Hello everyone!

Recently I’ve been fielding questions as to the type of equipment that is included in my base rate as a freelancer. This has been exciting for me because not only am I excited to speak with clients about the technical aspects of my job, but I am genuinely proud of the kit I have been able to amass after a few years working as a freelancer.

I have a wide variety of tools at my disposal, some of the best in the industry. It’s one of the ways I’m able to compete on quality with bigger studios and agencies in the market. The investment is high, but can you really put a price on doing what you love?

So let’s look at the list!

Cinema Cameras

My camera’s of choice are the Sony FX6, FX3, and A7S III.

The Sony FX6 is a versatile cinema camera that delivers stunning visuals and is designed to meet the needs of professional filmmakers. With a full-frame sensor and advanced autofocus system, the FX6 offers exceptional low-light performance, shallow depth of field, and precise focus tracking. It also features a modular design, making it easy to customize the camera to your unique needs.

The Sony FX3 is a compact cinema camera that offers many of the same features as the FX6 in a smaller package. It has a full-frame sensor, advanced autofocus system, and excellent low-light performance, making it an excellent choice for videographers who need a camera that's easy to transport and can adapt to a variety of shooting conditions.

The Sony A7S III is a mirrorless camera that's designed for both stills and video. It has a 12.1-megapixel full-frame sensor that's optimized for video, delivering stunning 4K footage with exceptional low-light performance. It also features advanced autofocus technology, in-body image stabilization, and a flip-out LCD screen, making it an excellent choice for vloggers and videographers who need a camera that's easy to use and delivers exceptional results.

Fun Fact: All three of these camera’s have been certified by Netflix to shoot feature films.

In short, the FX and Alpha cameras are exceptional in their performance and are designed to meet the needs of professional videographers. Whether you're shooting a commercial, documentary, or narrative film, the FX6, FX3, and A7S III have the features and flexibility to help you bring your vision to life.

Support & Grip Systems

Have you ever watched a videographer film something and thought “I would love to see what they’re seeing.”

Well, if you’re my client, you can!

My base kit includes a wireless directors monitor which is an essential tool for directors who need to keep an eye on the action while remaining at a distance from the camera. These monitors connect wirelessly to your camera and allow you to view everything I’m filming in in real-time. This tool also lets you playback footage if you want another look.

As a videographer this is a really unique offering as many video creators, even large studios, don’t let you see the footage until it’s ready to be show. I say, to hell with that. Filmmaking is a collaborative process where everyone should get a seat at the table.

I also have a support option for every occasion.

DJI Ronin RS2 Gimbal is a stabilizer device that allows you to stabilize your camera while shooting. The DJI Ronin RS2 is a popular choice among videographers due to its advanced stabilization features, lightweight design, and versatile shooting modes. It can support a wide range of camera setups and has a battery life of up to 12 hours.

A shoulder rig is a support system that allows you to carry your camera on your shoulder while shooting. It's a great option for videographers who need to shoot on-the-go and require stability and comfort while doing so. Shoulder rigs are adjustable and I’ve configured mine in a way to optimize filming time for my clients.

A handheld rig is a support system that allows you to hold your camera with both hands while shooting. It's a great option for videographers who need to shoot in tight spaces or require flexibility and mobility while shooting. Handheld rigs are lightweight and compact, making them easy to transport.

Finally, a solid video tripod is an essential tool for any videographer. It provides stability and support while shooting, allowing you to capture smooth footage. Video tripods are designed to support the weight of video cameras and come with features such as fluid heads, quick-release plates, and adjustable leg locks.

Audio Solutions

Good audio is just as important as good video when it comes to producing professional-grade content. Here are some of my main tools to capture great audio for clients.

The Zoom F6 is a professional-grade audio recorder that offers six channels of recording and advanced features such as preamp gain control, timecode generation, and limiters. It's a great option for videographers who need to capture multiple audio sources and want a device that's easy to use and transport. It records incredibly detailed 32bit float audio which will ensure your video sounds as good as it looks.

The Rode NTG3 is a shotgun microphone that's designed to capture high-quality audio in a variety of shooting conditions. It has a super-cardioid polar pattern, which means it picks up sound mainly from the front and reduces background noise. The NTG3 is durable and lightweight, making it a great option for videographers who need a microphone that can withstand tough shooting conditions. My most common configuration sees this microphone on the end of a boom pole for interviews and commercial video shooting.

The Rode Wireless Go 2 is a wireless microphone kit that offers dual-channel recording and improved range and clarity over its predecessor. It's a great option for videographers who need to capture audio from a distance or want a wireless setup to record one or multiple people speaking.

Lighting Equipment

Lighting is an essential component of videography, and having the right tools can make a significant difference in the quality of your footage. Here’s a few tools I use to capture stunning images for my clients.

The Aputure 120DII light is a popular choice among videographers due to its bright output and robust construction. It's a great option for videographers who need to light large areas or require flexibility and control over their lighting setup. I use the 120DII with a range of modifiers, including Softboxes and scrims.

Softboxes are light modifiers that attach to your light source and help to diffuse and soften the light. They're a great option for videographers who want to achieve a natural, flattering look and reduce harsh shadows. Softboxes come in a range of sizes and shapes and I stock everything from as-big-as-your-hand-tiny to as-large-as-a-car big.

Scrim kits are light modifiers that help to reduce the intensity of your light source. They're a great option for videographers who need to control the amount of light in their scene and want a versatile and flexible setup. Scrim kits typically include a range of scrims in different densities and sizes, as well as frames and stands to support them.

Winnipeg Videography

So there you have it, the Videos by Josh gear list for 2023. The list is subject to change as equipment comes and goes. However the quality will always remain the same.

Thank you for reading. If you know of a business or agency that could benefit from high-quality video production please reach out to me using the contact page on my website.

Josh Diaz is a filmmaker and video editor based in Winnipeg, Manitoba.