There are a certain number of little things that all camera operators need on set when they are working and when they don’t have them, all hell literally breaks loose.
I am exactly the same. I’ve got my own set of little gadgets that I can’t live without when working.
So these are my top 5 camera accessories:
Number 5 – Clamp Arm
Starting traditionally with this one. Magic arms are fantastic. They hold everything in place. Yet I somehow have managed to have ones that swing loose when I’m not looking.
In my despair, I turned to this clamp arm with a 1/4 thread. It was great for holding my Zoom H4N and also acted as a headphone holder.
Unfortunately, time has worn this clamp down so I’ve replaced it with this one which I bought after watching Griffin Hammonds 9 useful ways to use a clamp video. Yes, I have far too much free time on my hands.
Number 4 – Manfrotto hot shoe ball mount
I know I’ve just said I don’t like mounting too much to hotshoes, but when I do, this is all I use.
This little ball head is solid as a rock, holds a good weight and hasn’t swung loose, fallen off or given up all hope yet.
You can get cheaper ones, but honestly, I wouldn’t. Not when you’re dealing with your kit.
A must-have for anyone with a monitor or LED toplight.
Number 3 – Battery Cases
Having AA and AAA batteries flying around in my bag has been a complete and total nightmare so when I found these little cases that could keep them all organised I jumped for joy.
When I’ve got a charged set I place them in plus symbol up. When they are depleted, plus symbol down. Such a simple little tool but its life changing.
Number 2 – Sun hoods
If you are shooting outside, then you’re going to need to see your screen or monitor.
A lot of DSLR camera operators and smaller camera operators opt to use an EVF. I’ve got a C100 so I need a good sun hood. This one I got recently from CVP by Sachtler is amazing at shielding the sun without restricting the screen view.
I’ve also got one for Ninja 2, which sadly a bit useless and one for my Sony CLM V55 monitor which clips on and works great as a directors monitor.
Failing any of that, some black wrap will do in a pinch.
Number 1 – Alum Key and Screwdriver
Every piece of your equipment is held together by bolts or screws so being prepared for both does help when something, comes off.
I keep an alum Key on me at all times and a Screwdriver and a pair of pliers in my main support bag. Most camera operators keep a multi-tool and I would if I had one as well.
Bonus Piece of Equipment
Snacks
When working you really don’t want to be listening to your stomach churn like something out of Dark Shadows, so always have a bottle of water and some cereal bars or fruit in your bag.
We March on our stomachs and when not fed, things go wrong.
Any tips or pieces of equipment that you can’t live without, please share them in the comments below.