Among all of the departments in film production, cinematography or the camera department is one of the most technical ones. This comes as no surprise, since cinematography deals primarily with light, and how to capture it most effectively in order to serve the purposes of the film. One of the cinematographer’s major tasks during pre-production is the preparation of what equipment is required to actualize the director’s vision for the film.
What equipment does a cinematographer need? The most basic equipment that a cinematographer needs are a camera, some lights, and a tripod or some form of camera support. However, the equipment needed could vary with every project or scene, depending on the budget and what kind of visuals the director is going for.
If you are an aspiring cinematographer, read on, and I am going to tell you what equipment you are going to need for different shooting situations, and how to decide on your equipment list.
Equipment Categories
Even in its most basic and low budget forms, cinematography will require equipment. It deals with cameras, lighting, and other physical supports for purposes of stabilization or movement. The equipment list can consist of a lot of items, especially for higher budget films going for a specific aesthetic. However, be reminded that you don’t need all of these to be a good cinematographer.
Camera/s
To shoot a film, you will need at least one camera. This is the only piece of equipment that is truly essential. In modern cinematography, you could technically use any camera. However, different cameras do have different properties and produce distinct looks. It is up to you and the director to decide which camera/s will best suit the story or concept at hand.
Film Cameras
The first movie cameras were large devices requiring tripods that used physical film as sensors. The most popular format was 35mm film. These cameras are very expensive, and the need to purchase film reels added to the cost.
Cheaper, handheld film cameras were soon invented, making use of 16mm or 8mm film which were more accessible. They did not have the same quality as 35mm, however, which remained the industry standard.
Film cameras soon became less popular with the rise of digital cameras, as they were a lot less expensive, and allowed you to delete footage unlike physical film which captured images permanently and could not be deleted and reused.
However, some directors and cinematographers still prefer the look and quality of 35mm, and although not as common as it was a few decades ago, there are still filmmakers who shoot with 35mm film today.
Digital Cameras
Digital cameras are the most popular types of cameras today. They exist on our phones, laptops, and come in a variety of models at different price points. Digital cameras can be compact and lightweight, or large and heavy. Instead of film, the footage is stored in memory cards, which can be read by a computer and transferred into another storage device.
Digital cameras that are manufactured specifically for film and TV can be larger and more expensive. However, there are lightweight options, too. When compared to film cameras, larger and heavier does not always mean higher quality. Digital video technology is constantly being innovated, giving filmmakers and cinematographers a lot of choices.
Recommendations
- Arri Certified Pre-Owned
- Arri Rental Cameras
- Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera
- Sony α7R IV
Lenses
Lenses are cylinders attached to the camera body. They are made out of pieces of specially shaped glass or lenses stuck together to capture light in different ways. Lenses fall into different categories, depending on how they are used and how they capture images.
Basic Categories
Prime Lenses
Prime lenses are lenses that have a fixed focal length. This means that there are less pieces of glass within the lens, and they are faster and sharper at capturing images, since there are less layers to go through. They are lightweight and compact as compared to zoom lenses. However, they cannot be zoomed in or out, and the camera will need to move in order to adjust what is captured.
Zoom Lenses
Zoom lenses contain a series of lenses, which allows you to move between different focal lengths. This allows for more flexible shooting. However, these can be slower than prime lenses, and are bigger and heavier.
Lens Types According to Focal Length
Macro Lenses
Macro lenses are designed for extreme close up shots. They capture a lot of detail, and are ideal for nature photography. They can range from 35mm to 200mm in focal length. They can be prime lenses or zoom lenses.
Telephoto Lenses
Telephoto lenses are zoom lenses that can focus on distant objects. These lenses are ideal for when you need to capture something from far away, or if you cannot get closer to a subject. This makes it perfect for sports photography and videography, street photography, travel videos, or documentaries.
Wide Angle Lenses
Wide angle lenses fit a large area into your frame. These are ideal for landscapes, architecture, and area establishing shots. Its wide angle could cause some distortion along the edges, however, which some don’t like, but it could be an interesting visual detail. They range from 14mm to 35mm in focal length.
Standard Lenses
Standard lenses, sometimes called kit lenses, are those lenses that usually come with the camera upon purchase. They are zoom lenses that allow for flexible use and are fit for beginners. Their focal length is usually 35mm to 85mm.
Specialty Lenses
Specialty lenses are lenses that create unique camera effects that make for some interesting and distinct images. Examples of these are fisheye lenses that create an extremely wide-angle, extremely distorted image, tilt shift lenses that manipulate perspective, and infrared lenses that filter out all light except infrared for a unique effect.
Recommendations
- Zeiss Lenses
- Atlas Lens Co.
- Canon
- Rokinon
Filters
Image source: Canva
Filters are pieces of glass that are attached to the camera lens. They are used either for lens protection, or for providing different effects to the captured image.
UV and Skylight Filter
These filters are used to protect the lens from scratches, or against damage from dirt and moisture. However, these could also intensify lens flare, if that is something that you would want to avoid.
Polarizing Filter
A polarizing filter reduces reflections and glare in the image. It also enhances color and contrast for more vivid, punchy images.
Neutral Density Filter
A neutral density (ND) filter reduced the amount of light entering the scene. It also has graduated varieties–some of these block only the top or bottom half of the scene, for balancing values between the sky and ground. These are good for outdoor or landscape scenes, especially when the sky seems too bright.
Color Filter
A color filter is used to modify the hue and saturation of an image, especially before the advent of digital editing and color correction. These are used to enhance or block particular colors for a desired look.
Close Up Filter
A close up filter is made of a special lens that allows for closer focusing. It helps with close up shots without using a macro lens.
Special Effects Filters
Special effects filters come in different varieties. They provide various effects for a unique and stylized look. Some of them could add sparkles to the image, some could soften edges, some produce a kaleidoscopic effect with multiple copies of a subject, or customize the shapes of bokeh lights
Recommendations
- GREEN.L ND1000 82mm Slim MRC16-Layer ND Neutral Density Filter
- 58MM Altura Photo Professional Photography Filter Kit
- 55mm Graduated Color Filters Kit
- Tiffen 58CP 58MM Circular Polarizer Glass Filter
Camera Supports
Camera supports are how the camera is held in a particular scene. These may serve different purposes, such as stabilization or different kinds of movements. The camera is usually screwed on them for added security.
Handheld
Just as its name suggests, handheld means simply holding the camera with your hands. This will result in some shaky footage, but depending on the project, a handheld camera could be a good fit.
Tripods/Monopods
A tripod is a stand with three legs, and a monopod is a stand with one leg. They work pretty similarly, except the monopod requires more support as it cannot stand on its own. They hold the camera still for some shots, and could perform some simple, small movements. A tripod could have the ability to pivot vertically or horizontally.
Rolling Spreader or Spider
A rolling spreader or spider is an attachment that adds wheels to a tripod. It is good for smooth movement, but only works well on smooth surfaces that do not disturb the wheels.
Image source: The Wolves Den
Dolly and Track
Image source: Wikipedia
A dolly is a movable camera support–this could be a tripod, a monopod, a platform, or whatever structure that fits in a track, upon which it moves. Some varieties have platforms big enough for a camera operator’s seat so they could ride along with the dolly. Dolly and tracks work similarly to a train and its tracks. The tracks could be simple, going in one direction, or they could be built in different ways for more complicated movement.
Camera Stabilizing Devices
Camera stabilizing devices are handheld devices where the camera is attached. They come in different shapes, some can be held with one hand, while others require two. These structures have strategically placed weights in order to allow for the flexibility of handheld movement while reducing unnecessary shake.
Image source: ZhongYuan Cinecamera
Sliders
Sliders are a small rod or track that is attached on top of the tripod. The camera could move along it, allowing for small, straight movement.
Image source: ProAim
Vehicle Mounts
Vehicle mounts are special supports that allow the camera to be attached to a vehicle. These are useful for car and other vehicle scenes.
Image source: Influx – Porsche Panamera Chase Car
Jib Arm
A jib arm is a lever that moves up and down for vertical camera movement. Sometimes, it could be combined with a rolling spreader or a dolly track for simultaneous movement.
Drone Helicopter
Image source: Canva
A drone helicopter is a remote controlled camera support. They have become increasingly popular in recent years. They allow for dynamic, extensive aerial shots.
Recommendations
- Manfrotto MVK504AQ 504 Tripod
- Neewer Motorized Camera Slider
- Ruko F11 Pro Drone
- Zhiyun Crane Plus 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer
Lights
Cinematography deals primarily with light, and how it is manipulated and captured. Natural light can always be utilized, but sometimes, it is not enough. Here are the different kinds of lights commonly used by cinematographers:
Tungsten Lights
Tungsten lights produce warm light, and they are usually used to mimic daylight. They are low cost and dimmable, and could make use of gels if one wishes to change the color temperature. However, they can grow extremely hot, and use a lot of power. The lamp is sensitive and cannot be touched, and if left on for too long, the bulb could blow up and send glass shards flying.
HMI Lights
HMI stands for hydrargyrum medium-arc iodide, the chemical used in the bulb. They are quite popular due to their high light output. HMI lights can recreate sunshine through windows, or as additional sunlight in outdoor scenes. However, they require a lot of power, and can be expensive. The can also only dim about 50%, and if dropped and broken, they can release toxic chemicals.
Fluorescent Lights
Fluorescent lights are energy and cost efficient, and provide cool temperature lighting. They are also lightweight and widely available. However, they can flicker on camera, which could affect aesthetics.
LED Lights
LED lights consist of small light bulbs, which are called light emitting diodes. They come in different shapes and sizes, but the most common ones used in cinematography are thin and rectangular. Their brightness and color temperature can be adjustable, and they are energy efficient. They can use batteries, so they are portable. They are also pretty durable and less shock sensitive as compared to the other lights. However, they can be pretty expensive, considering their light output.
Recommendations:
- CAME-TV 3X
- GVM RGB LED Video Lighting Kit
Miscellaneous
Image source: ShareGrid
Monitors
Monitors can be attached to the camera, or installed separately for the director’s live perusal while shooting. They can be useful for larger cameras or difficult camera angles when the director of photography or the camera operator could not see the built in camera monitor.
Gels
Gels are translucent colored sheets that are placed in front of lights in order to change its color output or light temperature. They can be taped on the lights themselves, or held up by c-stands.
C-Stands
C-stands are multifunctional stands–they work a bit like tripods. They are used to hold up nets, screens, gels, backdrops, etc. They could also hold up smaller lights.
Sandbags
Sandbags are heavy bags of sand used to weigh down tripods, c-stands, etc. They help stabilize different objects in the set to minimize accidents and interruptions.
Deciding On Your Equipment List
When deciding on the equipment list, you will need to sit down with the different departments, especially the director and the production manager. You will need to consider the film’s budget–film budgets are usually very strict, and will be divided among the departments.
It is good if you already have a personal equipment collection, since you could volunteer these especially with a smaller production with a tight budget. However, there is also the option of renting cinematography equipment. As a cinematographer, you will need to familiarize yourself with how different cameras and equipment work, in order to be flexible to what the film requires.
One of the most important things about cinematography and filmmaking in general is being resourceful, especially when on a restricted budget. Less equipment does not always mean a lower quality film. In fact, many well-known and well-praised films have been shot on low budgets without any fancy cameras.
One of the most popular examples of these is Tangerine (2015) directed by Sean Baker with cinematography by Sean Baker and Radium Cheung. The entire film was shot using three iPhone 5S smartphones. The film was lauded by audiences and critics alike, praising its technique as well as its story, which complemented each other very well. It was nominated for an Audience Award at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, among its 25 wins and 40 award nominations in film festivals and award-giving bodies all over the world.
Conclusion
A good cinematographer will need the appropriate equipment. It can be a bit overwhelming, seeing all of the different sides to this department and the wide array of equipment that could be used. However, you do not need to have everything on this list. A lot of excellently shot films have been shot on low budgets with cheap equipment. Especially when just starting out, the number one thing you will need is creativity and resourcefulness. Learn the principles of cinematography, listen to the director’s vision, and work with what you have to produce images that bring the concept to life.