Directive Studios Blogs

We're always excited when new toys come in for our cameras. This 3-Axis Handheld Camera Gimbal by Came-Tv is for stabilizing our DSLR. It's tilt, pan, and roll stabilization takes away any shaking, and sudden movements from our footage. It's built in joystick gives us complete control over the camera's pan and tilt while it is in motion. The 1/4 inch screw hole on the handle is great for attaching an arm to hold a display monitor or your phone for better view of what you are capturing. We're looking forward to capitalizing on what this Gimbal has to offer!  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1156787-REG/came_tv_single_dc112_cd6_came_single_3_axis_handheld_camera.html?gclid=COyRoZuvgcgCFYKQHwod8iMJWw

A damaged camera sensor can really ruin a photographer's day. Here at the studio we have the SensorScope cleaning system to help keep our DSLR's sensors safe. With sensor safe cloths, different size wands, and solutions included, we're sure to remove that unwanted dust and other materials from our sensor. The SensorScope allows you to inspect your camera's sensor as if it were under a magnifying glass, which fits all DSLR cameras without the hassle of adapters. However only clean your sensor with this kit if your sensor needs it!  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=778946&gclid=CKKCrt787McCFcWPHwodca8OrQ&is=REG&m=Y&A=details&Q=

Designed for your broadcasting and voice over needs, the Rode Procaster can produce high quality recordings with its internal shockmount that will minimize the unwanted noise. It's small, all metal constructed body allows us to bring the microphone just about anywhere while reducing the amount of ambient noise the microphone could pick up. A great microphone that can help with any of the voice overs you may need for a company or personal video!  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/470257-REG/Rode_PROCASTER_Procaster_Dynamic_Vocal.html

While filming it is best to have your important gear right next to your camera. We rely on these Zacuto ZARMs to mount and hold our display and audio recorder to the same rail system our camera is on. This allows us to watch our display and audio levels while being close enough to the camera where we can make changes to our settings if needed. Simply twist the red wings in the middle of the aluminum body to lock the direction the chrome balls are pointed at! Very durable and handy gadget we use in and out of the studio!  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=587623&gclid=CNeM36H9iMgCFQ2BaQodhCkOQA&is=REG&m=Y&A=details&Q=

Supporting 11.9 pounds, this Manfrotto tripod holds our primary DSLR camera. It's easy access sliding plate allows you to securely attach your camera quick and easy, which can be critical if you are rushing to get the shot you need. The 501HDV pro rated head gives you the panning and tilting option you might be looking for out in the field. Weighing only 9 pounds, this tripod can breakdown to fit in it's soft carry bag so you can bring it to any location easily! B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/510207-REG/Manfrotto_501HDV_755XBK_501HDV_755XBK_Video_Tripod_Kit.html

Having to travel with a bunch of equipment can be a huge hassle. We depend on these portable Bi-Color LED lights by F&V for on the road sets. Not only are they extremely portable, but we don't have to rely on having an outlet on set. We can simply connect it to it's battery pack, and we're on our way. There are two dials on the back of the lights that allows us to dim the lights, or even change between daylight and tungsten lighting. Without knowing how great the lighting is at our next location, it's great to bring this much control on the road with us.

The more equipment you can carry the more you can do at the set! This Manfrotto Bumblebee bag allows you to carry up to 2 DSLRs, as well as 8 lenses up to 500mm. We use this bag to carry both of our DSLRs safely to any location. It's water repellent body and removable rain cover helps protect our gear while traveling in the bad weather. The durable and comfortable straps are certainly a must need for any camera back pack, which is exactly what you get with this bag!   B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1049375-REG/manfrotto_mb_pl_b_220_bumblebee_220_pro_light_backpack.html

You can add great effects to your portraits with good lighting. This 300 LED daylight balanced light can add a great lighting effect for around your model's eyes in any close up shot. No, we wouldn't suggest this is your primary light for any photography or film, however, it is a great portable light that can give your shots a nice touch. You can easily add and remove magnetic, snap-on filters that can give you even more variety for the lighting you need!

This DJI Intelligent Battery helps your Ronin run as long as it should! With lasting up to six hours, you can not get more out of your Ronin, which means more footage for your project! It's overcharge protection allows you to charge the battery without worrying if you will overcharge and damage it. A great feature on the battery is the capacity display, this lets you know where the battery charge status stands so you're not guessing how much longer you can use it for!  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?N=11156384&InitialSearch=yes&sts=pi

GoPros are known for their quality and durability. That's because of it's strong, fully waterproof housing that protects the camera from all sorts of elements such as water or dropping the camera. This housing fits our Hero 3+ and 4, which we rely heavily on for aerials and underwater footage. A must have piece of equipment for anyone who has a GoPro, and wants to use their camera to it's fullest capabilities!  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1034057-REG/gopro_ahssk_301_hero3_skeleton_housing.html

Unwanted light can ruin your shot. Protect your lens from light with the Dot Line Matte Box. It's adjustable height can help fit the lens of your choosing. This matte box is great for lenses with 86mm or smaller filter threads. The top, bottom, and side flags are all removable for more customization you might need for your shot. However it doesn't only come with the four flags, but it also includes the two cowls for different lens sizes that will help prevent any light from entering in between the matte box and your lens. A must have piece of equipment for unwanted light!  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1035457-REG/dot_line_dl_v_mb3_matte_box_with_filter.html

Some of the best microphones can pick up nearly anything, which isn't always a good thing. That's why this suspension shock mount for the Procaster or Podcaster helps withdrawal any external vibrations that can be caused by movement which will be picked up as low frequency noise. It's 360 degree rotation helps fit any position of your mic, while it's 2-axis swivel mount will increase your accuracy for that position want to achieve!  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/469442-REG/Rode_PSM1_PSM1_Shockmount.html

Need a way to Increase your exposure length? Look no further. This Lee Filter is designed with high quality optical glass that provides a 10-stop reduction in your exposure. This will help you gain even more control over your aperture and depth of field. An awesome addition to the camera bag for any landscape shots with a lot of light.  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/686370-REG/LEE_Filters_10_STOP_GLASS_4X4_4_x_4_Big.html

It's never a good feeling when you forget to white balance your camera after you shot some footage. This ColorChecker helps with just that, it's classic target design can help give your camera the accurate color consistency your picture needs. Having it in a pocket sized case allows you to bring it anywhere you please. A great little gadget that will help make sure the colors your camera is picking up are pure. B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/651253-REG/X_Rite_MSCCPP_ColorChecker_Passport.html

The footage only comes out as good as you can see! With this Zfinder LCDVF 4/3 viewfinder, you can block out any light that may be glaring off of any display making it hard to see your footage. This is a great tool for bright outdoors situations where it is important to see the exact picture you want! Adjust it to fit your vision when everything seems to be in focus. A nice addition to our inventory that helps assure we're seeing what we need to!  

One size fits all! This great chest harness is a simple design to mount and hold your GoPro model. Are your hands tied up in activities such as driving, holding poles or handle bars? No problem, let this harness angle your camera to show the viewer what the talent is doing. B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?N=10582987&InitialSearch=yes&sts=pi

This suction cup mount can hold any GoPro Hero models on cars, boats, motorcycles, and much more! It's 3.4" diameter can has been proven to hold at speeds up to 150+ mph on clean surfaces. Now we're not saying you should be cruising down a back road at top speeds to see how well the mount holds, But this is a great mounting system to get your GoPro out of your hands and angled to where you need it most!  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/999131-REG/gopro_aucmt_302_suction_cup_mount.html

It is important to aim your reflector where you need it most. By doing that, we rely on this Photoflex Litedisc to hold and angle our reflector towards any unwanted shadows that are on our talent. The reflector disc clips that are fully adjustable can securely hold the bounce where we need it. However, if we ever needed to get a bigger or smaller reflector, it's telescopic arm will fit those as well! An awesome stand to help us with smoothing out our shadows!  

Control your GoPro from up to 600 feet away with this Smart Remote. This remote can operate any Wi-Fi enabled GoPro Hero with its simple and easy to use buttons that allows you to record, access your camera's settings, and change shooting modes. It's fully waterproof design allows you to bring it where ever you may need it without worrying. Wear it on your wrist or strap it where it can be easily accessible for your quick changes. A highly recommended GoPro item for any Hero user that might need an easier way to change your settings without needing the camera in your hand!  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1078013-REG/gopro_armte_002_smart_remote.html

A sand bag is a must have equipment item for in and out of the studio. Any top heavy stand can put your expensive microphone or light at risk. These 15 pound sand bags can be wrapped around any leg of your stand with its two winged design. Working outside? Have no fear with it's water resistant outer shell that will hold down your equipment in rough conditions! It's hand strap allows you to easily lift and move the bag to where you need it most! B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/416775-REG/Impact_SB_15B_Saddle_Sandbag_15.html