My personal arsenal and filmmaking equipment suggestions!
Cameras
I highly suggest this camera if you are interested in the Canon 5D. The 6D features a full frame sensor for half of the cost of the 5D. The 6D has 20.2 MP and can record 1080p video up to 60fps.
An excellent camera if you are just starting out in filmmaking and photography. At a low price you get everything that you need out of a photo and production camera. The T5i has 18mp and can shoot 1080p video up to 60fps.
The Production Camera is a powerful tool that will compare to RED and Arri cameras based on overall image quality. Blackmagic has brought us a camera with years of improvement from the Cinema Camera. For a great price tag, you get to shoot in RAW and in 4k. A great choice for filmmakers with a few years of experience.
The perfect video production camera. This camera have a super 35mm sensor and has two XLR audio connectors. Also have built in ND fitlers! Records 1080p up to 60FPS.
Records 4K and has a full frame sensor. Amazing for pictures and video. Records flat images for color grading.
Lenses
I would not buy any other wide angel lens other than the 16-35mmL. Great for wide and landscape shots. The 16-35 is versatile as well. This lens can also be great for portrait photography and interview shots.
The best starter lens on the market. Yes, the lens is really small and sometimes I feel like an amateur when I use it. However, half of my cinematography reel is shot on this lens. For $125, the quality you will get from this lens, looks like $2000.
For an entry level cine lens, the Rokinon 85mm T1.4 is awesome! I’m a huge fan of compression and this lens does a good job of producing a beautiful image. If you are just starting out and want a real cine lens, this is the one for you!
The most popular portrait photography lens. Currently, this is my favorite photography lens. If you do photography, this is a must have in your kit. The price isn’t the most attractive, but when you use this lens, the price is 100% worth it. This the focus throw on the 85mm is just as long as a cine lens would be too. So very versatile for video shooting as well!
Lighting
For about 1/4 of the cost of an Arri Fresnel, the 650w by limo studio is just as good. I primarily use fresnel lighting for the background and it looks beautiful when diffused.
These are the most versatile lights I have ever used. 1. They are battery powered. No power cords needed. 2. They can be dialed between 3200k-5600k. 3. They have barndoors! 4. They do not get hot. 5. You can put them pretty much anywhere. 6. They are cheaper than most lights and provide more uses.
Do not overlook light stands. When I first started out in commercial producing, I used cheap thin stands. After the wind blew them over on a client, I opted for this Impact light stand. I have never had a problem with these stands and they make my production look legit.
The C-Stand is the best stand and really the only stand you need. The price is a little higher than the Impact Light Stand, but C-Stands have a hundred uses. You can mount lights several ways, attach flags and scrims, backgrounds, mics, you name it. Whatever you need to attach to a stand, this is your one shop shop stand. Plus it’s very sturdy!
Audio
If you need to record audio externally, the zoom H4N is the best cost effective solution. Records very high quality audio with every XLR mic.