Gear of the Year Awards: 9 Top Filmmaking Tools
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 มิ.ย. 2024
- What was the best filmmaking gear in my kit as a professional documentary cinematographer this year? There’s a lot more to filmmaking than just cameras and lenses and in this video I’m giving out 9 awards for the most useful tools across a variety of categories that made my life as a filmmaker easier.
And don’t forget to grab your 70% discount (code Luc70) on Audiio’s pro plan and try out LinkMatch for yourself. Or get a lifetime membership for just $199 (code Luc199). Massive savings on a great service! audiio.com/lucforsyth
#filmmaking #gear #musicforvideo #audiio
🎥 *WANT TO LEVEL UP YOUR CINEMATOGRAPHY? JOIN MY DOCUMENTARY CINEMATOGRAPHY: PROFESSIONAL FOUNDATIONS COURSE*🎥 bit.ly/3YkuBcL
📽 *A FILMMAKER’S GUIDE TO LONG TERM CAREER PLANNING (FREE 5 DAY CHALLENGE)*📽: bit.ly/40ZS9GC
📖 THE DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKER’S NETWORKING GUIDE (FREE DOWNLOAD) 📖: bit.ly/3VIA7Vm
📝✅ ESSENTIAL GEAR PACKING CHECKLIST (FREE DOWNLOAD) ✅📝: tinyurl.com/ycknfa7j
🗞 MONTHLY NEWSLETTER: FILMMAKING TIPS, GEAR, AND CREATIVE LIVING 🗞: bit.ly/3imiDAj
🤘 WHERE I GET MUSIC FOR MY VIDEOS (Luc70 for 70% off!!!) 🤘: audiio.com/lucforsyth
📱 *SCHEDULE 1:1 CAREER DEVELOPMENT OR PROJECT CONSULTATION CALL WITH ME*📱
calendly.com/lucforsyth/1-1-c...
🔗 LINKS FROM THIS VIDEO
The Heat Company Gloves: tinyurl.com/3sdm9eff
Sony Fx3: bhpho.to/45qSKSx
Sigma 60-600: bhpho.to/3EVt71k
Collapsable Stool: amzn.to/48mWS8a
Molus 100 Lights (Luc10 for 10% off): tinyurl.com/4m7wrrh2
Hollyland Mars 4k: bhpho.to/3TppDfV (B&H) | amzn.to/3ekI3w9 (Amazon)
Walking Treadmill (code Luc for discount): motiongrey.com/r?id=iqqkku
Tentacle Track E: bhpho.to/3GNCUr6
Tentacle Sync E (timecode box): bhpho.to/3RMnQk6
LinkMatch Audio Tool: audiio.com/lucforsyth
(some of the above links may be connected to affiliate programs which help support the channel, but all are personally vetted)
CHAPTERS
0:00 - Intro
1:28 - My approach to best gear
2:41 - Best Camera Award
4:39 - Best Lens Award
6:35 - Best Light Award
8:15 - Disruptive Tech Award
10:28 - Audio Award
12:37 - Audiio, the sponsor of today’s video
14:47 - Health & Fitness Award
17:18 - Clothing Award
19:07 - Ultimate Nerd Award
🎥 🔥 📷 GEAR I USE
MY ACAM: amzn.to/3CsrOoy
MY TH-cam CAM: amzn.to/3TcW12m
BEST DOC TRIPOD IN THE WORLD: bhpho.to/3VD3Gsn
MY FAVORITE CAMERA BACKPACK: bit.ly/3yTAJPh
EXPEDITION BACKPACK: bit.ly/3MEkco2
TH-cam LENS: amzn.to/3CuSl4x
PRIME LENSES: amzn.to/3CuVrWk
CURRENT DRONE: amzn.to/3VUUiQk
KEY LIGHT: amzn.to/3MzpsJn
SHOTGUN MIC: amzn.to/3hVwVnL
COMPUTER: amzn.to/3HXNwlE
CRAZY GOOD POWER BANK FOR FILMMAKERS: www.omnicharge.co/luc
Some of the above are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended
✋ SAY HI
Email: luc@lucforsyth.com
Web: www.lucforsyth.com
IG: @lucforsyth (BTS content, but I’m TERRIBLE at DMs - sorry!)
Your humbleness reminds me of the guy in movies who's nice to everyone and never fights because he knows within himself he could easily win.
I don't even shoot doc. videos but I enjoy learning, hearing your stories and insight
Awesome, glad to hear it!
I bought his documentary course and I don’t do documentary either 😂.. he is that good
Same @largebucketgolf
MAN. I clearly watch too many gear tech videos because I correctly guessed most of the film gear you mentioned. But at the same time, I can't afford a single one of those items and I have also never used one before 😅. Time to stop watching TH-cam videos and time to start MAKING SOME.
I have like a thousand word essay to type out about the solid tips in this video and stuff about the exercise and health with editing. Nevermind all the other solid tips and recommendations you gave. So I am gonna leave it with a "GREAT VIDEO! LIKE ALWAYS!"
Luc. I'm shooting a Doc in Spain this spring and was just daydreaming yesterday about the perfect, portable chair solution. Your last award is definitely going in my nerd kit! This is why your channel is at the top of my recommended. You constantly push out amazing videos with truly good insight that speaks from experience. That's a breath of fresh air compared to other gear "theory" channels I've across. Stay awesome, and happy holidays!
+1 on the Collapsable Stool recommendation! I purchased it back when you first mentioned it on the channel, and I have used it so many times. Not only for interview subjects to have a place to sit, but also when I am filming animals for hours at a time and I need to be low to the ground for hours. Happy holidays, Luc!
Probably the best channel to follow. Thanks for these reviews on product people actually use for real.
YESSS! The collapsible stool that I spied in your video! Those things are NOT nerdy! They are a lifesaver - and anyone who might have trouble with their toes after a long time squatting while shooting...they really get the job done. I love mine just as much my pocket protec.....
I loved it! A honest review of what really matters. Thanks for sharing!
Your content is phenomenal. Thank you!
Happy Holidays Luc!
FANTASTIC gear review, Luc....so helpful, and you can tell your recommendations come from practical, on-shoot experience, not just what's the sexy shiny thing of the moment or the company willing to pay you.
I remember last year, I saw one of your kit videos and during a kit-purchasing moment, I got myself a collapsible stool. I had almost immediate buyer's remorse, thinking it was a bit of a needless spend. My god, that thing has been a life saver on almost every shoot. I've had to do 6 hours of back-to-back interviews with it, launched mini drones from it, sat during timelapses outdoors. It's amazing.
Hell yes also for the Tentacle Track Es (and Tentacle Sync more widely). Paired with some Sanken COS11D lav mics, the Tentacles have dramatically improved the audio standard in my work.
Really love the recommendation on gloves - I was literally just on a shoot where I had to do some shoulder mounting interviews in a pinch whilst it was snowing outside, and my existing gloves weren't cutting it....ouch! I will be checking them out, as well as the shockingly-affordable wireless monitor solution and light from Zhiyun.
@Luc, can you elaborate on the situations where you have used the Zhiyun light vs. when the situation tipped beyond a threshold and you went for a bigger light, like an Apurture or SmallRig? I'm after a singular main key light for one-man-band shoots overseas, and it needs to pack a punch for the size...but wondering if you think this Zhiyun has been up to scratch as a key?
Collapsable stool for the win! Thanks for these comments, glad to know I'm not the only one using this stuff!
I've used the Molus 100 more and more, mostly in situations where I'm lighting a space (rather than an individual shot). I typically use my 300d when I need a soft key light over the Molus, but the Molus is so compact and light that it's much easier to fit into tight spaces. So while there's nothing to say it couldn't be a key light, since I already have the 300d I generally use it more to light locations or as a hair light when needed.
@@LucForsyth hey Luc, thanks for your input!
It's been a month or so, and I'm floundering in annoying kit-paralysis land over choosing a lighting solution. I'm hoping you might be able to offer some thoughts to rescue me from this purgatory.
I'm looking for the most portable, lightweight key light solution possible, to take with me as a one-man-band shooter on overseas gigs for nonprofits. I also shoot underwater, so with every shoot I'm already brining a ton of stuff even before the topside doc kit gets thrown into the equation.
At the moment, I'm so, so torn between the following solutions;
(1) going down the Molus X100 route + some form of attachable diffusion like a lantern or parabolic softbox. The Molus is super portable and the batter is immensely helpful, but I'm struggling to find a decent size softbox solution that's light and/or packs-down well.
(2) A LED panel like a Godox FL150R. Very compact too, but mains power won't always be available, so I'd have to throw some money at a D-Tap battery solution too.
Given the context and the need for a key light, if you were in my shoes without the arsenal of existing lights in your kit room....what would you go for, and why?
Great video Luc! I’m in love with Tentacle lol. Such a great system
Thanks Luc for sharing your thoughts and recommendations.I need to look into those gloves. It's always quite painful shooting outside during Minnesota winter.
So refreshing to see some unseen gears for once, thanks for the recommendation Luc
I appreciate your advice in this video. It's all about solving problems rather than just buying the newest, shiny piece of gear. Thanks!
Great video Luc as always....have a great holiday back home!
Thanks Paul, you too!
Another great video with really good recommendations. Thanks!
I would be really curious, when talking about the Tentacles, what would you say about the Deity Theos Digital Wireless Microphone System? It's wireless and also it records 32-bit internally.
Perfect video. Imo this is what experienced professionals can bring to those starting out. Shortcuts and real life professional insights. Absolutely understand why to monitise channels gear reviews are often necessary but this kind of insight whether its an affiliate link or not is absolutely gold. Support the channel of course by using links but discounts are too a penny, insight and specifically professional insight cannot be bought. Excellent. Thx for the video.
Nice, literally just picked up the little stool for my upcoming doc, great video!
Great breakdown on the real world use of your gear, +1 for the Sigma 60-600 (the poor persons CN20) we love that lens!
What's the waist bag you're resting the Sony FX3 on in the photos at 3:40? I've been trying to figure out a very similar set up. Love the video! Thanks for sharing all you've learned!
great insights, thank you Luc!
You're very welcome!
Really love your take even if i'm not in documentaries. Thanks for sharing
That folding stool just woke up the thought that I gonna need one for when I start shooting my doc.
Thanks for the heads up.
Took me forever to decide what chair to use in the “ studio “ aka my garage. But never thought about interviews in the field.
It's so good! The first time you need it, you'll be happy!
Love the Sigma 60-600mm zoom recomendation. Been eying it for a while. Also, love the treadmill. You are a peripatetic thinker like me Moving stimulates your mind. It's the reason laywers pace in a courtroom. Keep shooting and moving.
That was a fun list :)
Woah the GLOVES!! So keen to get some now
Love the collapsible stool - will order one today...
The Gloves and the Stool are on my top list now ;) Thank you for your interresting insights of your experience. Wish you all the best Sir.
I agree 😮
Hey Luc, thanks for the video. I currently own an FX6 and am considering adding a viewfinder to it. I've been looking at the FX9 loupe as a potential option. However, I've noticed you don't often use it in your videos. Could you share your thoughts on whether it's a good choice for the FX6? 😊
Purchased Sony fx6's and fx3's for my department this year and find both the cameras really solid and great for image quality, however I still find that I'll reach for my Panasonic S5 (The original not the mk2 with fancy auto focus) over the fx3 with all things being equal. It's really a matter of it being more flexible and easier to adapt to me as a shooter rather than forcing me to do things the sony way, image quality wise they're pretty much identical. That said panasonic doesn't have anything that touches the fx6 in that light cine cam weight class so if you're already in the sony ecosystem the fx3 is great, and the image coming from it matches the 6 perfectly with a light weight factor.
Great video Luc! Stoked to see the stool getting the love for this lol
informative video wish filmmaking tools were not so expensive informative content Thanks Luc.
Don't we all! Thanks John!
Would love to see a vid that details your workflow with the tentacle sync and timecode generators...
I discovered this channel today and have already watched about a dozen videos. I find myself giving thumbs up even before watching the videos! 🤦♂ Thanks for the fantastic work!
Thank you, Luc. This is great. I’m traveling as well shooting doc-style for a TV show. Great to hear your reco’s. Thanks for doing this. An idea for you for your channel: how to travel internationally with gear. I’ll be doing that in 2024. Just a thought. Happy holidays to you!
Thanks Tim! I have a whole unit on carnets in my doc cinematography course, but if there's enough interest I'd be happy to make a public facing version as well!
Good idea. I'd be interested, too.
@@LucForsyth Thx, Luc. I'll definitely check out your course. I hope that there's enough interest in this subject. I just don't see a lot of content out there about it and it would be super helpful. I know lots of other doc film makers that have made trips to Africa and other countries for their films. I've traveled a few times outside of the country, but it's been a long while and I'd love to get tips and insight on best practices to make sure I don't get hung up in customs.
Found your channel randomly, great content ❤
Thanks, glad you like it!
I have a topic request / suggestion. You mentioned several times in this video that you travel. Can you do a video about how you travel? Do you check bags or do you do 100% carry-on? If you check bags, what bags or cases do you use? How often do they get damaged? Any particular airlines to avoid? What is the gross tonnage of all of your gear that you bring along? Do you travel alone?
I just took a trip to Germany for a month. I didn’t weight my gear before I left but when I returned, it was over 100 lbs. I had one big checked bag, a carry on camera bag, a carry on valise for my laptop and iPad, and a purse (man bag). I packed my tripod into the checked bag but I wonder if I could have carried it on.
I’ve yet to see anyone talk about traveling with camera gear. There are camera gear videos and channels and there are traveling videos and channels but not traveling with camera gear. You seem to be unique in the amount of travel that you do in the TH-cam content producer category.
Thank you for the videos and Yea!!! You got rid of the ball cap.
I’d love a video about this. I think I’ve got a pretty tight kit for air travel, but would love to see yours!
Question: what Lav mic are you using with the Tentacle E? Also, this is one of the best lists I have seen in a bit. Thanks!
Great list of actually functional things that aren’t on 40 other lists. Biggest question, pants?? What’s your go to stretchy pants for outdoor filmmaking??
Hell yeah! finally something for my
Gear
Aquisition
Syndrom
Must feed the GAS!
@@LucForsyth every filmmaker has a little GAS in the basement to feed
Thank you Luc. Best decision I made was to subscribe to the channel. Greetings from Uganda.
Great productions! Question about Audiio: Do you ever have issues with royalty free music from Audiio after you use it in a video and upload it to TH-cam? I'm currently using Envato Elements and I seem to get copyright issues when I use their music on TH-cam.
Very fine Sir! Thanks --
Thank you kindly!
Hi Luc! Where can I see the documentaries that you made?
Hehe the collapsible stool is a lifesaver. My wife went to an Ed Sheeran concert and had to wait in line hours prior to the actual concert. Great "I told you so" moment for me. 🤘😅
Awesome stuff dude! Question for you, as a soon-to-be freelancer, what types of gigs or methods did you find most effective in building your network?
I made a whole guide on this because I think it's so important...download for free in the description! Also a couple videos on the channel already if you go back a bit...happy networking!
Love 18-140, 17-50 2.8 sigma for run n gun. Z50, R8, NX. 70-300 perfect for Rose Parade.
Hey new vierer here. what kind of mic. setup do you use? Sice you dont use a lav. mic i tought it might be a shotgun microphone. always love to learn new things in the film-making and creative industrie.
Hi Luc, is the sennheiser 416 still worth picking up in 2024? Or are the better value mics out there
Did you ever use the 60-600mm for shoulder work? Or is handheld not an option past 200mm for shakiness? Im in between getting the sigma or a 70-200 with 1.4x converter for a hunting show. Would love your thoughts. :)
If you're shooting in extreme cold, add a very thin glove under the ones mentioned. Just to insulate from touching anything metal like top handles bor tripods.
Great tip...,the same company makes really heavy duty ones that have merino liners that i used for -10 and below if you're in serious cold
Could you provide some tips on how to do handheld shots with cinema cameras that tend to be pretty heavy like specially the older ones like that the sea 500s and that size cinema camera with lenses and monitors and batteries and all the rest I’m having trouble with not being able to have smooth shots. They still seem to be kind of shaky and I don’t know whether it’s just because of how I rig it or if it’s something to do with the way I’m holding it and how I bracing my arms, etc. but if you could talk about this cause you seem to do a lot of handheld stuff that seems to look great sothat would be a tremendous help
The added weight is usually better for smooth hand held , maybe your balance is not good , ie too front heavy on your shoulder and putting stress on your arms / hands . But the weight itself should be an advantage compared to say the fx6. You want to try to get the balance point on your shoulder.
I'm only a photographer but it's the season when I pull out the tripod, the sigma 50 500 and put on the cheaper knock-off of those gloves I bought from decathlon.
Omg my favorite piece of gear is this little handle thingy I got off a vintage flash head.... I use it on my gimbal, on my camera, I even use it as my gopro selphie handle. Probably paid 15 bucks for the whole 3 head flash kit with tripods and case, but that handle gets used AF!
A question, as the fx3 is a ”go to tool” and AF isn’t an important function wouldn’t the Panasonic Lumix DC-BS1H (cubed S1H) be an option?
Or are just into the Sony ecosystem that its not an option?
What is that fabulous clamp at 8.10?
On your advice I just bought a used SF7 Mk2. It was cheap as chips so no worries, I'll let you know how I get on.
Please do! I think you'll be more than happy with it at the price!
"All the normal terrible feelings." I screamed 🤣😭
Luc, that Zhiyun light has a lot of reviews stating it just outright failed on many people. How long have you used it for, and how consistently?
I knew the lens would be a SIGMA! They say the lens is like the "paintbrush" to a classic painter such as Vermeer, Reimbrandt, Renoir or Delacroix. Aside from the high-end Cooks, Zeiss, and the others, the Sigma family is fantastic to me when it comes to image quality. Thanks, Luc.
The only thing on my list for this year would be a Vizio TV and Moza Racing set lol
Luc, how do you feel about having a family and having to travel a lot like this?
Thanks for your great content! I'm a little confused by the hype of the fx3. No one's acknowledging any more that the a7s3 has the exact same sensor and the same audio abilities and its cheaper. Since "the creator" these facts seemed to got lost 😅
It’s still a great choice!
It even has a viewfinder and a mechanical shutter, which is great for photography but I think the fx3 is the little bit better Choice for filmmaker because it has a buildin fan
im an ENG camera Operator and bought same same gloves and stool loong time ago before even seeing this video. So it was really interesting to see these come on your award list as I love them too. Especially the gloves. I have been talking about them to fellow camera operators.. they're overpriced Id say for what they are to be fair ( i ride motorcycles and for £70 you get more of a glove in motorcycling world for that money for example)
my problem with these kind of transmitter is that they dont have a loop. and if you work with a AC you want to send the signal out with the lowest delay possible but without loop you still need to go through the monitor first what introduce delay
i had a 50-500 from sigma back when i was shooting track n field also was using a fisherman tripod stool at the time dose the job ,, , yee Gloves like shoes are really important when working outdoor in the cold ,, thows are cool but bit pricy ,, nice form factor for the Lights ,
Those gloves though 💪🏾
The best!
Hi Luc - I have a completely off-the-wall question for you. I am 70 and flying small bush planes and shooting ducks from blinds without hearing protection means I now wear hearing aids. Why is it that I, and millions of others, can’t understand the dialogue as presented in hollywood films? The music or sound effects always covers the dialogue. It’s horrible. And is an actor whispers - forget it. I talk to my boomer friends and even those with good hearing can’t understand much of the dialogue. However, when we watch documentary films we can almost always understand what people are saying. What is it that feature filmmakers don’t understand? Jim in Oregon
Love the nerd item, what a hack
hello from Leipzig.
I predicted all of the winners read before you said them, should I win something?
Can you talk about your film business for the year 2023? With inflation causing businesses having to lower their budgets, did you feel the effects and what you think 2024 will look like?
Great idea - I'll add it to the list! Short version is that this 2024 is likely going to be my best year in a while, but I'll have to elaborate on how in a video. Thanks!
I have bad experiences with the Molus X100. And it's not only me. The batteries die all of the sudden even without a lot of use. So far Zhiyun has not responded to my warranty request.
Really? That's very disappointing to hear. I haven't had any issues with mine so I can't comment on that side of things, but if that's a universal experience it would be a real bummer considering how much I like this light. Thanks for letting me know!
I ordered one too and it was delivered with a dead battery already 😓 crazy!!!
@@yannickderennes996 it is absurd. I also still haven't received any response from the service department.
My collapsible stool broke underneath me on set
Fx3 is a fine beast , but please Sony , why no variable shutter ? its dangerous as an A camera as a whole location might be out the window with practical light / monitor flicker, you can't get rid of .
Mmmh, I don't know if Hollyland is so much competitor of Teradek as DJI is. DJI transmission is the real disruptor. 6km range, the system goes through multiple concrete floors, tenth of thousand people using their smartphones, still keeping a lot of mbps. Without speaking of smart autofocus in the echosystem, that is not simply based on a distance measure like higher end system do (Teradek RT, Cinetape, etc). At least half of the people who spent their money on the disasters of Bolt 4k and Bolt 6 won't touch a new Teradek anymore, because of their unreliability. Having a 2K dollars system that allows to do much better what a 15K dollars Teradek was able to do only sometimes, and not so well, with the price of a bit more latency and 1080 resolution... that's not nothing....
I came for the camera kit and left with a stole
MOTHER !@#$ER I KNEW IT!
I Knew you were going to say the FX3!! Hahaha, like so many of us, we are in awe of the quality of the device. But let's be real, SONY as a consumer-goods provider type of entity is HORRENDOUS when it comes to customer service. Whether it is the PS5 store, it is a lens defect, whatever. Garb customer service IMHO. I have 3-5 cameras, the 360 x3, the bmdcc6kff, the iphone 15 pro, the mavic 3 pro, etc... It really comes down to the story, as always... Haha, yet it is true, for many of us such as myself I would put the FX3 on top of the list of next body's-to-buy. XLRs are a must and the mini xlrs on the bmd are weak in comparison.
How will you tell yours?!
haha, sorry man, I had to! Believe me I was thinking "are you really going to give this cliche answer?", but it really is so good...
At the beginning of the video, he claims none of the products that were sponsored or sent to him for free will make this list. Breaks that rule by the 3rd piece of gear with the Molus X100 by stating Zhiyun sent it to him 6 months ago and was sent to him for free 😅 yup, turning video off now