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

As we begin to get more involved with audio, we decided to grab this Stingray Bag for our Tascam 70D audio recorder. The fact we can easily access the battery and media compartments can really speed up time on site. This allows us to get inside of the bag without even taking our recorder out of it. The additional features such as it's straps to attach accessories and receivers, as well as keeping the camera attached to the recorder while it is still it the this case, really gave us the extra bump with wanting to purchase this item.  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1200016-REG/k_tek_kstg70_stingray_bag_for.html

Because we travel a lot for our video service, we try to make our gear as portable as possible. We decided to get this Auray Boompole Holder with the grip head to use with our boom mic. Just like many filmmakers we don't have someone to hold the boom pole, especially just for interview style videos. We can simply attach the head to a C-stand, and easily use the holder for our boompole anywhere.  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/469810-REG/General_Brand_Boompole_Holder_and_Grip.html

I'm excited to announce that we've added a new piece of equipment to the family, the powerful A7S Mark II. Because we travel with our gear so often, it's a hassle getting all of our lighting equipment from place to place. Sometimes lights just aren't feasible, this low light masterpiece can still help you get a great shot in low light situations. It's ISO can range from 1600 to 409,600. Now, any photographer and filmmaker will know that a high ISO can introduce a lot of noise to the picture. That is exactly what caught our attention about this camera. It's higher ISO levels are very very low noise. However, that is not the only thing that caught our eye. It's internal 4K recording and 5 axis image stabilization adds to the list of reasons why I really wanted this camera. It's perfect for our CAME-TV handheld 3axis gimbal. 5 axis...

There's a lot of pressure standing in front of a couple of cameras. We try to make it as easy as possible for our talent to deliver their message without the need of memorizing their lines, although it still helps! We use a Pad Prompter that can display a script in front of the our lens without disrupting our camera. You can mount this on a rail system in front of your camera lens. By simply placing an iPad in the teleprompter, you can control the text size, speed, and color of the script to make it suitable for any talent. Yes, this does mean we recommend two tablets. One tablet will display the text for the reader, and the other tablet will work as a remote so you can adjust settings as you go. Not only does this hide the camera lens from nervous people, but it also makes it so...

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

Here in the studio we like to assure we're getting the best image possible. We hook up our DSLR to this 42" LED tv so we can get the full picture of what we are capturing. The full HD 1920 x 1080 LED panel isn't exactly what 4K video looks like, however we use it anyway! It's great for a stationary stand that allows you to see more than you would on an average display monitor. Something like this would be highly recommend for any studio like environments!  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1119815-REG/lg_42lf5600_42_1080p_led_tv.html

It's tiring holding a boom mic for hours, especially if you need to hold it in one spot. We use the SB9600 Tripod Studio Boom Stand to hold our mic while filming. This boom stand has a base of 32-48" for superb stability and security for your mic. It's 7 pound counterweight provides even more security to your microphone as it balances to take pressure off of both ends of the support shaft. A very light weight stand helps us travel with more gear. Highly suggest stand for someone who will be using a boom mic without hands to hold it! B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/407080-REG/On_Stage_SB9600_SB9600_Studio_Tripod_Boom.html

This small stand is the perfect size when you need to set down a laptop or tablet where you can still easily use it. It's aluminum service will help support up to 30 pounds of gear you might have. Here in the studio we have a couple of iPads for our teleprompter, and it can get difficult trying to hold the device while adjusting the speed for the talent reading the text. We have this very simple Tether Table to set our iPad on while shooting some of our videos. We recommend this for anyone who has a tablet and/or laptop on set but doesn't have a place to put it! http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/818521-REG/Tether_Tools_TTATBLK_Aero_Traveler_Black.html

Mounting to your helmet, body, cars, drone, and countless other things, this professional full HD camera is a blast to film with! This GoPro comes with many awesome features such as built in Wi-Fi that allows you to remote control your settings! The waterproof housing is great protection for the camera. We never know when we might need some underwater B roll, or perhaps rainy footage for our projects. An awesome inventory item we're looking to use more and more when the shot is too risky for our DSLRs.

Keep your GoPro and accessories in one spot! What better way to ruin your day than to lose some of the gear you knew you had. It's fitted interior can help keep your GoPro snug and protected without worrying if its going to be damaged during travel. This case can fit anything from your Hero, to the LCD BacPac. It also includes slots that are meant for your additional batteries, memory cards, and any other gear you're going to need for your shoot! We highly suggest this case that will help you transport all your GoPro gear safely!  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1005665-REG/sp_gadgets_52030_sp_pov_case_gopro_ed.html

With superior control and handling, you can now point your camera in any direction. We use this to handle our DSLRs for both video and photography when using a tripod. It's micrometer tension allows you to make easy, fast, and precise adjustments that you might need for your perfect shot. This very durable, solid aircraft aluminum and stainless steal device can hold up to 50 pounds! We highly recommend this if you are looking for something to give you complete control of your angles and leveling your camera is going to need! 

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

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=

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

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

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

Being able to break down equipment to make it easy to carry is always a bonus. This foldable Zacuto shoulder rig does exactly that. It's gunstock design makes it easy to carry while a DSLR is on top of it, not to mention angle adjustments that allows you to personalize a fit just for you. The single articulating handgrip gives you a molded and comfortable grip for your hand, freeing your opposite hand for what ever tasks you might have to do, such as adjusting the focus, zoom, or even changing camera settings. A great tool to help hold your DSLR for whatever shot you need. B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/997526-REG/zacuto_z_dmr_dslr_marauder.html