What’s in my camera bag?
As a video producer, filmmaker and photographer, I feel having the right gear is crucial for capturing stunning visuals and ensuring smooth workflows. Here's a peek into my camera bag for 2025, along with why I chose each item.
***Disclaimer: This is my gear and purely chose this equipment based on my opinion.***
1. Sony FX30 Cinema Camera
The Sony FX30 is my go-to camera for its exceptional video capabilities. With its 6K Super 35 sensor (down-sampled to 4K), it delivers stunning 4K footage with excellent dynamic range. It's compact yet powerful, making it perfect for both handheld and rigged setups. The dual based ISO(800-2500) real helps in a range of lighting conditions. By no means is this camera low light capable as the FX3, But the images produced is truly spectacular! I would highly recommend this camera to anyone who wants to bridge the gap into the Cinema camera space.
2. Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
This lens is a versatile telephoto zoom that offers a fast f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range. It's lightweight and compact, making it ideal for capturing action shots without compromising on image quality. This lens has been my go-to for most of my B-CAM shots as well as my go to photography lens outside of the studio. The compression and separation of subject/background the longer focal length gives is a game changer. Do not be fooled, Tamron makes execptional camera lenses.
3. Sony E PZ 18-110mm F4
This Sony E PZ 18-110mm is workhorse lens for video, the Sony E PZ 18-110mm F4 provides a wide to medium telephoto range with a constant aperture. Its power zoom functionality is perfect for smooth, cinematic zooms during shoots. Being a parfocal lens, it gives me the ability to follow fast moving subjects while zooming in or out while using constant autofocus. The lens produces a slightly soft image, but thanks the the Sony FX30’s 6K sensor the images are still ultra clean. Just with a slight “character” to the look.
4. Sony Zeiss 55mm F1.8
The most flattering prime lens I own. The Sony Zeiss 55mm 1.8 is renowned for its sharpness and beautiful bokeh. The 55mm focal length is perfect for portraits and low-light situations, making it perfect for close up portraits, B-CAM, as well as gimble work.
5. Rokinion 35mm F1.8
The Rokinion 35mm F1.8 is a compact, affordable, and downright reliable prime lens that delivers excellent image quality. It's great for street photography and video, offering a natural field of view comparable to the human eye. I have used this lens for many interviews as well as senior portrait sessions and weddings. While a budget lens, it functions as well as my Sony Zeiss.
6. SmallRig FX30 Cage
I went with the SmallRig cage to allow more mounting points on my Sony fx30 as well as the use of a top handle. It's robust and customizable, allowing me to build the perfect rig for any shoot.
7. SmallRig Top Handle
The SmallRig top handle provides a secure grip for handheld shooting and additional mounting options for accessories like monitors and microphones. With the included ARRI mount, I pair this top handle with SmallRig monitor mount for use with my PortKeys PT5II Monitor.
8. Portkeys PT5II Monitor
This 5-inch monitor is essential for accurate framing and focus. The Portkeys PT5II offers excellent brightness and color accuracy, making it a reliable tool for both indoor and outdoor shoots.
9. SmallRig 8in 15mm Rails Mount and V-Mount Plate
For rigging flexibility, I use the SmallRig 8-inch 15mm rails mount and V-mount plate. This setup allows me to attach various accessories and power solutions, ensuring my rig is balanced and functional.
10. REYTRIC 95Wh V-Mount Battery
A reliable power source is crucial for long shoots. The 99Wh V-mount battery provides ample power for my camera and accessories. I have never missed a shot due to a dead battery. This thing will power my FX30 for well over 5hrs.
11. Sandisk V90 128GB SD Cards (x2)
Bes bang for the buck. High-speed storage is essential for 4K video recording. The Sandisk V90 128GB SD cards offer fast read and write speeds, ensuring smooth recording and quick data transfers.
12. Zoom F2 Voice Recorders
For capturing high-quality audio, I rely on the Zoom F2 voice recorders. They're compact, easy to use (think set it and forget it) and deliver excellent sound quality, perfect for interviews and on-the-go recordings. The Zoom F2 field recorders offer a 48bit float recording allowing distortion free voice recordings no matter how loud or soft the talent might speak.
13. Samsung T7 SSD 2TB
For fast and reliable data storage, I use the Samsung T7 SSD. Its 2TB capacity and high-speed performance make it perfect for backing up footage and transferring files quickly. I often use this drive to edit from keeping my editing PC less cluttered and not constantly filling up with video files.
14. MacBook Pro M2 (512GB SSD, 16GB RAM)
Finally, my MacBook Pro M2 is the heart of my post-production workflow. With its powerful processor, ample RAM, and fast SSD, it handles video editing, color grading, and rendering with ease.
***Honorable mentions*** (gear I use on occasion)
Blackmagic Pocket 6K
Sony A7C
Tamron 24mm F2.8
Insta 360x4
Ronin SC
Each item in my camera bag has been carefully selected to meet the demands of how I operate as a modern video producer. Whether I'm shooting a documentary, a commercial, weddings, or a sporting event, this gear ensures I can capture and create at the highest level.