DAB
Studio
Camera gear can be a bit nerdy if we’re honest. But not in a ‘must have the latest thing’ way, more in a we’ve cracked what works in different situations kind of way. Here’s what we have and why we keep coming back to it.
The Camera Kit
We don’t stick to one brand or system because different jobs require different tools. A camera that’s brilliant for low-light documentary work is completely wrong for a bright outdoor corporate shoot. So we’ve built a collection of bodies and lenses that cover pretty much any situation.
Fujifilm X-H1 - This one is a go-to for a lot of work. The 24-megapixel aps-C sensor has great sharpness and detail, but what really stands out are the Fuji colours. They’re lovely out of the camera and saves time in post, creating a natural look that doesn’t scream heavily processed. The in-body stabilisation is a great feature and it handles really well in all sorts of lighting. Not as flashy as other cameras, but it is as reliable as anything.
Sony A7S – When we have to shoot in low light, this is our go-to. The 12.2-megapixel full-frame sensor is specialized for low light video. The A7s can shoot in shockingly dark conditions and is great for 4K as well. There are certain shots that are made possible with the A7S that would not be achievable with other competitors. Examples of this are filming in darker venues, late night outdoor shots, and other scenarios with poor lighting.
Canon EOS C100 - This is our official cinema camera. It has a Super 35mm CMOS sensor designed specifically for video productions, so it's not a stills camera that can shoot video. It is made for the professional videographer. It has pro audio inputs, inbuilt ND filters, and is made for ergonomic usage in the way you're holding the camera all day. It is also very well built and the image quality is great, and it's a camera that feels right to hold. Yes, other models are newer, but this has still been reliable and delivers great footage.
Panasonic LUMIX GH4 - The coolest feature of the GH4 is definitely the 4K shooting at 100Mbps using All-Intra Compression. At 1080p, it goes even higher, at 200Mbps which is even more than most broadcasts. This camera is the most versatile and can manage a ton of different kinds of work. Not the most thrilling camera to describe, but if someone is looking for reliability, this is the camera.
GoPro Hero Black - The latest Hero Black is a super interesting and compact camera that can shoot in 4K. This camera can do super slow motion at 240 fps which can be really useful for various creative ventures. It can be mounted in areas that would be risky for other cameras. It can is tough, and super versatile. We've mounted it to car bonnets, used it for handheld immersive shots, and put it in tight areas.
Lenses, Lights, and Audio
We've got a range of different and fascinating lenses to accompany. The cameras are only the beginning of it all. Quality glass is a big part of the image, and makes a bigger difference than most people are aware of.
Lighting-wise, we've built up a collection that works for interviews, product shots, and oversized setups, if necessary. We like to work with natural light when we can, but being able to shape and control lights at a phenomenal level is what separates okay footage from stuff that actually looks professional.
Since the dawn of time, audio has been the most overlooked, and the most crucial aspect of video. People can tolerate slightly iffy video, but if the audio is bad, it doesn't matter how good the visual is, people will switch off. That's why we put lots of effort into our audio setup. We use shotgun mics for standard work, lapels for interviews, and decent recorders that actually work.
Supporting Gear
Then, all the other bits. Stabilizers and gimbals for that smooth movement. Tripods that don't wobble. Monitors to see what we're capturing. Batteries and memory cards, never enough of either. Various clamps, mounts, and adaptors that fix specific problems. We also have backup equipment for important shoots, We don't come to critical shoots with only one camera, this is a big no no, especially with one-time events.
Why This is Important to You
It is not to bore you with figures and specs - rather, it is to show we care enough to go into depth planning for the right kinds of tools to be utilized for the job into consideration. When we show up to a shoot of yours, we provide equipment and tools that have been carefully selected because of their efficiency for the task, not because of the exorbitant price or newness to the market.
Curious as to what we would bring for YOUR particular project? Please ask.
