Best Filmmaking Gear of 2023 - Lights, Camera, Lens & Accessories

Best Filmmaking Gear of 2023 - Lights, Camera, Lens & Accessories
In this video I'm sharing my favourite filmmaking gear of 2023 drawing from various categories. I’m talking about items that added the most value to my productions, the ones that I simply cannot go without. We’ll take a look at lights, cameras, lenses, accessories. DISCLAIMER: This video is sponsored by Nanlite. As an ambassador of the brand they asked me to make a video about my favourite Nanlite Product of 2023, in this case it's 100% the Forza 500 II B. They had 0 input on the talking points and also didn't request any changes to my first draft. All views reflected are my own!
🔥 LEARN COLOR GRADING FROM ME:
jacquescrafford...
⚡️ SUPER SLOW-MO and 4K Upscale www.topazlabs....
⚡️ Motion Graphics motionvfx.sjv....
⚡️ LUTS I USE: bit.ly/3cqdikV Code “JAC” for a 15% discount
🔥 GEAR LISTED in this video:
NANLITE FORZA 500 II B: amzn.to/3QVIvBF
CAMERA: geni.us/eAUYnR
LENS: geni.us/5DP2
MONITOR: geni.us/eorr9
TRANSMISSION: amzn.to/46afLcU
⚡️ BEST MUSIC: fm.pxf.io/c/34... Discount code JCRAFFORD23
⚡️ ULTIMATE BUNDLES www.film-space...
⚡️ SOUND DESIGN PACK: visual-tone.co... Use my PROMO CODE: CRAFFORD15 for an additional 15% off!
========================
⚡️MORE OF MY FAV GEAR:⚡️
========================
SONY FX3: geni.us/IMOWCS
SONY A7IV: geni.us/z1jQgCC
FAVORITE ZOOM LENS: geni.us/5DP2
CAMERA RIG: geni.us/tjKAe
CAMERA BAG: geni.us/XWC809A
BEST ND FILTERS: geni.us/tCZ2
GIMBAL: geni.us/EkB9
AUDIO: geni.us/SHkozpH
All of the links above form part of AFFILIATE PROGRAMS which means I get a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Special thanks to Juan De Swardt, Louw Lemmer & André Mostert for the amazing BTS.
Juan: / @juandeswardt4818
Louw / cuus0qdaygc
André / motioncraftfilms
Musibed SyncID:
MB01G2LEGQW3D59
Best Filmmaking Equipment of 2023 / 2024

[@markthecre8tor]

Jacques, as always thanks for taking a moment and sharing this with us. almost 50% of this video was on lighting and even though Nanlite received your seal of approval as a product you were teaching how to motivate light when using natural light. I have learned so much from you Sir and saying Thank You seems like not enough. Thanks for all you do.

[@jacques_crafford]

Brother Mark, thanks man it's only a pleasure! Every comment from you puts a smile on my face, really grateful to have your support!

[@stanleymakafui]

This guy is so direct and straight to the point. I watch him mainly because of the valuable information and the gorgeous images (obviously). One of my very favorite South African.

[@jacques_crafford]

Yeeeew thanks Stanley, super grateful for your support brother!

[@simplefilms1881]

This was absolutely amazing to watch! Thank you so much for your hard work and dedication. Here is one takeaway from this video that hasnt even been covered mainly. What i noticed so far in your behind the scenes is how clean the sets are where you shoot. Its absolutely spotless. That gives you many options to create a beautiful image and puts the main focus on the character and the story, unless the set is made to be "messy" like the shots from the library. Stunning work, keep it up!

[@JonasBecker]

Thanks for your constant uploads over the years ,Jacques! You've teached me and the community so much about lighting, composition, storytelling and motivated camera movement. I'd love a detailed video on how to use Topaz Video AI. Not only the program but camera settings that are required for a good result later in post with Topaz. Especially the frame interpolation would be interesting!

[@jacques_crafford]

Hey Jonas, man that means so much to me, only a pleasure bro! I'm so happy to hear that you found value in my tutorials, it makes all of it so much more worth it. Topaz is pretty simple so I hope to share it with you here. If you want to get the best results with Frame Interpolation, you have to CRANK UP THE SHUTTER. Set your shutter speed as high as possible. Try to shoot wide open with shallow depth of field because an isolated subject is easier to slow down with less info in the background. Use the APOLLO engine on footage shot at 100FPS or higher. Sometimes Apollo will add a weird flicker to the footage which you can take out in post in resolve with DeFlicker (doesn't always work) so then you can try CHRONOS. CHRONOS is great with footage shot at natural frame rates like 24/25 FPS and 50 FPS. It does a great job slowing down 2 x and 4 x (anything more use APOLLO) unless the footage allows it, really depends on what you film. Hope that helps buddy!

[@MagnetiqLabs]

Thank you man for the content once again! It’s funny, but with your every new video I found something new, even in topics that I familiar with. Some interesting tips and your personal approach and original opinions every time. Without pathos and standard KZbin clichés. It’s so rare in modern content and deserves big respect!

[@hunchbackmc9769]

Always a pleasure to watch a JC video. Thank you for all the info you've dropped in 2023

[@jacques_crafford]

That means so much to me, thanks brother! These are the comments that make it all worth it!

[@Fadetoblackcollective]

THIS IS GREAT! !!

[@Whaever_1981]

Amazing recommendations, from an amazing channel, thank you! Love that you recommend the Sony Zeiss 35 1.4. Micro-contrast all the way!

[@paulg3388]

Every time I see one of your videos you make me want to go and film something. That says it all !! Thanks again. Regarding things for 2023. DaVinci Resolve for sure, as I made the jump from Final Cut and haven’t regretted a second! Topaz AI because of you funny enough :-) and kit wise my DJI Gimbal and my A7RV replacing my Sony A7s iii. Took awhile to take the jump but although I lost the low light side, I gained so many other things and I love that camera !! Thanks again as always Jacques.

[@jacques_crafford]

That's amazing to hear, thank you for taking the time to write this Paul! I'm so glad you're on Resolve, it was a game changer for me! The New Topaz also got a bump in performance and the potential is just insane. The A7RV is epic I'm glad it's working for you. Thanks for your ongoing support for my channel, really appreciate it!

[@Evgeniy_Shaman]

@@jacques_crafford The Topaz 4.2.0 have new interpolation model - Aion, have you tried it?

[@maggiem1323]

It's the Sensei behind the gear not the gear that matters! Your gear choice is 'dated' and relatively affordable and cures GAS. Definitely the best gear advice I've received this year.🥰 I have been sitting on the fence for either an XH2s or R5c but you make a strong valid case for the A7S3.

[@BrunoPozo4Real]

I suppose my M1 Max Macbook pro has been my favorite. Just because the editing power on that has allowed me to work soo much faster without proxies.

[@AshraafM]

This man casually dropping a masterclass in less than 10 mins

[@jacques_crafford]

Thanks man, your support goes a long way!

[@nolannatashaTV]

I just woke up and I’m half way into my first coffee and I feel like I’m a third of the way through film school. What an incredibly useful video.

[@RareAmourCaptures]

I have never found so much value in one short video!

[@devohnhenry5828]

can you make a tut on topaz labs?

[@jjfilms3033]

great video!!! wondering if you use a black pro mist filter with these shots or do you just leave your picture profile detail settings to -7 ?

[@MurlykinYaroslav]

Hello, thank you for your videos. I would appreciate hearing your recommendation. I'm considering upgrading from my Sony a6400 to a full-frame camera, and I'm facing a dilemma: whether to spend more and get the FX3 or save money and go for the ZV-E1, getting pretty much the same image but with the remaining funds invested in more lenses, etc? I shoot a variety of content, from events to weddings, so my direction is quite diverse. I really want to upgrade and start to make more professional videos, but I’m kinda stuck between these two and don’t know what to choose.

[@nathananderson8720]

This is one of the channels that gave me the courage to start my KZbin channel 8 months ago about self development. Now I have 936 subs and > 800 hours of watch time. I know it’s not comparable with others but I’m still proud I started because I’ve been learning so many lessons that I could haven’t learned without getting started in the 1st place.

[@jacques_crafford]

Nathan! Bro this makes me soooo happy to read, thank you!!! Well done on starting this journey 🔥 Whether you blow up or not, it will come back to you in the best of ways. If you want to LEARN... TEACH. Teaching others has been the best investment into my own personal growth! Cheers

[@JonathanPalfrey]

You're getting amazing results from the Sonys. I do love my FX3 however I wish it had a viewfinder like the A7siii

[@jacques_crafford]

Thanks mate, I still love the FX3 to pieces! I don't use the Viewfinder that much but when I need it, it's amazing to have.

[@KobusTollig1]

Gear video and I still learn from you. Thx bra!

[@jacques_crafford]

Thanks bra, so dankbaar vir jou support!

[@scottievee7467]

Mine: Canon C70 and all it's firmware updates. Atomos monitors in general. Kondor Blue Talon top handle w/record. Mac Studio. SmallRig lights. SmallRig tripods. All RF lenses. And the • Beta • version of Premiere Pro with "Enhance Speech" is nuts good.

[@jacques_crafford]

Nice man! I heard the C70 just keeps on improving and it's a beast with the new firmware! I love my SmallRig gear also, basically all my rigs and tripods are SmallRig now. I think all editors will soon catch up with Topaz, seems like Premiere is already doing a good job!

[@DSLRguide]

beautiful footage throughout, very impressive! was this sponsored by nanlite? feels like they sent talking points

[@jacques_crafford]

Thanks man, much appreciated! Yes indeed, it was sponsored by Nanlite. To be 100% transparent, they gave me 0 talking points, I simply shared from my own experience and they approved it without any changes. As an ambassador I'm always in touch with them about their products and they asked me which light I valued the most... and when I said the 500 II, they asked if I wanted to make a video about it, a win win.

[@DSLRguide]

​@@jacques_crafford thanks for clarifying! I do think that transparency is always a good move, as a viewer I would have appreciated hearing that the video was sponsored up front, and that they didn't tell you what to say. Sometimes I scale back my enthusiasm for a product in my sponsored videos, in case people think I was paid to say certain phrases, which is weird cos in the end I'm being less honest. I'm sharing this unsolicited advice cos I've definitely made mistakes with sponsored content, and it sucks to lose the trust of viewers after slowly building goodwill.

[@jacques_crafford]

@@DSLRguide thanks man, I really appreciate this feedback. To be honest, it's all new to me, this whole KZbin thing... so I don't take this advice lightly. What I will do is update the description and mention the sponsor more clearly to avoid any further confusion. People who regularly watch my videos know that I'm partnered with Nanlite so a lot of the footage I used in here came from a sponsored video where I did mention it. I guess the mistake is to assume what your audience knows. Again thanks for the valued input, means a lot!

[@DSLRguide]

@@jacques_craffordreally respect you for that, thanks dude :)

[@omersmart9930]

I don't know where to start and where to end... You deserve the title of best cinematographer Thank you for what you provide Big love from Iraq

[@jacques_crafford]

Wow, thanks you are most kind! I really appreciate you supporting my channel!

[@omersmart9930]

I swear to you that I am eagerly waiting for your videos to be uploaded to KZbin. We want more professional explanations I hope you can explain to us about the cinematic rule of thirds Thank you@@jacques_crafford

[@methemystic]

Dear Jacques, could you please suggest me a HDMI cable for Sony FX3 to Atomos Ninja recording at all the available higher frame rates? Thanks a lot!

[@ProEditingLooks]

❤

[@ariuka2kadminguy588]

my fav fillmmaker

[@jacques_crafford]

Thanks you are most kind!

[@rogeliorogel8690]

Amazing video...even though my gear is falling behind, I thought, it seems I have most of the stuff you still recommend and keeps me motivated! Quick question which lenses are those that you and a lot of other cinematographers use? The ones with the yellow print on them? And why do a lot of you guys use those?

[@jacques_crafford]

Thanks so much! To be honest, I think the A7sIII / A7IV / FX3 class cameras will still be relevant for at least 3-4 years! The lenses you mentioned are DZO Vespid Primes, they are amazing because they have a "look" to them that has some character to it which normal stills lenses don't give you. They are full manual so unfortunately no autofocus but worth it if you want something different!

[@rogeliorogel8690]

@@jacques_crafford thanks for your input as always! Big help! Any input on the new a9III or the a1 as a secondary camera? To have stills as well and if they are as good for comercial video like the cameras you mentioned?

[@vinc74600]

I agree with the light as number 1 accessory! on the other hand, small precision for those who do not yet know a 500w LED uses 100% batteries very quickly and this can become very expensive and heavy

[@jacques_crafford]

Thanks mate! I use 2 x 145W V-Lock Batteries for my portable shoots. This gives me just over an hour of shooting at 100% but the light is only on for takes so I can stretch it up to 6 hours. If I do run and gun and it can last even longer because the light doesn't have to be on 100% power the whole time.

[@ooppss5284]

how do u compared with the new FC 500B? is it the same output if we push the power level?

[@jacques_crafford]

Oh snap I haven't used the FC yet, I'll see if I can get my hands on one from the Supplier here in SA, I'm good friends with them!

[@AustinOmoria]

Your videos are very inspiring. Do you direct your shoots? I'd love to work with you someday.

[@jacques_crafford]

Thanks you are most kind! Yes I direct some of the shoots myself but I also team up with directors where possible because the potential to create something special increases drastically!

[@ThomasDavis5213]

👊

[@joe_baxa]

It wil sound kind of funny, but especially for photos I love current Canon 90D more and more with each shoot 😀 Not so great for videos, but right now under my circumstanes… I just have to work around its video flaws 🤷🏻‍♂️😀

[@jacques_crafford]

That's awesome man, sometimes you just find that one cam that does it for you.

[@ekphotography]

Awesome brother!! another great one... On a side note, Anyway of setting Auto ISO in the Sony A7IV for video so that Only 800 and 3200 are available? Either automatically or by just pressing one button instead of having to dig through the menus to change ISO? I only use 800 and 3200 99% of the time... Does anybody know if that is possible? Thanks!!! Hope that makes sense? I would like to just click one button to change between 800 and 3200 on my A7IV? IS that possible somehow? Many times on locations I cannot see the monitor very well and cannot see when I need to change to 3200? Thanks

[@brunoriffaldi]

i don't think it is possible, it's only a feature of the cinema line cameras like the fx3, fx30 etc called cine ei, basically it makes the switch faster

[@brunoriffaldi]

the only think you can do if you really want to switch fast from iso 800 to 3200 it's to save 2 presets on the memory dial of the camera 1 and 2 for example. don't change any other setting, only the iso value

[@ekphotography]

@@brunoriffaldi Thanks, that is how I have it now but I have Custom 1 24p, Custom 2 60p and Custom 3 120p . I saw a comment on another video someone mentioning they had some set up a quick button that switched between the 2 ISO's but it was an old comment and did not mention how they had done it.. Thanks Until I find another method, I will just change one of my custom dials like that... Bummer is on custom dials you cannot do a custom white balance which is pretty stupid, I wish Sony would fix that... Thanks for responding..

[@jacques_crafford]

I totally hear you bro! To be honest I don't know if it's possible and I think CineEI is a way Sony is protecting their Cinema Line. My advice would be to set your ISO button to something that can't easily be adjusted by accident so that when you need to go up to 3200 you can just quickly dial it up without the possibility of ever bumping it?

[@ekphotography]

@@jacques_crafford Thanks for responding , That is how I have it currently but sometimes in bright conditions I cannot see the ISO and not exactly sure if it is correct. Thanks anyways...

[@bluetronikk]

Will you launch a light intro to film course in 2024? Let’s Go!

[@jacques_crafford]

My plan is to do that later in 2024, my first goal is a Color Grading Course for Resolve in Feb 24 :)

[@bluetronikk]

@@jacques_crafford great!

[@GUANTA23K]

Wow, what a great video. So much variety in shots! It really sticks out from the talking head crowd. And the content didn't disappoint either! 👍🫡👏

[@jacques_crafford]

Wow that really means A LOT to me! Thanks for supporting my channel, I hope to share lots more with you in 2024!

[@Whaever_1981]

AMAZING VIDEO! :) Thank you! Quick favor and question: What's the colormeter phone app you're using at 3min45sec mark? Thanks in advance :))

[@shreddykrueger9171]

Jacques, I've seen all your vids on auto-focus but I'm having a huge problem with getting everyone in focus and what modes to choose from. What mode/f stop do you suggest when there are multiple people in the frame? You obviously can't use eye AF with more than 2 ppl in the frame, but I'm not getting clear focus and don't know what I'm doing wrong

[@jacques_crafford]

Sorry to hear that you're struggling, I just replied on your other comment but again it's tricky to recommend an F/stop if I don't know how far the people are apart and at what angle you are shooting them.

[@shreddykrueger9171]

Jacques, I recently used my 35 f1.8 prime lens on a shoot and couldn't get everyone in focus. There were two people in the shot and it would only focus on one of them if they weren't both in the same plane. What am I doing wrong? Do I have to bump the aperture up to 2.8 or larger or is my focus mode wrong?? I made sure not to use EYE-AF when there are more than 2 people in the frame on wide mode but i still cant nail focus. Would love for you to do more videos on auto-focus with the A7Siii because I can't figure it out

[@jacques_crafford]

Aaaah yes, if you shoot F/1.8 you will not be able focus on both unless they're sitting exactly on the same focal plane. Your only option would be to shoot on F/4 or higher, depending on how far they are from each other. For 2 people or more I use the tracker and tap on the person with priority in the moment but getting 2 people exactly in focus requires you to be at an angle where the focal plane is straight on parallel. There's simply no way around that :(

[@weezypeasy]

Still putting out the best filmmaking tips content on KZbin. You're the man, Jacques.

[@KienVirak_]

Very nice content I love it ❤

[@CreativeTechLab]

Great list!

[@KrishnaDavis]

Great video

[@ProEditingLooks]

❤❤

[@saudihermawan6599]

🤩👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻💕

[@adrielfotsography5499]

is alpha 7 iii better than r5?

[@GraceProduction3]

I was thinking of getting the nanlite and changed my mind for aperture 600D .❤❤❤❤love It & great video 👏

[@MrDawidson818]

Pls help. Looking for this App at 3:44. Which one is it?

[@jacques_crafford]

It's called Light Spectrum Pro, works pretty decent in most scenarios!

[@MrDawidson818]

Thanks Bro! Great Value in your videos. U got me

[@KwonFiveNine]

This was a long commercial for Nanlite.

[@maggiem1323]

Appreciate the fact that lighting is arguably the most important factor in Photography and Videography so Nanlite deserves the reasonable attention.

[@methodstudio8208]

Nice video. I like it. What the App on 3:48 ?

[@jacques_crafford]

Thank you so much! It's called Light Spectrum Pro, works pretty decent in most scenarios!

[@LouwLemmer]

Jacques: here are my favourite filmmaking gear of 2023. Also Jacques: stacks the video was insanely valuable insights. Fricken Legend!

[@jacques_crafford]

BRA! Thank you for your amazing support! Your BTS is an invaluable part to all of this 🔥🔥🔥

[@LouwLemmer]

@@jacques_crafford It's a big pleasure and privilege!

[@METAPRODUCTIONQT]

Nice video

[@jacques_crafford]

Thanks mate!

[@Ency__]

How have I not discovered you before? This was amazing. Thanks for primo video

[@the713king]

immediate subscribe. awesome video! very informative!

[@billwdwc]

Hands down the best filmmaker out there and share so much BTS love it and thank you

[@RickHarrop]

Amazing mate!! What a guy!

[@indjarenahmed8439]

Thank you for your insightful video✨

[@evgeniipotapov]

Your videos are amazing und very useful! Thanks a lot for your work 🙏🏻

[@jacques_crafford]

Thanks that really means a lot to me! Thanks for the support bro!

[@balarol]

incredible topic and suggestions, Specially for topaz video ai that really help me for our movie project🙏🏼 i have to talk about this software to say how game changer it is🔥🔥

[@jacques_crafford]

Thank you my friend! Topaz just keeps on improving and it makes me really excited. I think in time the other editors will catch up with the same tech integrated but for now it's a clear winner! Thank you for supporting my channel!

[@davrondaminov1]

Thank you Brother

[@MagnetiqLabs]

Finally some words about Zeiss 35mm. I have one and sometimes I think about switching to the 35GM, but the thing that stops me is that Zeiss has more filmic look because of imperfection. By the way, GM has even worse focus breathing, which I think in the not acceptable zone for video. I’m curious, will it be support of Zeiss 35 in upcoming A7Siii firmware in terms of focus breathing compensation

[@jacques_crafford]

That's so cool to hear! I'm sure the Zeiss will be supported with Breathing Compensation, I've used it on a variety of lenses on other cams so I think it should work on all Native Sony Lenses!

[@ZamoraChristian]

I just got the zve1 because of the breathing compensation and other things AND NOW 7s3 is getting it, NOOO I REGRET NOW !!! hehe your videos are always fire i even bought a fan for overheating

[@jacques_crafford]

Broooo! I think in most situations the ZV-E1 is still a beast. I just really like a viewfinder and less chance of overheating on the A7sIII but if you have a fan for the ZV-E1 you're sorted! Christian, thank you for supporting my channel it really means a lot to me!

[@ZamoraChristian]

@@jacques_crafford no its me that thanks all this amazing skills you share with us. 🙏🙏🙏

[@isaacbadu2506]

Great video... So my qrustion is for new people that are trying to start their business production for events etc. Would you say a7siii or upgrade to a7iv

[@jacques_crafford]

Thanks Isaac! I would choose the A7sIII everytime. Main reason for picking it over the A7IV is because of the Low Light and the Faster Readout speed (less rolling shutter).

[@Quadz10]

Thank you Jacques, I’m getting those lights now… Ps- is Topaz really that much better than DR optical flow?

[@jacques_crafford]

Yeeew that's great news, thanks Josh! I don't think you will be disappointed. Regarding Topaz, after doing the tests I can safely say that YES, it is MUCH better. When it comes to smaller moving elements and footage on lower shutter speeds, Topaz is far superior. On some shots you can get the same results with Optical Flow but it's a hit and miss! This technology excites I think Resolve will catch up in time!

[@Quadz10]

@@jacques_crafford ok rockin! 🙏 So appreciate your time, thank you!

[@romain_fel]

Always a pleasure to watch your video and learn from your experience Jacques ! Can't wait for the next one !

[@jacques_crafford]

Thanks Romain, I really appreciate your support for my channel! I've got some big plans for next year yeeew 🔥

[@tvstafford1989]

All meat and no fat. great advice and great examples.

[@jacques_crafford]

What a great compliment, thanks mate!!!

[@Black2tage]

Very nice!

[@jacques_crafford]

Thank you so much!

[@BohkooJ]

Wow did not see that a7s3 firmware update coming !

[@jacques_crafford]

Haha tell me about it. Fun fact, I made this video 2 weeks ago already (before the A7sIII firmware was announced) and I still recommend the A7sIII but when they announced it last week, I had to re-record that part.

[@anhu92]

your lighting explanations are the best!

[@jacques_crafford]

Thank you, that really means a lot to me! I hope to share more with you in 2024!

[@lauritee]

Incredible breakdown. I loved the lighting breakdown. I cant believe how good the Nanlite Forza 500 is and performs. Also, I gotta get the Topazlabs Video AI. I haven't seen anything like that? Does it work also with Davinci Resolve?

[@jacques_crafford]

Thanks Lauri! Topaz doesn't work inside of Resolve. I usually export my fully graded clip into Topaz for slowmotion in ProRes and then import back into Resolve. DaVinci however has it's own version of Frame Interpolation called "Optical Flow" but it's not as good (for now).

[@lauritee]

@@jacques_crafford Thank you, Jacques! I have used the Optical Flow but Topazlabs has it on another level! I can see that to be used in product videos as well where you need extreme slow motion. Thank you for the video and breakdown! Looking forward to more videos about lighting! I think it’s such a crucial part of filmmaking!

[@Evgeniy_Shaman]

​@@jacques_crafford I cant find ProRes in export video settings of DR studio, do you use any additional plugin for ProRes export? thank you

[@Evgeniy_Shaman]

@@jacques_crafford Do you export into Quicktime > DNxHR > 444 12bit or another? Thank you

[@saviourudo1062]

Thank you for taking us through your arsenal. Please I’m trying to decide which ND filters to go for. Which would you recommend?🙏🏽

[@jacques_crafford]

Only a pleasure bro! I'm using the NiSi True Color VND 1-5 Stop, 100% recommend them they're great!

[@saviourudo1062]

@@jacques_craffordThank you sir.

[@PatriciaukamakaNwobodo]

Excellent Job thanks

[@jacques_crafford]

Thank you so much!

[@johnclay7644]

informative video

[@jacques_crafford]

So happy to hear that, thanks John!