We’ve covered the basics, now let’s look at some extras, including one small but essential item in every camera bag. In Part 1, we discussed the various ways to hold your phone. Now, let’s consider the options for tracking, enabling you to move around freely or track your subject while keeping them perfectly framed. For […]

Let’s talk about sound, and keep it simple. A few ways to go here. And your choice of mic’ing is situational. All of this is about what you need for the situation. Interview? Selfie presentation? If you are doing an interview, or letting only the subject  talk, A directional mic like the Rode VideoMicro is […]

Ok, let’s talk about audio. You know that it’s 50% of your content, unless it’s bad. Then it’s 80% Yes, this list hasn’t changed a lot from last year, except for a few big additions: When you want to go more mobile, and connect directly into your camera , or to a portable mixer, the […]

I thought it was a crazy idea: who needs 2 phones? One is working just fine. Then I realized how it could make sense. Social media for one part. I know, I maybe so late to the party. Years ago at CES, I saw people with 5 phones, and used each to post for specific […]

I’ve said it before: Audio is 50% of your video. Unless it’s bad, then it’s 80%! It’s true that people can consume marginal video if the  sound is good. If sound is bad they are gone. Solid gone. This part of the gift guide has some options you should consider to increase the peace on […]

OK, the first item up is what I believe is the gear purchase of the year: Gimbals! Why is it the gear of the year? WE ALL NEED SMOOTH FOOTAGE!!! The Drone has been dominating the new gear of previous years, it’s true. As a commercial producer, I know the uses of a solid pro […]

It’s something that you don’t want to think about: Media Cards. Pop it into your camera, and shoot. Because I don’t want to think about it, I have chosen one brand to use, and stick with it. Lexar Yes, you can scan over Ebay and Amazon, and find all kinds of brands that may be […]

OK, I hope the food coma has subsided, and you are now ready to shop in earnest. Just kidding. Today, I’ll concentrate on some great new tools out there for your video making pleasure, or to gift the action storytellers on your list. One of the most versatile, and quality products that is out there […]

There are times when the gear you need, is cloaked in another format, used for something completely different. After purchasing the Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera recently, the small size is amazing for the media quality you can generate. There are some drawbacks: you need an external sound recorder, and the small size means you […]

As many of you are transitioning to the HD DSLR’s, the world of motion and sound has either opened up a new horizon or, just maybe, made you realize how much you need to know how to get quality images in that world. (Maybe that’s why there is a film business with unions and trained […]

Just when you thought it was safe to ask for a lens, a camera bag, or maybe a speedlight for the holidays, along comes the multimedia explosion. The choices out there for capturing multi media content are massive, but you knew that. The gear suggestions we are putting on the list are relatively affordable, and […]