allow you to attach whatever plate you need underneath the rail. Best bet would be to contact Alastair at Glidetrack and ask him what you need to attach the glidetrack to your tripod. You may find that you need to support it at both ends as the hybrid is based on the HD rail and may be a bit heavy for use on a singe tripod.
Hi Paul
I’m trying to think of a way to ask this that doesn’t seem rude… basically there’s a lot of expensive kit here which for a hobby or someone trying to build up an interest/experience, would be unaffordable for most. I assume you’ve been able to make the work pay for most of this kit. Do you have any advice on how to achieve a level of income that is at least self sustaining particularly when starting out in film making? In other words how do you get off the ground?
Many thanks and love your work.
Innes
Hi Innes.
That’s a very good question and one I’m happy to answer. When I started out back in 2007 I had just enough to buy my Canon XH-A1 and a few essential accessories like batteries, a mic and a basic tripod. At that time I was also providing freelance graphic design services and used pretty much every penny of my profits to invest in more video gear, eventually managing to get enough to start offering a few video services to clients. I ditched the design work in 2009 The rest of the kit on this page has been added over the last few years and most of it was purchased with specific projects in mind that would pay for the kit. I generally chose new gear that would allow me to take on new types of projects or offer something new to my existing clients that would result in more work, and so paying for the kit.
Don’t fall in to the trap where you think you have to an impressive looking camera system and be ready for anything that comes in, just get what you need to service your existing clients and their projects as you get booked, that way your kit list will develop naturally and you will end up with the right gear for you rather than the same gear that everybody else has!