Essential Equipment for Documentary Filmmakers to Purchase

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Essential Equipment for Documentary Filmmakers to Purchase

Documentaries have earned the respect of both critics and film enthusiasts as vital contributions to the medium. Even though they have a far smaller budget, the best documentaries may be just as captivating as fiction movies. The ability to reflect your subjects honestly while also making a comment about society as a whole is what distinguishes outstanding documentarians from other moviemakers.

When choosing equipment, documentary filmmakers frequently have to put factors like portability, battery life, weight, and discretion first. A brilliant director will never want to compromise on the quality of the images or the audio, though. We've compiled some of the top cameras, microphones, and mounts for documentary filmmakers that offer a balance of flexibility and quality with these factors in mind.

There are long days on film sets everywhere, but in Hollywood projects, a large portion of that time is spent setting up shots and making corrections. The duration of a day spent filming a documentary may be the same, but the camera will be rolling the majority of the time. Since you are capturing life as it unfolds, you must make certain compromises to keep the camera rolling.

The equipment on the list below is mostly intended for on-location documentaries, but content producers will also find a lot of it to be quite helpful. These things will be quite useful if you're using moving pictures to tell stories. Check out the essential equipment for documentarians listed below, then read our lists of the finest cameras and camera accessories for more purchasing ideas.

1. Panasonic LUMIX DC-GH5 4K Digital Camera

If camcorders aren't your thing, a decent, vintage DSLR will do just fine. One of the most portable cameras on the market, the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 is simple to bring along for even the most distant documentary shoots. Its compact size makes it possible for you to overlook the fact that it is a film camera, and journalists will value its great still photo capacity. However, it has in-body stabilization and can shoot 4K at 60 FPS without any cropping, making it a great option for filmmakers. You can't afford to pass up this opportunity to have all of that for less than $1,500.


2. Magnus TR-13 Travel Tripod

Purchasing a tripod is usually a smart idea. Magnus TR-13 Travel Tripod with Dual-Action Ball Head contains an Arca-type compatible quick release plate and a head with a separate locking knob for the ball and one for the 360-degree pan, making it ideal for shooting on location. On the side of the ball head, there is a cut notch that enables you to position a camera at a 90-degree angle. The tripod's legs can be folded up, and it can hold DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and point-and-shoot cameras that weigh up to 13.2 pounds.

3. Sony MDR-7506 Headphones  

For all forms of filmmaking, headphones are necessary. The best, most affordable headphones for filmmakers are Sony's MDR-7506 models. The MDR-7506 professional headphones were designed to be strong, comfortable, and practical. They also include a gold-plated UnimatchTM 3.5mm/6.3mm adaptor and protective carry pouch. Every day, people use these headphones in broadcast and recording facilities as well as on movie sets.


4. SanDisk Pro 128GB SD UHS-I Card

Memory cards fit in among other small essentials that you can easily overlook. Fortunately, buying a couple extra SanDisk Extreme Pro memory cards is simple. The brand's most potent SD UHS-I memory card is ideal for recording 4K UHD video and shooting action shots in dazzling high quality (shot speeds up to 90 MB/s and UHS Speed Class 3). SanDisk Pro offers up to 170 MB/s transfer speeds for a quicker postproduction workflow because your pace doesn't slow down after you leave the set. Possibly add an external hard drive to your shopping list as well, and don't forget to look at our list of necessities for film editing.

5. Shimoda Explorer 30 Backpack

Of course, you'll need a way to transport all of your goods. There are convenient compartments on the back and sides of Shimoda's multipurpose adventure bag. Additionally, it is waterproof, strong, and resistant to the weather, mud, and a variety of camera lenses. This makes it perfect for adults of varied heights. See our selection of the top camera bags for more choices.

6. Seinnheiser EW 112P G4 Portable Wireless Lavalier Microphone System

The Lectrosonics ZS-LRLT is one of the more expensive alternatives, but at less than a quarter the price, these portable microphones are a terrific deal that nonetheless delivers studio-quality sound. Sennheiser gave portability first priority while developing these models, which led to some incredibly lightweight, minimal equipment that captures excellent, omnidirectional sound. You want more diversity. View our selection of the top microphones.


7. Movo Photo WMIC70 Camera-Mt Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System

The Movo Photo WMIC70 is an excellent alternative for recording audio if you're on a small budget (after all, nobody gets into documentaries for the money). Although it is less expensive than the boom pole used on many larger shows, the sound produced by this wireless Lavalier system is nevertheless clear enough to deliver stories of the highest caliber. These are excellent presents for someone who is just starting to learn about the craft of filmmaking because documentaries are by definition one of the most approachable types of movies.

8. Ikan Flyweight DSLR Shoulder Rig Kit

Tripods are great for interviews, but if you want to document history as it unfolds, you need to be able to move around. Mounting your camera on your shoulder is one of the finest solutions for documentary filmmakers; even if there are several stabilisers accessible to filmmakers (see out some of our favourites here). Weight is also crucial for lengthy documentary shoots, where you don't have the luxury of halting. One of the lightest alternatives available, this DSLR shoulder rig package is a good option for folks shooting documentaries. Your joints will thank you if you choose one today.

9. Sony XDCAM PXW-FS7 Super 35 Camera System Professional Camcorder

Due to their simplicity of use and extraordinarily long battery life, camcorders are frequently used by documentarians. These are great solutions if you don't have the luxury of taking extended pauses to recharge your batteries. One of the smoothest camcorders available is the Sony XDCAM PXW-FS7, and although it may be out of amateur filmmakers' price range, experts can attest that it offers one of the greatest bargains on the high-end market. If you use aftermarket equipment, it can shoot 4K at speeds of up to 60 frames per second. This implies that you may use it for non-documentary projects as well, and it will stand up just fine.


Many camcorder users are content to forgo the "cinematic look" in return for greater usability, but thanks to this Sony camera's exceptional resolution, there is never even a need to make that decision.

In Conclusion:

Makers have used—and evolved—technology to shape the art and economics of reflecting reality for as long as stories have called upon documentary filmmakers to convey them. The development of film technology from the early analogue days to the emerging digital era has undoubtedly extended the pool of filmmakers while also enabling the documentary form to capture the intimacy of intimate human moments, even though it is hardly a techno-deterministic art form or impulse. Technology advancements influence what is feasible in documentary storytelling as well as how storytellers convey their stories.

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