
Every filmmaker in your life probably has a few basic wants—a million dollars to spend on their next project, a genius script idea that will send studio executives into a frenzy, and a special potion that will do away with the need for food, water, and sleep for as long as it takes to finish up an edit. If you can’t provide any of those, you can at least give them a gift that won’t sit on the shelf gathering dust. Read on for six gift ideas that might not have the shine of a new car but could be extremely beneficial for all of your giftee’s video projects going forward.
Gifts Under $150
Kondor Blue Coiled USB-C Right-Angle Braided Cable
USB-C was supposed to create a universal cable standard and do away with the panoply of connector types that have plagued filmmakers since the dawn of time. Sadly, people have quickly learned that not all USB-C cables are created equal, especially when it comes to data and power transfer. Enter the Kondor Blue Coiled USB-C Right Angle Braided Cable. With its USB 3.2 Gen 2 benchmarks, the cable’s capable of 100W of power delivery and 10 Gb/s data rates. Throw in space-saving right-angle connectors and a durable braided build, and it’s easy to see why this cable has become a go-to for both on-set and post-production work.
Hollyland LARK M2 DUO Microphone System
When you’re working in professional production, you want high-end wireless lavaliers that can reliably operate at massive distances. When you’re making behind the scenes and social content, you just want mics that are quick to set-up and easy to use. The Hollyland LARK M2 DUO definitely checks those boxes, with two included transmitters that have built-in omni-directional mics and magnetic back clips, as well as a dual-channel hot shoe receiver for cameras and a smaller receiver for smartphones. With a ten-hour battery life and environmental noise cancellation, these tiny mics are perfect for throwing in a bag and whipping out at a moment’s notice.
Gifts Between $150 and $500
Core SWX NANOX V98 Micro 98Wh Battery
More and more filmmakers are embracing V-Mount batteries as they continue to shrink in size and weight while still packing a much heftier punch than smaller in-camera siblings. In addition to longer run times, many V-Mounts have extra outputs for powering accessories like on-camera monitors, follow focus units, and audio recorders. The Core SWX NANOX V98 Micro 98Wh battery is a fantastic V-Mount option, with durable NexCore casing, continuous 10A draw, and a USB-C Power Delivery port capable of up to 100W of input or 45W of output. Add in USB-A and D-Tap outputs, and the NANOX can give you as much juice as you need for your next production.
Dracast Pro Series LED500 Bi-Color LED Light Panel
Tube lights and light mats might be the trendy new kids on the block, but traditional light panels are still the Swiss Army Knife for many illumination needs. The Dracast Pro Series LED500 Bi-Color LED Light Panel is a tried-and-true option, with its variable color temperature, powerful flicker-free output, and impressive color accuracy. This light is relatively compact, weighing only 4.5 lb, and can be powered with an included AC power adapter or by V-Mount batteries through a built-in V-Mount plate on the rear of the unit. This 12 x 6” panel is ideal for interviews, narrative, and music videos, whether you’re in a studio or on location.
Gifts More Than $500
SmallHD INDIE 5 Touchscreen On-Camera Monitor
Not all on-camera monitors are created equal. That’s a tough lesson many filmmakers have been forced to learn, suffering through budget monitors saddled with unusable touch screens, poor color accuracy, and inaccurate monitor tools. Soon enough they find themselves fiending for the best of the best, the SmallHD. The SmallHD INDIE 5 Touchscreen Monitor is a great entry point into the brand’s much-loved line-up, with a bright 5” 1920 x 1080 display and their fantastic PageOS user interface. Featuring HDMI and SDI inputs and outputs, this versatile monitor can be used in a variety of production environments, with power provided through L-Series batteries or a DC adapter. Once your beloved filmmaker tries a SmallHD monitor, they’ll likely never go back to entry-level options again.
ARRI LMB 4 x 5" 3-Stage Matte Box Clamp-On Set
Speaking of best-of-the-best, the ARRI name alone guarantees you’re dealing with a professional product made to the highest standards. Sure, the ARRI LMB 4 x 5" 3-Stage Matte Box Clamp-On Set might be more expensive than your computer, but there’s a reason it’s an industry go-to for putting high quality filters in front of your camera. This modular matte box can be stripped down to a single-filter configuration for lighter rigs, or built-up to house three 4 x 5.65” filters like neutral density, polarizers, and diffusion. Make sure you or your giftee adds on a properly sized lens clamp adapter, and the LMB will be ready to roll on their next major gig.
What’s your favorite gift for filmmakers? What makes it so useful? Let us know in the comments section, below.
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