Testing 5 "Budget" Alternatives to Overpriced Film Gear
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 พ.ค. 2024
- We all want pro filmmaking gear for cheap, but which of the “budget” options are worth your money, and which are a waste? Well I had the same questions, so I reached out to 5 of the brands behind some of the internet’s favourite budget brands and asked if I could test some of their most popular products. I’ll just say I finished this video feeling optimistic about the future of affordable filmmaking!
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Hollyland Mars 4k Transmitter: tinyurl.com/56ffruhw (B&H) | tinyurl.com/3n9dhp62 (Amazon)
Nanlite Pavotubes II 30x: tinyurl.com/y5kzytz5 (B&H) | tinyurl.com/4nrtj9my (Nanlite US)
Sakk: sakkcameraequipment.com/
Came TV Mini 99c: tinyurl.com/48scw7tj (B&H) | tinyurl.com/ywh872w8 (Amazon)
Neewer Rolling Case: tinyurl.com/bdd986wb (B&H)
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CHAPTERS
0:00 - Intro
1:26 - The Alternative to overpriced CineSaddles
5:55 - An option to overpriced v-mount batteries
10:17 - An alternative to overpriced lights
13:04 - Audiio, the sponsor of today’s video
14:26 - An alternative to Think Tank production manager case
16:38 - An alternative to expensive video transmitters
19:21 - Final thoughts
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The word “budget” definitely has different meanings to different people 😂
big time.
Was just thinking that same thing, when I *woke up from fainting* after hearing the price of those light tubes 😮
Lol, this is the realist comment.
Buy once, cry once
@@danabeldp I bought a Sony A7SIII once, I been crying ever since.
Luc, this is probably the first and only video I've seen from your channel and I'm subscribing immediately. Your presentation style is not only straight to the point, but also relatable and down to earth. It feels like you're just another filmmaker like us who's sharing his experience in a genuine manner.
Regarding the content of the video, Impact makes a very similar bag to the Neewer and it was definitely one of the best purchases I made last year. It's such a good time to be an independent filmmaker with so much useful and low cost gear available.
I really appreciate how straightforward and practical your videos are. No fake hype or fluff.
Genuinely one of the best videos of this type. Thanks for all of these!
Man.. I really like your vids!
They're not the over the top super flashy type vids we see so much, but rather well put together and well thought out videos about things we want to know about from someone that's doing work with it all on a regular basis. Honestly makes me miss my days working in the documentary world!
Been subbed for a while now and much enjoy the vids I get to catch!
Bro, your delivery has gotten so much better on camera! Holy crap man! Keep up the GREAT work! Obviously the lighting is top notch always has been, camera work, impeccable...
Great concept for a video! Thank you! I would have loved to see you compare some of the Easy Rig alternatives.
Watch the zippers on that Neewer case. 2 broken zips in 4 months meant laying down the cash for the Think Tank. (No regrets with the ThinkTank)
Very informative and entertaining. Thanks Luc!
I was literally just checking Newer Case. I’m so glad to hear that it held up well. Awesome video, thank you!
I bought this case back in Brazil 2 years ago, and when I moved to Canada I brought it with me. I must say, one of the best purchases I've ever made.
I used to destroy my back carrying gear and it saved me.
The only thing I did was put a wooden board on the bottom to protect it from the light stand tip
I'll start with my budget kit:
CineSaddles = Camera Strap
V-mount Batteries = NP-F to V-Mount Adapter
Tube lights = Florescent Tubes
Roller = Old gym bag
Video Transmitter = Long cable to cheap monitor
😅 For real though, the NP-F to V-Mount Adapter was a great way to get 10,000mAh battery power for less than half the price of one V-Mount battery. I can use the NP-F's with my LED lights too, so win win.
Hey. Just looked up the adapter and that's a great budget friendly option. What brand of NP-F to V mount adapter do you use?
Yeah, they're a great alternative! There's tons of adapters, but I'm currently using the Neewer F2-Bp V-Mount Battery Converter with 2x Newell NP-F770's and a D-Tap dummy battery for my Fujifilm X-T3. There are other adapters that offer DC out, USB or other outputs but this lil cheapy does the job for me.
@@WhySteve thank you!
Love this video!! I’ve been looking for an affordable option for most of these items. Thank you!
You're the man! I'm really looking at that Neewer bag. Seems like a great option for traveling!
Great thoughts, thanks for making the breakdown!
Great video, Luc! The Pavo Tubes are great but we actually settled on the Amaran tubes made by Aputure. They are extremely durable, full spectrum RGB, and the app interface is fantastic. Plus they have several 1/4-20 and 3/8" mounting points and an extremely long-lasting battery. They come in a 2ft and 4ft version. I highly suggest checking them out!
Luc, Thank you for making this video. It's always nice to see how actual filmmakers (not just "TH-camrs") use and abuse gear, what works, and what doesn't.
This is super helpful, thank you!
Great summary of the equipment! 🎉 exactly was going to buy cinebag ))😊
You're good! Full disclaimer given and authentic valuable content provided! I have a semi-pro-ish tip for another economy option for the light stand/tripod big bag....a golf travel bag. They tend to be a little longer, are pretty cavernous, ruggedly built, have padding, have wheels, often have outside pockets for odds and ends, and when an airline sees them they don't really think twice. They often fold up for storage which is also could be con since the Neewer "solid" box design might help in some ways. And the bonus is that they are even less expensive than the Neewer rolling case.
Oh...and the airline pays attention and is more likely to handle golf bags with care...last thing they need is a claim from an angry executive on their golf trip.
Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge and insight, it definitely helps when trying to avoid the nightmare of " I knew I should have spent the extra money" as you drop the latest device in the bin. Ive been looking at the Hollyland Transmitter and I feel better about it fitting into my 'well spent' money category. Looking forward to the course as well.
Great to hear! None of this stuff is cheap sadly, but SOME of it is worth it
Great video… again!
I really like your lighting setup here- would mind sharing your setup?
This was great, thank you!
Great topic to cover! thanks!
Great video! Budget gear is so good nowadays its crazy. I'm sure doc work is pretty hard on gear though, so more industry standards start to make sense. Godox makes a good large case like the Neewer one that ive had for a few years. Also, Neewer makes some great 150-190wh batteries for the same price as that compact one if you need higher wh batteries for lights on the cheap. Thanks for the review!
Amazing content as usual 🧩
As I am watching this video, I am keeping an eye out for my delivery of a CameTV battery! I am SUPER impressed with their products! Thanks for all the awesome content! LOVE YOUR CHANNEL LUC! Oh! It's HERE! gotta go!!!
I have learn some good stuff from you Sir. I made sure the folks at audiio knew that you sent me. Thanks for the savings!!
Thanks for the recommendations. I purchased the Came TV Mini 99c using your Amazon link. Cheers!
Luc....great insights and keep creating your superb videos!
Thanks Paul, will do!
Thanks for you insights on this gear. Found it pretty helpful. In the cinesaddle sections I think I spotted a Loawa Ranger cinezoom? Would love to hear your take on how those Ranger lenses stack up to others you’ve used. There are not many options that are full manual, full frame, and hit the 24-70, 70-200 ranges. The fujinons are close but only super35 which isnt real suitable for 4k sensors for the cost.
Very good video! I have the Hollyland 400s and agree completely. I mostly use it like you said with an iPad. Really good! Also have experience with Neewer motorised sliders, good value and works great with Black Magic cameras and the likes.
Hello Luc! Thanks for the videos. Really helps me out in removing some noise when it comes to getting the job done.
I always hear you saying investing on good monitors. I can only afford an Atomos Shinobi at the moment, I hope you could share tips/settings or anything to make the monitors more functional. I always hear what they're good
for potentially or what features they have but never actual tips on how they tweak and use the monitors for actual work. 😅
Hope you can reconsider the request. Thanks! 😅
great video and helpful!
Great video, yes Hollyland wireless systems are real good and thats a really nice idea to link it to an ipad ill have to keep that in mind! And buying used can also be a decent way to save money on gear! as long as your careful
Been getting the SAKK ads too and almost pulled the trigger till I saw this haha thank you!
Glad I could help!
Thank you for this video because I'm really looking for a good but affordable battery.
I have recently bought 3 neewer v mount 99s for right at $100 a piece. They're great so far, & compare really well to the Smallrig versions. I have to say the ability to charge via USB-C is so great. Not having to have a special charger for the cost of another battery is fantastic.
Great video as always! Thanks Luc
PS I really enjoyed your E-book. A ton of valuable insights & wisdom.
Oh nice, glad you liked the book! 👊🏻 📖
Was just about to mention the Neewer batteries!
My top budget items I’ve bought would have to be k&F 99 V mount. $199 Australian. I normally use coreswx v mounts that are $580ish AUD & I bought the K&F as an extra back up. & it’s now my first choice.. dual dtap. USB A & C + LCD screen showing exact timing.
Neweer for anything like green screens/reflectors.. but definitely not for a stands etc.
Also love the Pavo tubes.. I’ve got 6 :)
Also bought two k&f V mounts for 129€, each (which is slightly more expensive than 199 AUS$). Very Cheap but I was, like you, intrigued by its features and the possibility to charge via USB C. I hope they last a long time 🤞
@@tonimuller6581 I’ve had mine for 4 months & so far so good! 🤞🏼
New video just as I’m binging your videos? :D Your videos are very interesting, even though I’m not a videographer or a professional of any kind.
haha, every monday!
As a heads up on the Neewer rolling bag...I've gone through 2 of them on maybe 6 flying trips. The pad on the bottom to allow it to stand up snapped off and the handle to be able to pull it also snapped off. I have the Production Manager 40 bag arriving today, actually. The Neewer bag has worked really well when it held together! Just watch those other parts.
This reminds me of the term "Military Grade protection" anybody that's been in the military knows that word means something totally different
😂
Great video as always and very informative.
I bought a shorter version of the Neewer case (it has orange trim on it) and although I still use it, the top handle detached from the frame over time (airline crews probably contributed to its demise!). Now I have reinforced it with duct tape and it seems to be working ok. It's a beater case and that's alright for me. I still use it to travel when I'm flying however, I bought another one that I use when I do shoots locally which is made by Westcott. It is slightly better built but I know that if I used it on flights, it might end up having the same fate as the Neewer case!
As for wireless video is concerned, I have a Mars 400 and a Mars 400s as well as a Mars 300 Pro and a Mars X. They are pretty reliable but I have to say that when it comes to reliability and a better IOS app, Accsoon makes better transmitters. I have an Accsoon CineEye 2 and a CineEye 2S and they are better overall than the Hollyland transmitters. However, those are designed to work only with IOS or Android devices.
Thanks, Dan.
Nice video! My experience is the more it costs the better the quality
Thanks for the great recs! I agree on the Hollyland and definitely want to try the Neewer rolling case. Are you having much luck getting a lower media rate for it being overweight? Assuming it's overweight.
I bought two super cheap (≈$40 each ) Yongnuo speedlights for over 10 years ago and they still haven't ended up in a landfill 😊
Quick question! How do the iPad receives the video transmission with the Hollyland?
Hello, thank yout for that informative vidéo. Speaking of cheaper gear I remember a video you made about a cardioid microphone that was not expensive and had some advantage over supercardioids , but I can’t find it anymore.
The SE7
I am sorry you didn't post this about a month ago when I got the Sakk, but I should have done my due diligence. I just used it for a 3-hour shoot and though it was not horrible, I did have to constantly punch down the center to get my hand under the lens. I am going to keep it and may be used it for static shots on tables and shooting wildlife stills on the hood of my truck, but I am definitely going to invest in a CineSaddle. Thanks for your reviews and experienced opinions.
I would love to hear your opinion on the SHAPE triple risers, are they any good?
cool option for tripod or ligthstands , keyboard gig bag or guitar hard case iven gun case could be useful and for other small stuff , tool bag sfuff from stanley is quite good and cheap ,
The transmitter to ipad is a game changer. I didn't know that was a thing!
Thanks for doing this. One thing I would add to this list is the Neewer V mount batteries. They are very inexpensive and very reliable.
That anton Bauer power base is GOATED and makes my BMPCC4k feel a little bit more compact. I wish there was a cheaper alternative
Great video!!!
We use golf club bags for stand and misc gear. The wheels suck so gotta switch those out but it works so well.
Cant wait to watch this! Love the stuff you are putting out!
Thanks man, much appreicated!
I too use the Neewer bags too,. . but i seem to get, on average, 12-18 months of use. Generally, the stitching starts to weaken or tear, or the wheels sections breaks.
I was at the BSC expo in london yesterday and weirdly there seemed to be more buzz around the Nanlight / Nanlux booth than apeture, they seem to really levelling up, even had a chat with a Godox rep who came over for a look and he seemed impressed.
With batteries I don’t like going for the most budget options since only a few companies make top-quality underlying cells, and there’s just too much potential for cheap batteries to become incendiary grenades in your bag / truck / closet / peli case. For stuff that holds a camera or lights, especially overhead, I also don’t think going super cheap is OK due to the potential to hurt people. Maybe you don’t need all Matthews or Kupo stands, but Impact is dang good esp if you’re not loading it close to the limit. Resale value is also a lot better on decent brand grip gear vs Amazon no-name junk, and unless you’re really beating on grip gear it should last a very long time, so it seems pretty straightforward to buy at least midrange quality gear.
I have the Mars 4K and love it - have reliably used it to pull focus. And I’ve totally abused my Newer trolley bag and it’s survived. It’s been so heavy at times I could hardly lift it. Never checked it in to hold luggage though.
informative video Luc,
Glad it was helpful!
Yes!!!🎉 I was waiting for another audio code for the life time. I HATE subscription services. Thus I use FCPX.
I really appreciate this video, to me Smallrig is my high end and mostly use neewer.
But I don’t have a beard thus I am not a Pro. lol
I use some different Came-TV batteries of the same size. Been solid so far. They also have a v-mount plate that can take 2 of those batteries so you can go twice as long.
Hi Luc, how do you fly with all those gears? Can you explain how to travel with a good camera please? :) a fan with an FX3 sred to travel hahaha
An argument for the ThinkTank bag, you can buy parts! I had a handle break on my thinktank suitcase, and a new handle was $30 and easily replaced!
Could I buy 3x or more of the Neewer's for the same price? Totally, but that suitcase has been all over and in daily use for years. Worth the money 100%.
I use some of these products
Especially the Holly land they are so reliable I use them a lot on my sets
Thanks brotha 🙏
They're great!
Is there an app on iPad you use with Hollyland?
Luc, you might look at some archery gear for that Think Tank.
I remember all we had in film school was Anton Bauer batteries while shooting on Canon 7d MkIIs. Really weird budget allocation.
There is actually a deal on at B&H for a nanlight 8 light kit on sale for $2700 usd down 40% in price! Mine arrive this week 😊
While I agree on most of the points, I strongly advise against the neewer case. I learned the hard way: zipper broke in the middle of a haul, and one of the straps just snapped.
It wasn't even overpacked, it was 18 kg overall. If you're flying it will last maybe 3 to 4 flights.
It's really suitable for short car trips and nothing more.
Just swallow the pill and get a pelicase or a think tank.
They will outlast your career.
Thanks for the heads up, I’ll keep a close eye…it feels really solid right now, if it doesn’t last I’ll make sure to update!
If you don't fly, BTW: FXLion Square batteries will go up to 300Wh for $650. It's expensive, yes. But for the amount of battery it offers, it's very much worth it because you can charge with a single 60W USB-C.
Really lliked this video
Idk bout anyone else, but I bought the zgcine 99 vmount batteries and so far ive had a great experience with them, lcd display to show current battery percentage, usb c in and out, 2 dtaps on the battery body, use it to powerup my fx6 and its great so far
I have that neewer bag and the bag itself is really quite good. Unfortunately the wheels don't really like getting beat up and are a bit too small. Still probably worth the price though
The current crop of USB-C PD fast charging batteries are 150% worth switching over to. They're not excruciatingly expensive and with the ubiquitousness of Anker's cheap, fast, wall chargers means you can not only get more wattage, recharge faster, but carry more of them in less space. So incredibly worth it. Get the 100 or 98wH versions as they're only marginally bigger than the 50wH.
I’m surprised tripods weren’t on this list. You’ve definitely talked about them before, not in a comparative way.
I got a cheap ~$300 tripod that was fine when it was just the camera and no rig being supported. As I started building my rig up and got closer to the weight limit though, the bottom of the fluid head must have gotten warped, so it just never stays level. The pan sticks, the tilt never balances properly, and is starting to frustrate me lol.
Learned to get the most expensive tripod I could afford that’ll last me tens of years, not 8 months
I have replaced batteries with powerbanks. a powerbank costs me abour $20 average while a Vmount battery costs me about $200. I have a sony camera and a field monitor and both have type c so I am pretty happy with it. I will get a set of good v-mounts but right now I have no budgets for them.
It's wild that you traded comforts for your career, and I admire that. I worked a blue-collar job and retired. I have health insurance, a house, and a pension, but I would trade it for your youth and current career.
The real bummer about batteries is just like you said, LiPo or Li-ion cell quality. I’ve been using a cheap brand (Indi-Pro I think?) and they have done fine for what I need at work (camera and sound equipment) but I wouldn’t use them to power a light because they get zapped way too quick.
Then there’s build quality. I’ve used Anton Bauer in the past and those things are built like contractor tool batteries. I wouldn’t be afraid of them taking a tumble or drop while swapping out… my indi-pros? Nah I think they’d get one or two drops and get busted.
“Budget” batteries I plan to upgrade to are either the Came-TV or Smallrig in the future. Until Milwaukee or Dewalt get into production batteries in the future…
The Think Tank Production Manager 50 V2 is absolutely worth every penny; can't recommend it enough. When it comes to protecting gear, never skimp. Though I'm sure the Neewer bag is more than good enough for most grip, stands, sticks, etc.
and also NPF Batteries. they cost like 30 bucks a piece. I use them for almost all my gear. they arent as powerfull like a v-mount of course but if you dont shoot everyday, a great option. i do mostly 3D movies with propaply less then 10 shootingdays a year. i think they are the best option for this case.
Hey, just letting you know the essentials packing list link in your description doesn't seem to work.
Edit: so it does send the email, but I get two errors on your website after pressing the button which doesn't exactly strike confidence.
Was hoping you'd do an alternative Aputure 600d on this list lol
Have owned a cinesaddle for over 25 years, bought when the company was still Australian owned and it is still as new. Paid for itself many times over - as a car rig, protection for my gear in a car, as you mentioned and great place to park your backside when it's 45+ degrees in the Australian outback.
Bingo, same here… It served as my first “camera stabilizer” shooting from moving vehicles like heli’s, cars, etc. Love my two Cinesaddles, loved those car mounts too!!
Everything I bought from neewer, including a similar roller case, broke after a couple of small gigs. It's really strange that you had a somewhat positive experience
Honestly, I’ve had Teradek tech fail way more than all the new cheaper options that have flooded the market in recent years. I see a teradek show up on set, and I immediately tense up at the problems were likely to have as they’re almost always from a rental house and just ran into the ground.
Thanks For a reasonable advices
Greetings From Ukraine!!
You're very welcome! 🇺🇦
Remember prices are relative people!
This list is definitely going to help me upgrade in the next year or two …. Especially those batteries
Focus rat makes a few cinesaddle style bags. The price is right in between the sakk and the real cine saddles. Never used it but I've heard of it, so I just wanted to share this info
Oh nice, I’ve heard good things…maybe I’ll give it a try!
@@LucForsythI have one, it seems a little… stiff? But I have nothing to compare it to… the Cinesaddle seems softer maybe? I can sew, and I’m debating on making my own!
Looking forward to Anton Chegurh batteries
will the sakk or Cinesaddle stop a bullet ?
If you sew one out of kevlar and slide a few lead plates into a few sleeves...perhaps yes 😅😅😂
Agry comment here...done...now calmed down 😅Awesome video bro, thanks.
I personali use a video transmitter from Acson
Strobepro makes a great gear bag and they're Canadian!
I got the Sakk since the cine saddle is €600 here in Europe
I really wish creators would ignore the idiots, This is a fantastic video and it sucks that we gotta stop and let Luc rant 1:15+ for people who are not worth his time. Ok now my rant over 🤣 Mahalo for a dope video. 🤙🏽
Haha, thanks for having my back man! 👊
Golf Club travel cases are a good inexpensive alternative to pelicans/think tanks (IF you don't need extreme protection)
Love this tip!
if the batteries isn't available to the public how did you reach out to have them sent to you?
A great diy cinesaddleis a backpack worn frontwards