Camera Gear We Use To Make Clips That Sell

After five years in this business we’ve acquired some handy video production equipment to get superior results.  This video goes through the Camera Gear We Use To Make Clips That Sell.


It’s what you do with it that matters not how big it is, as the bishop said to the actress.  Key to a good edit is timing and pacing.  If possible, we’ll pace clusters of shots to the beat of the music.  Varying the pace, mixing up short and long scenes, using different music or none, using pauses, foley (sound fx),  animation effects, titles, creating anticipation, all keep a clip engaging.  Of course you hope the dialogue is interesting enough to a relevant audience but if you can, why not give it some help with great visuals.  Having a timeline is the main thing that makes video different to photography – so use it.

In this video you’ll see some of the cameras we use (but not all)  and the toys we have to get nice smooth camera movement. (Some noteable additions since writing this, such as a Mavic Air drone and Sony Z190 camcorder).

None of this stuff’s cheap, so we’re constantly trying to figure if buying the latest and greatest, or next model Sony will give a worthwhile improvement in production value.  New cameras are a constant temptation (anyone with Sonay A7sii or FS7 for sale?).  Truth is, they’re but a small part of the final outcome.  Good lighting is generally more important, and of course good sound.  I think you can get away with average photography if the sound recording is good.  And let’s not forget the script or the talent’s performance to camera!

There’s a few important of bits of gear we didn’t cover, like the green screen home studio, or my trusty motorbike which often gets me to filming locations with crappy traffic or parking.

Thanks to our editor and second camera person, Taylor for helping me do this on Sunday.  Taylor is film school qualified and also edits for Channel 10 in Melbourne.

2023 Update

Gee I’ve just re-read this blog post from 5 years ago and how things have changed. That Sony FS700 camera is now officially a dinosaur and was sold long ago. Today we rely heavily on the Sony A7siii, other mirrorless cameras and a PWX Z190 video camera. We’ve got different mics (and some the same) more lens options, completely upgraded lighting department, different drone. It’s interesting to look back and see how much has changed.

Contact Keith Rhodes to discuss video production options.

Clips That Sell