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There are three main factors that every videographer needs to boost their performance: theory, experience, and the right gear. Whether you’re filming on your iPhone or a RED Gemini, you’ll need the necessary tools for videography to capture cinematic-looking cinematography. Otherwise, if you’re just working with the camera’s brain and a naked lens, it’s unfortunately not enough to achieve visuals like the professionals.
No matter if you’re a traveling videographer, nomad filmmaker, or union cinematographer, the right gear will ensure you make your day with the best results possible. So, with that in mind, here are the most essential accessories for every videographer to include in their kit.
Pro-Systems for Enhancing Cinematography
Every videographer’s camera kit needs to work as an extension of their body. So, as part of your setup, you’ll need a matte box to assist in controlling the light.
BaseCamp Matte Box
But, don’t just settle for any kind of matte box. You need a matte box that’s both lightweight and functional, which you’ll specifically get with our BaseCamp Matte Box.
The BaseCamp Matte Box isn’t only the lightest in the industry at just 298g, but it’s also easy to use and doesn’t require tools. This dramatically cuts down time-consuming movements like removing the hood or placing it on rails. That way, you can just Run ’n Gun! Another thing we really like about this matte box is how it has the capacity to stack filters for more creative effects. .
What makes BaseCamp Matte Box even more essential is how you can swap effortlessly between camera systems like, say, the A7III and RED Monstro without a hitch!
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Top Cinematography Filters
One of the biggest mistakes novice videographers make is their lack of filters. If you’re shooting during the afternoon with bright sunlight and glare, you’ll need filters to help you manage the light.
Although, not just any filter will give you that cinematic look like you see in movies. Of course, it depends on the glass you’re using, but controlling the light will ensure that you won’t suffer an overexposed image. But there are also a few other significant reasons why you would want reliable Neutral Density (ND) and Polarizer (PL) filters.
QuartzLine Filters
Every filmmaker needs reliable filters as part of their videography accessories. In fact, they’re nearly as essential as your lens itself. That’s why you’ll at least need to carry a set of NDs, CPs, and Variable NDs (VNDs) in your kit.
The BaseCamp Matte Box isn’t only the lightest in the industry at just 298g, but it’s also easy to use and doesn’t require tools. This dramatically cuts down time-consuming movements like removing the hood or placing it on rails. That way, you can just Run ’n Gun! Another thing we really like about this matte box is how it has the capacity to stack filters for more creative effects.
Here are the essential QuartzLine filters you should consider:
Cinematic Action Cam, Drone, and Gimbal Filtration
Just because you’re using a drone to pick up an establishing shot or some important landscapes doesn’t mean your free from the struggles of glare from the sun and unwanted reflections. Fortunately, there’s a solution for these issues with the proper filtration for brands from DJI and GoPro to Inspire and Mavic.
Cinematographers Collection - Cinema Series | Mavic 2
PolarPro carries impressive cinematic filtration for your action cam, drone, and gimbal needs — but we’re going to highlight the Cinematographers Collection of the Mavic 2 Cinema Series since it serves as an ideal example.
These filters will help you diffuse the light for every condition with a wide range of NDs and PLs, that has a low refractive index and will ensure that you achieve color neutrality. These filters will boost your production value to industry-defining proportions!
Mobile Cinematography
With the advancements in today’s camera technology, you have a cinematography camera in your iPhone. But just like any other camera, you’ll need some videography accessories to bring it up to snuff.
Litechaser Pro - iPhone 12 Filter System
The Litechaser Pro turns your typical iPhone into an impressive little camera rig that’s reminiscent of something like BlackMagic’s Pocket Cinema Camera. It’s small, effective, and serves as a great on-set secondary camera source.
The Litechaser Pro is available for both the iPhone 11 and Galaxy S20 Ultra, as well as an updated version for iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max models.
This camera system revolutionizes your phone-camera setup by including videography accessories like a Magsafe compatible case (serving as your camera cage) that works with both chargers and mounts. That way you can easily switch between your handheld rig or ‘studio mode’ on your tripod.
Also included is a nice and beefy Grip that’s ergonomically designed to feel like a camera and comes with a Bluetooth shutter remote. Plus, the Litechaser includes filtration such as a CP and VND 3-5, plus the Mist 3-5, if you choose the Director’s Kit.
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Other Essential Cinematography Gear
It may seem like small potatoes, but the length of your HDMI cable matters. It’s your lifeline between your camera and monitor. If your cable is too short, it can create problems with certain rigs, depending on your monitor. (If you’ve ever had this problem in the past, you know how essential HDMI monitor cables truly are — which will save you future headaches!)
HDMI Monitor Cable
The HDMI Monitor Cable is offered in two connection types: HDMI Micro and HDMI Mini. Both are available in 18 and 26 inches to suit your needs. Wires and cables that are subject to lots of wear and tear have a short lifespan because, let’s face it, we expect a lot from them. That’s why you’ll be pleased to know that these are tough, braided nylon cables.
Essential accessories for videographers
Every filmmaker should carry a well-rounded kit of videography accessories for optimal performance. There are various kinds of filmmaking and videography styles, but one thing stands true across the board. You need the right gear to capture spectacular cinematography.
From indispensable filters to your matte box and cables, these are the videography accessories that can make or break your day. But, with the right tools, you’ll deliver visual wonders for the world to relish.