Ok, This will be a big read. I'm still figuring out how to organize/post it all, but I wanted to create a space where I show all the different equipment I use, when I use it, and where to get it. This section will evolve and as people ask questions or I figure out ways to make it easier to read I will adjust.
Cameras (Still and Video)
For most uses I am running Canon Camera Bodies. There really isn’t a need to go into the Canon/Nikon debate. It’s equipment and it meets my needs. As time and technology improves so does the equipment. Both Canon and Nikon make great equipment, when I got in I invested in Canon equipment. Making a brash decision to change brands now wouldn’t see a huge increase in the quality of imagery I produce so we’ll just leave it at that.
Canon Mark III-
This is my main action camera. A lot has been written and said about this body over the years. I’m pretty happy with it and it has served me well. I’m convinced that if you use equipment often enough and learn it’s idiosyncrasies you can produce great images with it. It’s often knowing the when and why an image will turn out the way it does that allows you to adjust to get what you want. The majority of my action photos are taken with this camera.
Canon 7D-
While I have used this camera for stills I use it mainly for video. The ability to shoot both 1080 24p and 720 60p footage and still be able to shoot stills makes this a camera body that is nearly always in my bag.
Canon 5D MKII-
I haven’t had this camera body for that long, but I am using it more and more for both video and stills. For video there isn’t anything that hasn’t been said before- it can create absolutely stunning video. Stunning enough that many of the commercials you watch on TV, parts of many tv shows and even scenes in full feature films are using this camera body. On the stills side it’s a little “slow” in terms of frames per second, and struggles to lock focus in heavy backlight but you can create some stunning images with it. Currently it’s my favorite body to use for everything but action video or as a main body for bike racing.
Some notes about set-up on all my Canon Camera bodies-
This isn’t the place to go through each custom function- but if you have a question you can certainly send me a message and I’ll get back to you.
• I shoot in raw mode only- exception would be if doing a time lapse where I shoot large jpeg
• I always shoot in manual mode. It actually slows me down if I run it any other way. I run the * button as my focus.
• I always manually choose my focus using the joystick.
• I run either auto white balance or adjust the Kelvin manually.
• For metering I use “spot” and adjust exposure based on desired exposure.
• For picture styles I run a modified “neutral.” I run it as follow:
o Sharpness: 0
o Contrast: -2
o Saturation: -2
o Color Tone: 0
Canon G11-
I’ve had this camera for a while but find myself using it less and less. It’s a great little camera to keep in your bag.
Contour HD Cameras-
Disclosure- Contour is a client and a sponsor of the Giant Factory Off-Road Team and I have a relationship with them. This is not a paid advertisement. I used the product before I started partnering with them.
These are great little POV camera’s. I’m not a huge fan of the standard helmet mounted POV shaky footage, but I am a huge fan of the versatility of these cameras. With a little creativity and some gaffer tape you can mount one anywhere! I have mounted one via hot shoe mount to my camera and shot both video and stills at the same time. Often I will keep one within reach so I can quickly pull it out and grab some footage. I’m particularly impressed with how they handle backlight.
Some notes on how I set-up my ContourHD Camera Bodies-
Bit Rate- high
Mic Gain- 45 (most of the time it’s not usable in mountain bike stuff- but for other stuff sometimes it will get you by)
Contrast- 56
Exposure- -1
Sharpness- 3
Meter- Center
Hi mode is always full HD – 1080p @ 30fps
Low Mode is always Action HD- 720 @ 60fps
For The Contour GPS-
Quality- High
Mic Gain- 45 (most of the time it’s not usable in mountain bike stuff- but for other stuff sometimes it will get you by)
Contrast- 56
Exposure- -1
Sharpness- 3
Meter- Center
Hi mode is always full HD – 1080p @ 30fps
Low Mode is always Action HD- 720 @ 60fps
Iphone 4-
Yeah- Why not? Smart phones are powerful tools! This is my main camera when I am scouting locations or don’t have the ability to carry a camera. It also works great when you don’t want to scream “I’m a camera dork.” Some randoms from a smart phone (These are actually from the Droid.)
Others- I have a Holga that I don’t do much with. I have intentions to use it- but really don’t have the patience to wait for the film. I do have some old box cameras that I’m using for some TTV stuff and really like the effects you can get by paying around with them- just need subjects that are into it.
Lighting
Coming soon!
Triggers
Pocket Wizards- These are the standard. If you want to fire your flashes or strobes remotely and be consistent then this is the only way to go. Worth every penny. A bit of a tip- When you store them or don’t have them attached to a hot shoe/cold shoe screw the hot shoe/cold shoe mount all the way clockwise so you don’t damage the mount!
Modifiers
Coming soon!
Memory cards
Coming soon!
Lenses
Coming soon!
Bags
Coming soon!
Traveling with Gear
Coming Soon!
Processing/computers/programs
Coming Soon!
Audio
Coming Soon!
Grip gear
