It hasn’t been that long since our last project (9 months), so it’s not like technology has run circles around us since then. We’re sticking with the same camera and lens combination: Sony FX3 and the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art lens.

We also haven’t added anything to our lighting arsenal since our New Gear for 2023 article. At this point, it’s about using it better, not adding more.

Here is what we have added for 2024:

Stabilizer

With very few exceptions, we’ve shot everything from a tripod. So, I felt like it was time to move the camera. Because I am very much not a fan of “shaky-cam” footage, a gimbal just made sense. Of course, now I worry that I will overdo it with the new toy. I guess we’ll see when we make that next film.

We first tried a DJI RS 3 Mini 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer, but it just wasn’t strong enough to support the weight of our Sony FX3 and Sigma lens. The newer DJI RS 4 Pro, however, should be up to the task and it provides some interesting future possibilities with the Lidar focusing unit. We’re planning a test run soon, so more info is coming.

Smoke Machine!

Pardon the exclamation point, but it’s a litte exiting. We recently obtained  a Ulanzi FILMOG Ace. This is a small smoke machine. It’s quite small, but that also means it’s portable. And it’s battery powered.

Naturally, it won’t fill a room with fog or smoke, it will make for some interesting opportunities to integrate this practical effect into our films.

Remote Monitoring

Having a way to monitor the camera when I am not the one behind it has become essential. It would also be great for another pair of eyes to see what is being filmed and watch for problems.

Enter the Accsoon Cine View Nano Wireless Video Monitoring Transmitter. Long name, but this is a pretty way to send the camera’s view to as many as 4 phones or tablets. It’s inexpensive, too, at just $129 USD as of this writing. 

C-Stand

One of the most basic bits of kit is the venerable C-stand, or century stand. We have one, and it has been useful for mounting a stationary boom mic or the odd light. But a second lets us mount a cross-pole between them. From there, we can do more with lighting or hang a green screen. And since we moved and lost our dedicated video studio (for now!), this will allow us to have the green screen backdrop for our corporate videos.

Storage & Organization

While this might barely count as “gear”, organization and the ability to transport gear is essential. After lugging a minivan full of stuff to our last project, I wanted to ease the load/unload burden a bit.

The main addition was a few pieces from the DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0 collection. I secured a base (basically a wheeled chest with a telescoping handle), a drawer set that provides two drawers, and a latching box for the top. The three pieces latch together and can be moved around like a dolly and then broken apart for easy access. I like it so far, and may be adding another set of that as we go.

A lesser add was two canvas storage bags. One of them is specifically designed for storing two C-Stands and the other is a bit wider. Loading and unloading (and then re-loading and unloading) all the gear is a pain, so having a few larger gear bags makes for a more convenient load in/out process with fewer trips.

Future Upgrade Plans

So for now, that’s it. However, there are a few weak points I would like to shore up as we go forward. I haven’t pulled the trigger on any of these yet. 

Black Mist Filter

A black mist filter is something I have wanted to play around with. It creates a softened look, which may be more appropriate than the straight digital image in some cases and may provide a more “cinematic” look.

Lens Adapter

The lens adapter would allow me to use my old (very old) Canon FD-mount lenses on the Sony. I used one of those lenses in Instant Camera and it is an easy way to get a different look quickly, without having to do something in post. That could really help in the time crunch that is a 48 Hour film race.

Upgraded Wireless Lavs

Our wireless microphone setup is decent, but they are 2.4 GHz and very much consumer-level. Some recordings have a bit of interference and, while faint, it’s very noticeable in a quiet theater.

What’s Next:

Significant upgrades will have to wait for another time. It’s tempting to add new gear all the time, but there is always a learning curve. And since our next project is a 48 Hour film race, adding anything that slows us down with a learning curve is a bad idea. I’m pretty sure that the gimbal alone will be plenty of “new” this time around.

Speaking of which, the Columbus 48 Hour Film Project is right around the corner. So, we’re planning a test of the gimbal and wireless transmitter soon. That’ll help us get things sorted out and ready to roll come August 2nd!