Directive Studios Blogs

While trying to control the camera on a shoulder rig, it can be very difficult to try and focus a DSLR. We recommend this shoulder rig that helps you with that focusing problem you might be running into. The Z-drive is a universal follow focus that can change your focus by a simple turn of a dial. The Zacuto DSLR Recoil Rig comes with the handgrip kit, dslr baseplate, the Z-Drive, and of course the shoulder pad for long term shooting comfort. Not very many shots can be focused while using a DSLR on a shoulder rig, however the Z-Drive and single hand grip allows you to have complete control over both the camera and the focus.  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1010705-REG/zacuto_z_drr_dslr_recoil.html

When working with 4K resolution cameras, it is important to make sure your SD card can keep up. We use a couple of the SanDisk 64GB Extreme Pro cards to capture and transfer our media. Designed for Raw, JPGS, and video, this card can write at a speed of 90 MB/s. Because we are located in Upstate New York, the weather can be unpredictable. These cards are tested under harsh conditions such as water, shock, x-ray, and cold weather, which is exactly what we need for the environments we shoot in.  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?N=10824149&InitialSearch=yes&sts=pi

By doubling the amount time you can use your camera, the less times you need to swap batteries! This battery grip is designed specially for our Mark III. This is extremely helpful when shooting in movie mode or any trip you don't have access to charge a battery. This grip also allows you to not only double the amount of battery your camera has, but you can also fill the magazine with six AA batteries for any backup situation!  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=Canon+Bg-e11+Battery+Grip&InitialSearch=yes&gclid=COqBxeyds8cCFRCCaQodIoAICQ

I recently received my ColorChecker Passport. After doing a few shoots with it I can tell you it's amazing. Setting the profile for my camera in different lighting situations to get the perfect color calibration for my camera is awesome. It so simple to use too. I use it primarily with LightRoom. Make sure you download the DNG Profile Manager so you can manage and rename the profiles you created. So you don't have to hunt for it like I did, it's located here: DNG Profile Manager X-Rite Product Description: ColorChecker Passport is a powerful 'capture to edit' color solution for any photographer looking for more accurate, consistent color and creative flexibility. And when you combine ColorChecker Passport with Adobe® Imaging solutions you'll gain even greater benefits. ColorChecker Passport combines three photographic targets into one pocket size protective, self-standing case that adjusts to any scene. Together with the included camera calibration...

The Zacuto Half Cage is one of my favorite pieces of kit from Zacuto. I love having the handle on the side and being able to mount additional pieces via the Z Rail bar on the top to mount things like the Zacuto QR Handle and the Zacuto Axis EVF Mount. I also purchased a Zacuto Z-Rail kit to mount a light or any other accessory. The Half Cage is universal and rail mounts to our DSLR Baseplate so when we want to use a different cameras it's going to work. I purchased this on the path of going to a "recoil" rig. Which moves the camera up on to my shoulder instead of in front of me as with the Zacuto Scorpion Rig. I love the Scorpion Rig but I think the recoil rig is where I'm going to end up. I may be selling the shoulder piece and counter weight on...

This is the best ball head I have ever seen or used. I'm a really big fan of Really Right Stuff. I have their ballhead, tripod, L-Bracket and a few more pieces.  It's so solid and can handle 50lbs which means I can use my rails with full camera, follow focus, mic etc without worrying about stressing it out. It's not a video head for sure and I rarely use it for video unless it's a still shot for a testimonial or something. Manufactures Site: http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=BH-55-LR&type=3&eq=&desc=BH-55-LR%3a-Full-sized-ballhead-with-LR&key=it  

I purchased this clamp to use with my BlackRapid RS-4 Classic Camera Strap so I could very quickly connect it to my Really Right Stuff BGE11-L: L-Plate for BG-E11 Grip (5DMk3).  Manufacturers Link: http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=B2-FAB-F&type=0&eq=&desc=B2-FAB-F-38mm-clamp-with-flat-back&key=it Here's a few pics of it:  

This L-Plate/Bracket from Really Right stuff let's me very quickly mount the camera on my Really Right Stuff BH-55 LR Full-sized ballhead. The nice thing is that you can quickly flip the camera for vertical shots and the center of the lens stays is the exact same spot. I leave this on my camera most of the time. I use a battery grip so, if you don't you will want the other version. One thing to know, the after market battery grips do not fit this plate properly, I had to purchase a real Canon battery grip for it to work. If you have any questions just let me know in the comments below. Manufactures Site: Really Right Stuff Here's some pics:

I really love this lens for portraits and I love the image stabilization for video.  Man it's heavy though. It's very sharp and exactly what you would expect from Canon L-Series Glass.  Available at B&H: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/680103-USA/Canon_2751B002_EF_70_200mm_f_2_8L_IS.html

Devin and I are going to the Mojave Desert again for the 23rd and 24th of April. We plan on doing a nighttime time-lapse of the milky way (amongst other things). To make up for last year when I FAILED, you can see a frame from last years video above. I'm breaking out some fun stuff like our Kessler Slider and the Kesller Crane Oracle Motion Controller) to get some interesting shots. We've been planning it for 2 months BUT I found out yesterday that we'll be right in the middle of a meteor shower! I didn't plan this so I think this is one of those times where the "stars aligned" and I got lucky. Now if we just have some clear nights! (knock on wood). You can read more about it here: http://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/earthskys-meteor-shower-guide BTW I think we are going to shoot a little video of our adventure, we'll see.

I chose this lens as my first wide angle for everything from videos, group photos, night sky and landscape shots and more. It's also great in low light with it's f/2.8. Digital Picture Review:http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-16-35mm-f-2.8-L-II-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

The Canon 5D Mark III is awesome. I mainly purchased it because it has a full size sensor. The Canon 7D had a cropped sensor but I still love it and it's my second camera now on a shoot. There were various other enhancements that made the upgrade worth it to me. Still has the rolling shutter though. :(

I use this lens a lot. If I leave with only 1 lens, this one is usually it. It's tack sharp and what you would expect from Canon's L-Series Lenses. It's great for videos and stills. The only thing that bummed me out was a short time after I purchased it, they announced the series II version. If they added Image Stabilization I would have considered it. Without it, it's not enough of an upgrade for the money. The Series II version is also a lot more expensive. If you're on a budget, I would not hesitate picking one up on ebay used.  Digital Picture Review: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-24-70mm-f-2.8-L-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

Besides my original film cameras, the 7D was my second professional DSLR Camera and my first Canon Camera. My first DSLR Camera was a Nikon. The Nikon was broken and I hadn't had a camera for about 2 years.  The way I got back into it was kinda typical of how I do a lot of things; myself.  You see, I needed to get a company music video shot for an upcoming industry event.  Long time friend and client Joseph Stillman from Lapaloma Films had given me a quote, it was very very  reasonable, we just didn't have the budget. So I decided to take the money I did have budgeted and buy my own camera that was able to shoot HD Video. I ended up with the Canon EOS 7D. I remember going to Best Buy and getting it, I remember the 45 mins I spent pacing with my wife...