Primary Video Equipment
Sony FDR-AX100 4K Video Camera
This Sony 4K video camera is the heart of all my recent videos. I record all my videos in 4K but output in 1080p. This allows me to zoom, pan and scan in my video editing software without degradation of quality.
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Audio Technica Wireless Lavalier System
Whenever I need to talk on camera this is the wireless lavalier system I use. As far as wireless systems go this is one of the most affordable options available. It comes with a mic but I found I get a better sound with the mic pictured below. Once in a great while I will get some interference noise that makes the audio unusable. I haven’t been able to find the cause but fortunately it doesn’t happen very often. I actually own two sets for the rare occasion I have a guest on camera for a one-on-one interview.
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Audio Technica Lavalier Mic
This is the mic I use with the wireless system pictured above. The wireless system comes with a mic but I thought the audio sounded a bit “thin.” This mic sounds much better.
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Audio-Technica Shotgun Microphone
Whenever I want to record room audio and want something better than the built in camera mic I use this Audio-Technica shotgun microphone. It’s extremely directional and only picks up sound where the mic is pointed.
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Blue Snowball USB Microphone
This is the microphone I use to record all my voiceovers and podcasts. I love the fact that it’s USB and plugs directly into my computer without an audio interface. It comes with a tripod that is perfect for setting on my desk. I also use a pop filter to reduce plosive sounds like words that start with “p” or “b”.
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Final Cut Pro on an iMac 27-inch
I use Final Cut Pro for all of my video editing and most of my motion graphics. Occasionally I’ll use Apple Motion for some animation and title sequences. This is run on a 27-inch iMac 4.0GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7 with 5K Retina display.
Video Lighting
All the lights in my shop are these Alzo 5500K bulbs mounted in a clamp lamp. I have these hanging from my ceiling and a couple mobile ones clamped to mic stands. The lights are photography bulbs with a color temperature of 5500K. This allows me to set the white balance in my camera to a manual 5500K and leaves very little color correction in post. If you are getting harsh shadows you can diffuse the light by covering it with wax paper.
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Manfrotto Camera Tripod and Head
Cheap tripods are cheap! A good tripod will last you a lifetime and is well worth the money. If you are serious about videography or photography don’t skimp out on flimsy crap and risk breaking your expensive camera or not getting the perfect shot because of sway and vibration. With a good tripod you’ll need a good tripod head. Photography tripod heads usually have a ball socket to allow for any angle and video tripod heads have a fluid pan and tilt controls for silky smooth video pans.
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Grey/White Card
Most photographers will use this to set their color balance but I find it most useful as something to focus on. I’ll place this grey card where I’ll be standing in the shot and go behind the camera to set the manual focus.
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Secondary Video Equipment
iPhone 6s
Almost all modern smart phones take amazing video these days. I really like the iPhone 6s for the 4K video capabilities and the plethora of addons which I’ll link to below. Whenever I need a quick handheld shot or don’t feel like messing with the big heavy Sony I’ll grab my phone. Also because of the small image sensor you can get the phone right up to the action and it’ll find focus in tight quarters.
Moment iPhone Lenses and Case
To make my iPhone a little more versatile on the go I use the Moment case with the telephoto lens and wide angle lens. I no longer take my big expensive cameras to conferences and events and find that my iPhone with these lenses are the perfect mobile solution.
Moment Case
Moment Lenses
Feiyu Tech 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal
For those ultra smooth handheld iPhone shots I use this 3-axis gimbal. No matter what angle you hold the handle the camera stays level even while running. This is perfect for vlogging or Periscoping.
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iPhone Tripods
These are the tripods that fits in my travel bag that I use for my iPhone. The Manfrotto tripod is nice and sturdy with a ball head and the Joby is great for those weird spots where a normal tripod wouldn’t work. The Joby also has magnetic feet for added functionality.
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View Joby Magnetic Tripod on Amazon
Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Microphone for iPhone
Since you can’t just plug any mic into the phone jack of a smart phone you’ll need special mic if you want to record clear audio of your voice. I mostly use this mic for live Periscopes.
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GoPro HERO4 Session
If you want that first person video experience then this is the camera you want. It doesn’t mind getting wet and can be hot glued and taped to just about any surface. It’s made to take a beating.
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Fotodiox Pro 5′ x 7′ Background Panel
To reduce clutter and add simplicity to some of my talking head shots I’ll use this 2-in1 background panel. One side is white while the other is black and collapses down for easy storage.
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Collapsible Green Screen Background – 5′ x 7′
Sometimes I like to get a little fancy and like to use this blue/green screen to key out the background and add my own in post. One side is blue while the other is green and collapses down for easy storage.
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Domke Shoulder Bag
I’m not much of a backpack guy and prefer this small shoulder bag when traveling. All my moment lenses, tripod, business cards and stickers fit in this bag and is easily accessible when on the go.
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Photography Equipment
Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera
I’ve been a photographer a lot longer than I’ve been a woodworker. For 15 years I shot with large Nikon SLRs and DSLRs and recently made the switch to the smaller mirrorless Sony’s. Mirrorless cameras are easier to travel with and don’t weigh you down when hiking on vacation. I also use this camera to shoot my projects for the website and any print materials I’m involved in (books / magazines).
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16mm f/2.8 Wide-Angle Lens
Ultra Wide Converter
Fisheye Conversion Lens
18-200mm F3.5-6.3
18-55mm F3.5-5.6
Giottos Aluminum Tripod and Ball Head with Quick Release Plate
The great thing about this tripod is it’s lightweight, compact and can be set up and taken down in seconds which can be critical when traveling. And I always prefer a ball head when taking photos to get that perfect composition.
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View Tripod on Amazon
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