Directive Studios Blogs

Because we like our exposure to be precise, we decided to upgrade our light meter to the Sekonic L-758CINE-U DigitalMaster. With a range of cine and video settings we can now make sure our lights are exactly where they should be. One of the huge benefits this meter provides, is it's ability to match the dynamic range to our specific camera, which can be a huge difference with the outcome of our video. With an ISO range of 3 to 8,000 in 1/3 steps and 17 other custom settings, we no longer have to guess how our camera will read the light. B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1219222-REG/sekonic_401_761_l_758cine_u_digitalmaster_light_meter.html

This Big Balance Smartphone Mount Kit allows us to use our smart phone as a camera remote without hassle. We all know that photos and videos take a lot of equipment to make a production happen. Being to use your smartphone as a remote frees up your hand so you can focus on capturing the footage. This mount holds your phone right next to the camera while it displays exactly what the camera sees. It's easy to adjust exposure without even touching the camera. B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1180377-REG/big_balance_bbsmk_ga13_smartphone_mount_kit.html

This Telescoping Extension Bar that mounts to the bottom of our GH4 3-Axis Gimbal is a great little tool to get more out of your gimbal. By mounting the gimbal to this extension bar, we can now reach new angles and new heights for footage and selfies. From 8 inches to 28 inches, it can easily be stored away and brought to any location. B&H Link:http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1188103-REG/feiyu_g4_fexb_extension_bar.html

In the era of selfie sticks, we decided what's an Osmo without one. This DJI extension stick for the osmo is equipped with an articulation ball head, and of course the extendable design to give your Osmo the angle it hasn't had before. However, holding the Osmo out far enough can be nerve-wracking, the hand strap that comes on the extension stick will help secure the rig in your hand.   B&H Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1188625-REG/dji_cp_zm_000227_extension_stick_for_osmo.html

Standing as tall as 68.6", and as short as 9.3", this tripod is exactly what every photographer needs. The 3 Legged tripod has a number of awesome features for it being so lightweight. The 360 degree ball head, reversible folding and removable legs, and other features really make this tripod stand out from the others. We highly suggest this for anyone who wants a tripod that is lightweight, durable, and doesn't take up much space when packed.  B&H Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1244089-REG/3_legged_thing_albertkit_albert_carbon_fiber_travel.html

Lighting can really make or break a subject in a photo or video. With this small on camera LED light, we now have another light to put in our camera bag just incase. This light is made up of 8 LED diodes that have a 4 step dimming option to make sure our light is set just right. We don't suggest using this as your primary light source, but it definitely does the trick when you need a little extra lighting in front of the camera. B&H Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1137208-REG/manfrotto_mlumiemu_bk_lumie_muse_on_camera_led.html

This Gorillapod stand will help free your hands from your smartphone. This stand has over 24 leg joints that allows your to get the perfect position to hold your phone. Whether you want to use the camera on your phone to vlog, or have the screen work as a monitor, this gorillapod will help you get the job done. Holding smartphones between 2.7-3.9", it's an awesome tool to free up your hands on and off set. B&H: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1062046-REG/joby_jb01325_griptight_gorillapod_stand_for.html

Designed for Aerial Photography, these Polar Pro Filters are made for the DJI Zenmuse X5/X5R camera lens. This pack includes a UV, PL, and ND8 filter. We plan on using these for bright situations such as snow, water reflections, or even sunny day glares. We can now have more control over the camera's shutter speed which will give us more options when it comes to taking videos or photos. B&H Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1202882-REG/polar_pro_p6001_dji_phantom_2_vision.html

Its important to make sure your gear can get from one place to another safely. This case is made just for our Osmo 4K camera and it's gimbal. Not only is it waterproof, but it also keeps all of the Osmo accessories nice and snug. We can fit our batteries, chargers, filters, and any other accessories we need all in one spot. If you plan on traveling with your Osmo, we suggest this case to keep your gear from getting the worst. B&H Link:https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1213692-REG/skb_3i_15106osmo_iseries_1510_6_waterproof_case.html

Because we keep adding GoPro gear to our inventory, we decided to make sure everything is protected in one place. This Go Professional Case has enough room for all our cameras and accessories. It's watertight hard outer shell will keep our gear safe and sound while traveling from setting to setting.  B&H: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1076347-REG/go_professional_cases_xb_306_studio_case_for_6.html

This watertight hard case can help keep your important gear safe during travel. We spend a lot of time shooting outside of our studio, and rely on this case to carry some of our equipment. It's hard shell and foam interior lets us relax knowing some of our equipment is well protected. Because the case weighs over 13 pounds, it can get heavy for some users. But have no fear, the wheels and extendable handle allows you to wheel your equipment around. This is definitely a durable and reliable case that will help get your equipment to any location safely.  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/330231-REG/Pelican_1510_000_110_1510_Carry_On_Case.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

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...

This wireless transmitter for select Canon and Nikon DSLR cameras can control everything you need. This transmitter can give you full control over your camera from your mobile device. Change your shutter speed, aperture, white balance, and ISO without having to touch the camera from up to 150'. Simply download the CamRanger App on any iPad, IPhone, and Android device so you can also share images to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Flickr. Definitely a nice tool to have everything at your fingertips! B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/969450-REG/camranger_1001_camranger_wireless_dslr_control.html

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...

Fitting on most camera flashes, these portable FlashBender reflector are great for trying to get more control of your lighting. You can't always aim your flash in the direction you need it most. A reflector will help you do just that, its lightweight design is perfect for carrying in your camera bag. A very simple piece of equipment that will only help your lighting get to where it should be!  B&H Link:http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1122620-REG/expoimaging_rogueresm2_rogue_flashbender_2_reflector.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.

Supporting up to 2.5 pounds, this Magnesit Copter mini tripod is great for low camera support. It stands a tall 6.5 inches high when fully opened. It can be great for both a light camera or a place to attach your flash. This pocket size tripod has large rubber feet to prevent movement on any slippery surfaces it might be standing on. It's single knob can enable both the ball head positioning and also pan movement which gives you the customization you might need. A nice little piece of equipment that is reliable and extremely portable.   B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=799983&gclid=CNvBrKjiksgCFcOPHwodFEIL5w&is=REG&m=Y&A=details&Q=