As a 20 year old aspiring cinematographer, I've been learning more from this channel than from any of the work experience I've done before, the amount of videos I've watched in the past few days is astounding, its also exciting to see what the future could hold for someone who is determined enough to make it in this industry.
@theowlfromduolingo79823 ай бұрын
Yes I love this more realistic mindset that focuses more on skills and experience and not on flashy new gear
@wintorz013 ай бұрын
I literally recommend this channel to all of our film students (and, to a lesser extent, our journalism students)
@kaszrack28593 ай бұрын
@@theowlfromduolingo7982exactly, after going out and working gear becomes old real quick, hearing experience and tips has really helped, gear videos are always helpful but you do need to be careful who you listen to, I value Lucs opinion for sure though.
@kaszrack28593 ай бұрын
@@wintorz01funny thing is I’m also a university student and as I do think I’ve learnt a good amount and had some valuable experience and made good connections here, watching KZbin videos like these from professionals has helped a bunch especially with technical stuff, my uni atleast is more theory based.
@wintorz013 ай бұрын
@@kaszrack2859 I work at a more theory based Uni too. Its probably 60-40 in favour of theory (though even the practical modules are also kinda 50-50 theory to practice). I don't wanna say a degree has no value, because they do, and in ways that are less tangible. But I guarantee I never got a job off the back of the theory. Including the job I have at the university. 😅Continue to make the most of your time by self-learning on top of your University modules, and make the most of your time to get hands-on practice.
@dr.gregoryf.maassen26373 ай бұрын
Good list. We should not forget to mention that we need the equipment on location twice (other than the cases and tripods), as redundancy is critically important. This includes cables (we had a mini XLR cable suddenly failing), microphones, data retention (hard drives fail all the time), lights and cameras (one Canon C70 had to be serviced after failing, and we continued to film as we had a second C70 on set). We film with two Sennheiser lavaliers patched to each individual and have two shotguns attached to each camera. Call us crazy, but we never had to cancel a shoot because of equipment failure and we never had lousy audio (as even Sennheisers can disconnect once in a while arbitrarily as they run out of battery or other human failures - like not pressing the record button on the field recorder). Planning for redundancy reduces costs eventually, as planning a new shoot because of equipment failure can be very expensive (talent, hotels, travel, lost opportunities etc. etc. etc., etc.).
@elmoking953 ай бұрын
Never considered double lav. Great idea, thank you for sharing!
@DaveKnowlesFilmmaker3 ай бұрын
The 416 is an amazing microphone. I did eventually upgrade from my T powered one to 48V but not until it was around 40 years old and still working perfectly. I in fact had it serviced before selling it and nothing had to be done. That microphone had been used all around the world and in temperatures above 50 degrees in the deserts of the UAE and never let me down.
@mattknight5333 ай бұрын
UK TV Shooting Director here....so glad to see the classics we use over here being mentioned, the flowtech, the G3 getting some love. But most of all the fujinons. Great, great lenses.
@SevenPhotonsFilms3 ай бұрын
Thank you! The value of this video is huge: this dissipates a lot of doubts I've had about deciding the order of priorities in my next equipment update (hopefully 2025/26). Of course we can get many advises out there, but your unique rough environment experience gives top notch confidence.
@chris200020003 ай бұрын
+1 for the Sachtler. Used mine for the last five years on shoots all over the world. Used it down to -35c, dragged it up and down cliffs many times, covered it in salt water etc and it still works perfectly! I don't know what I'd do without it at this point...
@mattwruff3 ай бұрын
People who don't have the Fujinon MK can't appreciate the MK's! I got the Sachtler flowtech during last Black Friday when B&H had then $500 off. the 416 (outdoors) and MKH50 (indoors) are my go to shotgun mic but the new DPA 2017 is worth a serious look! The one thing I would add to the list is iFootage Spider Crabs. They are simply the BEST!
@VlogCity2 ай бұрын
I'm with ya: if the gear can't take a beating, I don't want it. Many times you need mobility and speed for a shot
@baldwinvp8 сағат бұрын
I still have multiple Sennheiser G2 and G3 units going strong. I recently decided to replace them with Deity Theos for the ability to record 32 bit float with timecode, but I still have the G2 and G3 units waiting in my audio bag for when they are needed. I truly love this video! Great advice!
@makatronАй бұрын
Yup, agree with everything. I too went for the cheap route and learned the hard way that you gotta invest in long term reliability. I'm saving to upgrade to that very tripod now after having the pleasure to use it for a commercial shoot this year and it just works.
@NeilEvery3 ай бұрын
Loved my Sennheiser G3 kit. Sold it a couple of years ago when the legal frequency rules changed and mine were no longer legal. Lucky this wasn't a problem for you. Since then I've been using the Sennheiser AVX kit. I also have the MKE 600 mic. Great video btw, though I mostly shoot in less extreme environments than you, I agree it's better to pay extra for something that can take a beating. I come from 8yrs as an AC on film sets using 35mm Arris and Panavision camera where every piece of gear was built like a tank and when I shifted to DSLR and digital cine cameras and went freelance I was shocked at how flimsy a lot of the gear was, even gear touted as being best in class.
@AnandaGarden3 ай бұрын
In the film days small high-end cameras like Nikon F4 were much tougher, as were mid-range models. With mirrorless where they're essentially a circuit board and a bit of mech they feel much less solid and trustworthy. Twenty years from now I'm guessing there will still be lots of Nikon F1s that are working, and a much lower ratio of Canon R6s and such. Creeping crappity-ness.
@billem163 ай бұрын
Luc i love your videos. I am a way smaller filmmaker (half of my work is weddings and half is corporate/client stuff), but I love all your videos and am always learning from you. You stand WAY out from the pack because you aren't forcing new junk down our throats, you're true and pure about gear and no BS and that's why we love your stuff, please continue to be like this! You're like a needle in a haystack on YT. Oh and I do have the Sennheiser G4 kit, i like it a lot, although I do battle occasional weird frequency pops and *kshkhkkksh* noises mid-interview, and I want to get better at hiding the mic under clothing while avoiding clothing rustle noise, other than that, they are great!
@MindfulGrinds3 ай бұрын
There is clearly a difference between a field filmmaker and one who enjoys lattes in the studio without ever getting dirty.
@briano61153 ай бұрын
Great point Luc. It is not about the hottest or the latest and if anyone runs that path are in for some serious disappointments. Road tested, long term usage, survivability, regardless of the price is much more important. Good job here and you could be the first person to ever point that out. Cheers mate.
@risbill1Ай бұрын
I have a Sennheiser mic that was made probably in the 80s and it was heavily used and abused by a TV news station and it is still going strong. They upgraded mics while I was working as an engineer and some of the old mics they were throwing away ended up in my kit.
@josephfriedman6143 ай бұрын
Love your videos. I've been shooting for over 50 years and I find what you say so informative. You have carved out a piece of the cinematography world that no one seems to have occupied.
@PALALALALALALA3 ай бұрын
Real advices, real experience, real pro ! Thanks for sharing you knowledge Luc !
@naruto504614 күн бұрын
Note that the Sennheiser G4’s are also discontinued, and they are focusing on the EWDP’s which some didn’t like it as much, so if you love the old analog systems i would advice to stock up a set as soon as possible since they might just run out of stock anytime soon.
@nickdelatorre12803 ай бұрын
Spot on about the G3’s, even the one I bought used still holds up
@DotsOnYTLive3 ай бұрын
I see Luke, I click. Always great learning from your experience.
@JJKoester3 ай бұрын
It's so funny you mention Senny wireless lavs. I rented a pair for a production and both of them had been worn and torn at the jack and had persistent fuzz. I never even considered buying or renting them ever again. Maybe I'll give them another go.
@fossmountainfilm3 ай бұрын
Couldn't agree with you more, Luc. Several years ago, to finish a short doc, I bought the Sennheiser 416 mic and love it. This mic will last me a long time. Also, recently bought the cheapest Sachtler flowtech 75 legs and a head. That tripod is solid and I imagine it will be with me for many years. Buy nice or buy twice.
@brad_in_yyc3 ай бұрын
I totally agree with how disposable our world has become and I'm also not cool with it. Great tips Luc.
@chipcurry3 ай бұрын
Super video! I have my favorites, but I have a video shoot this week and I was looking for ways to leave my 10 pound Schactler tripod behind and pick up one of those “travel tripods“ but one realization I came to was that you just can’t go too light. There are so many videos out there about videographers doing weddings successfully with very light gear. It is tempting!. it’s nice to see a professional talking about handling difficult shoots, and believe me I know what you mean when you say you don’t wanna have to baby everything. thanks for a heavyweight video.
@martinellic3 ай бұрын
Maybe I missed it but, I have that same tripod and it’s MONEY. It’s travelled with me everywhere. It’s light, reliable AND smooth. Can’t ask for more. My kit is heavy. FX9, sometimes 70-200 plus thick gold mount and this tripod holds up. Definitely worth the money. Oh, did I mention it’s light? First thing in my case when I travel besides the camera
@dertythegrower3 ай бұрын
So, ironically i studied the diodes on that led flex light... you can get a common LED grow light using similar Samsung Lm30B1 or lm301H diodes, for 40 bucks.. same size and durability, my friends... spiderfarmer or marshydro has them 10x lower cost but not flexible. Can easily be powered by a small usb battery setup. They are not flexible, but super thin and small for a 2x2 closet.
@dertythegrower3 ай бұрын
lm301b, sorry yt app freezes constantly to see and scan words before sending...
@SebastianRVF-ln4jg3 ай бұрын
definitely agree and can relate to not babying my own gear xD good to have stuff that lasts
@og9753 ай бұрын
Awesome video, I broke the power button on my old 9-year-old Zoom H4N recorder yesterday doing a shoot. Now I'm trying to figure out if should I fix it or finally put it to rest 🙂
@who29993 ай бұрын
We have some G4's at work... I will say they have not held up nearly as well as your experience with the g4's. If you're comfy opening them up and soldering stuff back together you can keep them running but they've taken some work to keep them going. Could be our department just got unlucky... five or six times... I can't vouch personally for everyone else's sets but I know the two in my kit have been babied and well cared for and still both had broken antennae and battery springs. I will say they are sturdier than our equivalent sony mics we moved over from.
@Nisharigan3 ай бұрын
I can't thank you enough! This video is a game-changer for me. It resolved all the confusion I had about how to prioritize my next equipment upgrades. Your guidance is spot on!
@terryhope20743 ай бұрын
Loved my G series packs, but in Australia the government re-stacked broadcast frequencies - making a fortune in the process - and they were no longer legal. No compensation for my thousands of dollar investment that became a series of paperweights. Figured that after years of use they were written off and ended up sending them to a friend in Thailand who was teaching young documentary film makers. Great video as usual and yes I love my MK zoom too.
@kalannash3 ай бұрын
I’ll second your comments on Sennheiser mics. I own two sets of G3s including the plug on transmitter. They just work & I don’t have to baby them. (I did upgrade the lavs to Countrynan B3s.) While not in the same league as the 416, I own the ME 64, 65, 66 & 67 and a pair of K6 powering modules. Gives me a lot of options and meet my most of my needs for nat sound, run and gun interviews and range. Supplemented by a pair of EV RE50Bs which are as abuse tolerant as anything, I’m covered.
@ETFootprints3 ай бұрын
There have been many cases Pelican refuses warranty because it only covers manufacturing defect. Read the fine print, their warranty policy sucks. I love my Peli but my next choice will be Nanuk. I read they replace broken cases, no question asked.
@varianography3 ай бұрын
I’ll never forget the first time I used Sachtler Flowtech tripod legs for the first time.
@PBentz283 ай бұрын
I’m shocked that the wescott lights make this list. I have experience with everything on this list and our wescotts broke multiple times without subjecting them to anything close to the stuff you put them through. I wonder if different generations or manufacturing years are to blame or something else. Always love your perspective!
@dertythegrower3 ай бұрын
highly overpriced Samsung (or cheaper than samsung diodes) LED growlight.. they are 9x less cost by many makers, fyi... should be 50 tops for that, heh. i have deaigned led lights from hongkong for aomost 10 years as a commercial grower and educator here for led lights.. lm301b and meanwell power driver(marshydro or spiderfarmer are two brands to choose with warranty and english support)
@redwoodsedits16113 ай бұрын
Found my 416 for £300 and have never looked back! Amazing mic!
@jamesandcamera3 ай бұрын
I have owned or rented all of the gear on this list as my go-to kit for the better part of my career and can 100% confirm that it is all super tough. I wish I could own a 100mm flowtech but unfortunately my more affordable brand 100mm tripod just wont die either.
@ThomasCristofoletti3 ай бұрын
I would def check the Deity Theos.. amazing pieces of lavs
@Sgyozo3 ай бұрын
There are a lot of Sennheiser G2, G3 for sale but for a reason, bands C, D, E can't be used anymore in Europe legally, and as GSM networks use a lot of frequencies there it's not recommended to buy them anymore. Maybe they work sometimes, but it's not fun if you figure out at home that there was a strange clicking noise or interference the whole time. Pretty annoying if your $500 set becomes unusable after a few years because of new regulations. And sennheiser is an ass basically, they only offered some discount to buy a new set. So, before you buy anything make sure that the frequency range is usable for you.
@chrisw4433 ай бұрын
Buddy, hiking 4 miles with a tripod, slapping it down and immediately shooting with it, is INVALUABLE. At my last job I used a manfrotto they were throwing away and it outlasted the crappy new ones they bought. lol. PRO TIP, the schatler speed lock tripods are very close to the new flowtech ones and help your back with the one lock per leg. But theyre gonna be beaten, which, doesnt matter. However they are only like 800 to 1500 bucks used.
@SirSeabass3 ай бұрын
Holy crap. That's so freaking metal. I had a tripod I looked at wrong last week and one of the legs fell off.
@Edwin--3 ай бұрын
I really like the Miller Solo Q tripod and Compass CX fluid heads as well. Definitely in the same league as the Sachtler tripods and heads when it comes to durability. The Sachtler Flowtech tripod is nicer to operate, but I like Miller's Compass CX fluid head better than the Sachtlers, for their adjustability of the counter balance and even better smoothness. They are a joy to use. I also really like some of the older gear from Sound Devices, like the USBPre 2 audio interface, and the MM-1 mic Pre Amp. They sound great, are built absolutely bomb proof, and both last me over 10 years and seem to be able to last years and years more. Also great purchases.
@markmadnessmedia3 ай бұрын
You get what you pay for! Thanks for your informative and concise videos. I just discovered your channel and after watching only 2 videos I subscribed!
@Jonathana06083 ай бұрын
Umm….. so you gonna brush over the fact that you got shot at? That needs to be a video…. Story time!
@gordonarmour40483 ай бұрын
Watch his tripod video
@LycanVisuals3 ай бұрын
The G4, Tripod, 416, and MKE 600 are all on my wishlist lol. Buy nice or buy twice lol
@westdoc3 ай бұрын
Great Ep! You are correct on all that gear.
@habocky3 ай бұрын
I knew the tripod is going to be one of it :D you are in love with that tripod :D
@qvisionmedia71953 ай бұрын
I love the g3's they are my go to every time!
@KennethBenjaminReed3 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing, Luc! I own almost all of these, as well. For those balking at prices, these are also very much worth looking for in the used/rental-clearance markets. Quick question: What's that modular insert system you're using in the larger Pelican case?
@alexgeifman3 ай бұрын
This video is pure value. Thanks Luc.
@AkaBull3 ай бұрын
Another awesome video Luc 🎉
@LOMISFILM3 ай бұрын
Wasn't expecting a PT Cruiser reference today. Nice.
@FJRudman3 ай бұрын
Man, so true about tripods. I got my first pro tripod second hand when I started 11 years ago for 500 NZD - it was a Manfrotto and is still one of the best tripods I’ve used. Would still be using it today if it wasn’t stolen 3-4 years back… now I own the worst tripod I’ve ever used, also a Manfrotto 😂😂
@peterfritzphoto3 ай бұрын
This was excellent. Thanks, Luc.
@nerolemon23 күн бұрын
I used a Senheizer g1 kit for years and it never let me down until a client broke them, and they paid for me to get the g4s 😎
@LiamMarskog3 ай бұрын
Older Sennheiser packs are amazing but be aware that in some countries the radio frequency they run on makes them illegal and the fines for running stuff on illegal frequencies are quite steep. Major bummer as they still work absolutely perfectly.
@Jasondeheus3 ай бұрын
I’m so hard on my gear, I take care of it but I’m hard on it. I’m still rocking the G3’s (2 pair) and my H4 died a couple years back after dropping a few times down a mountain side but had that for a while. I have the H6.
@bodanielz3133 ай бұрын
Bullet scars on the expensive tripod puts you in another league my guy. The Indiana Jones of filmmaking lol
@mochouinard20 күн бұрын
I had to get rid of a G3 setup because governement gave those frequency to cell phone business... I also have Lectrosonic that I'm not allowed to use anymore ! So be careful !
@chrisw4433 ай бұрын
In 10 years we are gonna look like dinosaurs manually focusing our lenses luc. hehehehe.
@JeremyBotz3 ай бұрын
Luc!? You been watching my B&H surfing? After 6 blown out cheap to Mid tripods, I'm so sick of trying to save a buck, yet spending 20mins a scene setting up angles. Flowtech has been in my cart since I got the Hollyland TX/RX. Saving up for it next, thanks for the video as always.
@poti7323 ай бұрын
I would say buy it without the head. Iv used plenty of REALLY good fluid heads , my current one took all the beating over the years and its half of the price as the flowrech head
@timdanyo8983 ай бұрын
Curious if there is a cheaper, but just a durable 1x1 LED like the Westcot? Could be a cool review topic?
@travelbagphotography3 ай бұрын
Great video... again! Thank you so much. Ever used the Canadian-made Nanuk cases?
@nouhadmelki3 ай бұрын
Would you do a video on how you sync your Sennheiser G3 audio with your footage? Thanks.
@raydurlok68243 ай бұрын
Amazing video, thank you!
@ThePandaPhotographer3 ай бұрын
I'd like that, " I'm the captain now " 13:36
@wildlifephotogmedia3 ай бұрын
Appreciate the insight!
@ThePandaPhotographer3 ай бұрын
Damn right! I don't have funds like that 14:54
@David_Quinn_Photography3 ай бұрын
Sennheiser makes amazing audio equipment, I use their headset, USB desktop mic ad want to get their shotgun mic for video that I am looking to get into.
@tomguder3 ай бұрын
Hello from Leipzig! Thank you. "cinematic"-music--filmer here.
@filipmichalsaffray4413 ай бұрын
Hi Some mic likeSchoeps CMC 5 and 6 with MK4 last forever...did recording with 1988 models Schoeps in mics is top in pair with DPA and some Sennheiser MKH line...
@loudandclearmedia3 ай бұрын
Cool topic. Got me thinking about what those things of mine are, and they are similar to yours. Multi tools, Pelican cases, Sennheiser G4s, C stands, Promediagear tripods, Arca Swiss heads. The rest of the gear comes and goes, but I'm positive those items will outlast me. Even when they get banged up...just gives them more street cred.
@josephfriedman6142 ай бұрын
What are those small what look like 5"x5" lights that in another video you used Gorilla putty to mount under a shelf?
@thehuskyunicorn3 ай бұрын
Thanks, great stuff
@DroseMr3 ай бұрын
Nice Thank You
@WhySteve3 ай бұрын
I once worked a wedding and forgot to switch off my camera. When I took it out the bag to start shooting, the battery was dead and the camera body was hot 😅 Also, I gotta get me a robust tripod, but more a $100 tripod, not a $4000 one haha
@johnclay76443 ай бұрын
informative video thanks Luc.
@unn4medfeel1ng3 ай бұрын
It's sad there's no 2.4G lav system powered with AA. Rodes and DJIs are nice, but their battery will inevitably degrade with time. P.S. Oh you've got yourself an X100. Is it for photography or you're shooting video with it?
@davebear63123 ай бұрын
What kind of drone you use? Do you have your part 107?
@dertythegrower3 ай бұрын
'Derty thumbs up' indeed 😅
@videowien3 ай бұрын
I own to many peli cases but just yt search peli warranty.. If one ever breaks my hopes are not to high
@thegadgetdude3 ай бұрын
"when my crew got shot at" erm storytime? 😅
@asaadyt3 ай бұрын
should the title be " 6 pieces of filmmaking (gear) "
@johntupper13693 ай бұрын
No G word in title dog
@asaadyt3 ай бұрын
@@johntupper1369 there is a G word in the thumbnail
@asaadyt3 ай бұрын
@@johntupper1369 see what is the title now
@ragadrop3 ай бұрын
Wait; conoces a Chivo en persona?!?
@CamiloMaster103 ай бұрын
Dang Luc, banger after banger. You really the king of uploading with quantity and quality.
@Noumenon113 ай бұрын
I'm the captain now 😂
@menoadil84043 ай бұрын
Hi I like you're videos
@ThePandaPhotographer3 ай бұрын
Panda approved "also did that"
@nicolasgaspardcom2 ай бұрын
buy nice or buy twice 😅
@JasonFischer3 ай бұрын
Seams like you are missing a word from your title. Def not the video i was expecting without the word gear.
@cinnabun10463 ай бұрын
Bruh how many times are you gonna make the same video? You just did this 2 videos ago lol