Ask an aspiring filmmaker, and he will tell you that mastering the video is essential before going ahead with the planning. Those who love photography and filmmaking might understand that expensive, non–portable devices like equipment must be proper to ensure quick completion of the tasks.
Cameras, lights, and all such large and small essential accessories help with the laborious job! But thankfully, some mini-versions attract the attention of most people these days. If you are on the lookout for something small and wish to gift your friend who is into filmmaking, take a look at the prime components to upgrade the collection.
Production Slate
To get the production look and feel instantly, get a functional tool like a slate. Use wisely. It can help sync the audio in post. This is extremely necessary when you use the dual-system sound. Almost all the notes inscribed on the slate for every take will ensure that the edits and shoot stay organized. Regardless of how small the production is, this equipment will always help feel the shoot is in progress.
Compact Lights
Light, as we know, is primary to filmmaking. Gone are the days of those giant, old lighting kits. The best choice in the present times is the ultra-portable light that serves in few roles, where a standard kit wouldn’t come in handy. There is some equipment available in the market that are extremely lightweight and can make any color, create special-effects options like Fireworks, Paparazzi, Police Car, and so on. When you need some distinct colors, looks, or effects or when you wish to have a tiny fill light in a compact zone, choose this outright. Budding filmmakers should choose this for their upcoming ventures.
Portable Storage
Unlike pictures, videos take a lot of space. Ask filmmakers, and they will tell you how frantic they become when having new models of cameras and their high resolutions and frame rates. Under these circumstances, fast, portable storages are the best option. The best bet would be the small SSDs that keep your videos safe.
Imagine losing out on the good footage that you captured just because of a faulty drive. That would be meaningless. For instance, Samsung’s T5 SSD in different sizes and colors is a wise pick. If you want more functionality, choose a wireless drive that would assist you with card backups at the time of shooting on location (like the GNARBOX 2.0).
Gimbal Stabilizer
Nowadays, handheld shooting has become commonplace. Filmmakers love to capture moments and scenes while they’re on the go. Besides, it’s easy, and you need no heavy tripods. If you do the work right, it not only helps the story come to life, but the visceral feeling is an out-of-the-world experience. Gimbal stabilizers are easy to use equipment. It’s easy to understand the functioning since gimbals use sensors and motors when compensating for the movement. Also, a smoothly handheld look is imparted. Mirrorless cameras are in vogue for videos, and even gimbals have become portable.
Monitor/Recorder
To get a great image, resort to a high-quality monitor. And just in case you thought the back of the camera is the best fit, it’s not! Choose something that helps you attain larger and brighter images having great scopes, focus peaking, and a few other tools to ensure your capture is top-notch. Want something even better? Now upgrade that to a monitor/ recorder combo. This is an updated and advanced monitor, unlike the previous one. You’ll be amazed to see the output in less compressed formats.
On-Camera Microphone
Imagine a great video getting ruined by disturbing audio. Would you not feel like the entire work is spoilt? For better audio, choose a dedicated microphone. There are on-camera shotgun microphones, which can produce better quality sound than any in-camera microphone.
Shotgun mics are specifically useful since they capture audio when coming from one direction only. This way, ambient noise is cut down to limit distractions. Make it a point to opt for only branded and high-quality products if you want better after effects.
This is not an exhaustive list. Keep searching for more options, and your budding filmmaker friend might just be surprised at the gift options you have for them.
