What are Microphone Polar Patterns — And Why They Matter

What are microphone polar patterns? If you don’t work in the audio field, then the term may be completely unfamiliar to you. Having a working knowledge of polar patterns, also known as pickup patterns, is crucial when it comes to choosing the best microphone or microphones to use for a specific project. We’ll break down… Continue reading What are Microphone Polar Patterns — And Why They Matter

What is a Tripod — Definition, Types and Functions Explained

Tripods in filmmaking used to be a necessity due to the weight of older cameras. As cameras have become lighter and lighter, many new age filmmakers jump to the handheld shot immediately. And while there is a time and a place for the handheld shot, many critics have pointed out its overuse in cinema today.… Continue reading What is a Tripod — Definition, Types and Functions Explained

How to Use a C-Stand — Parts, Functions & Proper Usage Tips

What would you consider the most versatile tool on a set? Most filmmakers and grips would probably come to the same conclusion — the C-Stand, otherwise known as the workhorse of a film production. They are the humble heroes that can impact both the quality of a shot as well as the safety of a… Continue reading How to Use a C-Stand — Parts, Functions & Proper Usage Tips

Best iPhone Camera — Top Picks with Specs, Reviews & Prices

The iPhone has been a game changer in the realm of cell phone photography and cinematography. Big names like Steven Soderbergh and Sean Baker famously use iPhones to shoot entire feature films. iPhone has geared entire campaigns toward photographers and filmmakers showing off all the camera capabilities packed into the iPhone. So which iPhone boasts… Continue reading Best iPhone Camera — Top Picks with Specs, Reviews & Prices

What is Virtual Reality — Games, Movies & Storytelling

It was not long ago that the idea of virtual reality seemed to only be realized in science fiction. But now, VR technology is becoming increasingly popular on Christmas wish lists, office spaces, and viral videos. With its increasing popularity many fear it, others embrace it, and some simply wonder, “What is virtual reality?” In… Continue reading What is Virtual Reality — Games, Movies & Storytelling

Best Camera for Beginners — Sony, Nikon, Canon & More

What is the best camera for beginners? When you’re just dipping your toes into a new craft, it can be overwhelming to parse through all of the various hardware options and find what best suits your individual needs. Whether you’re looking to get into videography, stills photography, or both, you’re sure to find an easy-to-use… Continue reading Best Camera for Beginners — Sony, Nikon, Canon & More

Best Vlogging Camera — Top Picks Reviewed and Ranked

What is the best camera for vlogging? Well, today we’re going to break down the best vlogging cameras by way of three criteria: features, quality, and value. We’ll also explore each camera’s unique strengths and weaknesses by looking at video reviews. But before we get into the rankings, let’s quickly review vlogging cameras and relevant… Continue reading Best Vlogging Camera — Top Picks Reviewed and Ranked

Production Lighting — 4 Types of Lighting Kits for Filmmakers

Finding a production lighting kit for an upcoming film can be a daunting task. There are many different kinds of lights you can use, and each have their own strengths and weaknesses. But understanding the different forms of film and videography lighting gives you a solid start. For today’s post we looked to great minds… Continue reading Production Lighting — 4 Types of Lighting Kits for Filmmakers

Blue Yeti Nano Microphone — Specs, Price, Pros & Cons

The Blue Yeti Nano microphone is one of the most popular USB mics in the world — but is it any good? Today, we’re going to look at the Blue Yeti Nano microphone’s tech specs, price, pros and cons, and more to see how it stacks up against the competition. By the end, you’ll know… Continue reading Blue Yeti Nano Microphone — Specs, Price, Pros & Cons

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4k & 6k — Pros & Cons

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Cameras are some of the most renowned cameras in the world (for their price point). We’re going to break down the pros and cons of each Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera, including the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K, Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K, and Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K Pro. By the end, you’ll know… Continue reading Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4k & 6k — Pros & Cons

What is Film Gauge — 8mm, 16mm, 35mm, 65/70mm Explained

When shooting a motion picture on physical celluloid, there are different types you can choose from. Each type will be a certain width, which contributes to its quality, size, grain count, and more. When identifying the different types of celluloid used in filmmaking, we refer to these strips by their film gauge, which is often,… Continue reading What is Film Gauge — 8mm, 16mm, 35mm, 65/70mm Explained

Best Camera Phone — Buying Guide for Apple, Samsung, Google

What phone has the best camera? We’re going to rank the best camera phones to buy by looking at the two essential aspects of camera phones: the camera and the phone. Nowadays, hardware and software both play a huge role in image optimization – so we’ll keep that note in mind when ranking camera phones… Continue reading Best Camera Phone — Buying Guide for Apple, Samsung, Google

Best Light Meter — Top 8 Ranked for Photography, Film & Video

Hand-held light meters might seem like an outdated appendage. Most modern cameras come with built-in light meters, and editing software is getting better and better at offering remedies to poorly-exposed footage. But light meters continue to be invaluable: a cinematographer’s primary job is to understand and manipulate light, and you can’t do that with a built-in… Continue reading Best Light Meter — Top 8 Ranked for Photography, Film & Video