In the world of video, it’s often said that preparation is key. For novice videographers or passionate amateurs, knowing the essential accessories to take with you on shoots can make all the difference between a professional-quality production and a project with mixed results. In this article, Solid Rusk Production offers an exclusive insight into the backpack of an experienced videographer, revealing the essential tools for capturing great images in any situation, and limiting the unexpected.
In the style of a “What’s in my bag” (editor’s note: Youtube trend since the 2010s), discover the video gear accessories of a pro and optimize your equipment for your next creative adventures.
The 10 (+1) video accessories to have in your video bag
Table des matières
1) Two spare batteries
It’s inconceivable to stop a shoot and shamefully explain to your client that you’ve run out of battery, isn’t it?
In the world of video, every moment can become the blueprint that defines your project. To avoid the risk of missing images, we strongly recommend that you always carry two spare batteries for each camera in your bag. So 3 in all, if you count the one already in the camera. Shooting can often last longer than expected, or take place in conditions that accelerate battery discharge. By carrying extra batteries, you can be sure that your creativity will never be curtailed or your shooting interrupted by a lack of battery power.
2) A charger
As a complement to spare batteries, a reliable charger is an indispensable tool for any videographer, perfectly complementing the use of spare batteries. It gives you the flexibility to recharge your batteries wherever you are, whether in the studio, on location or on the move.
With a charger at hand, you can make the most of long shooting days without worrying about running out of battery. This autonomy ensures that you’re always up and running, ready to capture images at a moment’s notice, without being dependent on battery life.
3) CAbles
USB and USB-C cables are essential components in every videographer’s bag, serving as both charging and data transfer cables. In shooting situations, where every second counts, these cables guarantee a fast, reliable connection between your devices. They enable you to charge your equipment efficiently in the field, and quickly transfer your files to a computer for immediate processing or secure backup. Having good quality cables with you at all times reduces the risk of interruptions and optimizes your workflow, ensuring that you never lose precious data or shooting time. Especially in shooting situations where minutes are counted down before nightfall!
4) An adapter
A multifunction USB-C adapter is a crucial tool for any modern videographer. Equipped with various inputs such as SD card, HDMI, and Ethernet, it allows you to be versatile and easily connect to virtually any computer or device. It makes it much easier to quickly download large files to a computer, which is essential for editing or immediate backup.
Having an adapter also enables you to offer rapid delivery of rushes to clients, ensuring a smooth transition between image capture and final processing. An essential investment to optimize your efficiency and adaptability!
5) SD card case
For any videographer, data organization is crucial, as it streamlines your work in post-production and enables you to offer professional work.
Solid Rusk strongly recommends that you always carry extra SD cards when shooting. And store them meticulously in a dedicated case.
Using SD card storage boxes is essential for keeping your rushes impeccably organized.
These special cases are designed to protect your SD cards from physical damage and data loss. But also to prevent you from losing them, while facilitating quick and orderly access during filming. Always having an extra stock of SD cards neatly organized in a dedicated box not only ensures the security of your data, but also enables you to switch quickly from one card to another, optimizing workflow and time management in the field. This simple yet effective method significantly increases the efficiency of videographers in action.
6) PEN AND NOTEBOOK
For efficient note-taking during filming, a pen and notebook are simple but fundamental tools for jotting down important details, whether for post-production or for recording crucial information such as the names and roles of interviewees.
7) Equipment to clean your sensor and lenses
Owning an SLR or hybrid camera means an increased risk of dust being deposited on the sensor, especially when changing lenses. This dust can manifest itself as annoying stains on your photos and videos. To deal with this problem in the field and avoid jeopardizing your shooting, it’s essential to have the right cleaning equipment with you.
Avoid improvised solutions such as tissues or eyeglass wipes, which can damage the sensor. Opt for a specialized cleaning kit, including a blower to remove dust particles and a wand equipped with a small wet brush for stubborn dirt. This type of equipment, often affordable, is essential for keeping your sensor in perfect condition and guaranteeing the quality of your images. A good cleaning kit is a wise investment for any meticulous, professional videographer.
8) External phone charger
An external charger is essential to keep your phone charged at all times, especially when you’re using your smartphone as a communication, note-taking or navigation tool during shoots. Whether it’s the cameras or your phone, remember that you always need a means of charging. Prudence is the mother of safety!
9) Slate and weleda for interviews
When conducting interviews, the use of a slate and a weleda (marker pen) is recommended to organize and mark takes efficiently.
Although not essential, a clapper and its weleda can be useful not only for synchronizing sound and image with precision, but also for clearly noting the details of each take, thus facilitating post-production editing.
The clapper, with its sharp, visible strokes, helps to quickly identify the different sections of an interview, while the weleda allows you to write annotations directly on the clapper. This simplifies clip sorting and selection, making the post-production process smoother and less error-prone.
10) A LED panel for low-light filming
When it comes to filming in low-light conditions, a small, portable LED panel is essential to save the day (well, the day!). It provides continuous lighting, which is crucial for maintaining the quality of your videos, especially when shooting at night.
Solid Rusk videographers always carry a small, battery-powered LED panel in their camera bags, especially for night shooting. The advantage is that it doesn’t use the camera’s battery, and unlike a flash, the LED panel stays on continuously, perfect for video.
+1. A good weather app
Last but not least, a high-performance weather app helps you to anticipate light conditions and plan your shoots according to the forecast, a valuable asset for outdoor video production.
A good weather app will enable you to anticipate if there’s precipitation forecast without being taken by surprise, or to have the perfect timing for a successful golden hour shoot. TheSun Seeker app, for example, lets you track the sun using augmented reality.
Every videographer has his or her own preferences and specific needs, but with this basic kit shared by Solid Rusk, you have everything you need to face the majority of challenges in the field. From power management to data organization, from keeping your equipment in top condition to adapting to light conditions, these accessories are the indispensable allies of the professional videographer.
And to find out more, check out our guide to buying the right video equipment for creating content on social networks.
Article written by Emeline l Prête-moi ta plume
