FILM AND SERIES
Cinema DP
CAMERA
A cinema body recording RAW or log, with timecode
LENSES
Cinema primes or zooms with geared focus rings
SUPPORT
Tripod head, dolly, slider or a Steadicam
CREW
A focus puller, a gaffer for light, grips for rigging
GUIDE · THE WORKING KIT
Who shoots with what
A typical kit for each kind of job. Kinds of equipment, not brands: the right model changes every year, the reasons do not.
ONE DAY, NO SECOND TAKE
Wedding video
CAMERA
Two bodies, so one is always rolling
LENSES
A fast standard zoom and a fast prime for low light
SOUND
Wireless mics on the couple and the officiant
SUPPORT
A gimbal for the walk, a monopod for speeches
PORTRAIT AND FASHION
Photo shoot
CAMERA
A system camera, often tethered to a laptop
LENSES
A short telephoto for faces, a standard for full length
LIGHT
Studio strobes with a softbox or a beauty dish
SET
Backdrop, reflector, a stylist and a make-up artist
COMMERCIALS AND STUDIO
Staged production
CAMERA
A cinema body, often on a crane or a motion rig
SET
A built set, a cyclorama wall or a green screen
LIGHT
A full grid of fixtures with a dimmer board
POST
Grading and compositing planned before the shoot
RUN AND GUN
News and documentary
CAMERA
A shoulder camcorder or a compact cinema camera
LENS
One long zoom so the operator never changes glass
SOUND
A shotgun mic on camera and a wireless lav
LIGHT
A small battery LED panel
YOUTUBE AND SOCIAL
Creator
CAMERA
A mirrorless camera or a phone
SOUND
A clip-on wireless mic matters more than the camera
LIGHT
One soft key light and a practical lamp
SUPPORT
A small tripod or a gimbal