Good morning, everyone! It’s about 6 a.m., and I’m loading up my gear for a new project. Today, I’m finishing shots for a tree-trimming sizzle reel—basically a quick, eye-catching video to showcase an old boss’s services on his website. I’m hoping this vlog gives you a closer look at my gear setup and general shoot-day process.
The Project: Tree Trimming Highlight Video
Over the past week, I’ve been filming various scenes to show off all the services my former boss provides. The only missing piece was capturing good footage of his stump grinder in action. But bad weather (lots of rain) forced us to postpone. Today’s the day!
My Go-To Gear Setup
Light, Mobile & Consistent
For most B-roll shoots where I don’t need extra lighting or in-depth interviews, I rely on a fast and stable rig. The key components are:
- Two Cameras:
- A Lumix S5 IIX with a Laowa 28–75mm lens (featuring my new Poco Mofag drop-in variable ND)
- A Lumix S5 with a 16–28mm for extra-wide shots
- Essential Accessories:
- SSD media
- A monitor (or two)
- An extra wireless follow-focus system
- Stabilizer & Vest:
- A Zhiyun Crane 3S gimbal mounted on a Red King stabilizer
- Everything powered by V-mount batteries connected via a Kondor Blue D-Tap hub
- Drone: For aerial footage, I keep my drone within easy reach in the trunk.
I love having this rig set up so I can work straight from the car. If I do need to move everything, I have a tote with wheels, making transport simpler.
On Location: Drone Shots & Adjusting the Rig
Checking Airspace & Getting the Aerials
Since we’re in Class D airspace, I used an FAA-authorized app to quickly request approval to fly up to 200 feet. With the green light, I launched the drone to capture footage of the crew removing a large tree. I already had some great overhead shots, but more flight time means more practice and variety.
The “DIY Trinity” Rig
My camera rig is heavily inspired by Best Boy Adam’s DIY Arri Trinity setup, minus the hefty price tag. It’s fantastic for:
- Stability on the Move: The vest-and-arm system keeps my shots smooth while I’m walking.
- Power Management: A single V-mount battery often lasts all day, powering the camera, monitor, gimbal, and follow-focus.
- Focus Control: Because I’m both operator and focus puller, I keep the monitor high and the follow-focus near my handgrip.
Pro Tip: If you’re testing a new rig, expect a learning curve. Even well-designed systems take time to master, so patience and practice are essential!
The Poco Mofag Variable ND: Finally Working!
If you caught my last vlog, you know I ran into issues installing the Poco Mofag drop-in ND filter. I had to swap camera cages and do some finagling to get it all to fit without blocking the lens mount. Thankfully, it’s now in place and works exactly as I’d hoped—no noticeable vignetting, easy to adjust, and perfect for quickly adapting to changing light conditions.
Wrapping Up & Post-Production
After grabbing the stump-grinder footage, I had everything needed to piece together the final reel. Once I’m home, I’ll:
- Dump the Footage: Move files to my editing bay.
- Quick Edit & Music Sync: Compile the best shots, sync with high-energy music, and add motion graphics if needed.
- Client Review: Send it over for approval. The client’s been awesome about giving me creative freedom, which makes editing even more fun.
Final Thoughts
Even though today was a relatively simple shoot, it showcased exactly why I love my current rig: power, stability, and easy access to everything I need. Sure, it’s on the heavier side, but as long as you keep it well-adjusted and maintain your back properly, it’s totally manageable. Plus, you get a mini workout in the process!
Thanks for joining me on Vlog #3. I hope seeing the behind-the-scenes of my gear and shooting process was helpful. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions—happy to chat about all things videography.
—Jake, Blue Tie Productions