Filmmaker's Dream Blog

Filming with a DSLR can produce stunning imagery and versatility. The accessories and extra equipment can make your films go from great to amazing. Of course you don't have to buy everything at once before bringing your new camera home, unless you can afford it. Here is some awesome equipment you might want to check out.

• Slider/Glider: This gives you that cinematic dolly effect. There are some tutorials out there to teach you how to create on at a lower cost. Most sliders can run around $250  or more. I purchased a pocket dolly which allows you to move it with no limitations. The name of the one I bought is called a Merlin Tabletop Dolly. I bought it for about $90.00 with shipping and handling included. It works great, but it does seem to be uneven on one side which can make it frustrating with moving the back wheels. I highly suggest the GlideTrack for a great quality slider. Check out this video for an example of what effects you can achieve.

•  Shoulder mount stabilizer: Stabilization is a must when it comes to using a DSLR, and although holding one in one hand may work, the shoulder mount is more comfortable and gives you more control over the camera. The cheapest one I found is $40.00 from Polaroid  which includes a pan-head for controlling the camera. Buy here! The best quality shoulder mount rig I found is the Francier Shoulder Mount Rig costing around $160. It appears to be more ergonomically designed than others and it is at a decent price.  Check out at Amazon here Purchase Francier Shoulder Mount Rig.
• High Quality Headphones: Headphones are a must when it comes to listening for audio. Trusting what you hear from the camera just isn't enough, and before you know it you've shot a whole scene with static that you hear once you put it into your editing software. Gear Patrol suggests using Beats headphones which is designed and engineered by Producer, Dr. Dre. They have become highly popular within the audio community. I have seen so many of these headphones broken and of a lower quality on display in the store! I suggest using Bose Noise Cancelling headphones which are more worth your cash and are about the same price as the Beats headphones. You will only hear what is exactly coming from the audio source your headphones are plugged into. The retail price costs $300 and the cheapest online price found is $185.00 .

• Extra Battery/Battery Grip: There's nothing worse to shoot an intense scene and to see that blinking battery icon. Having a battery grip or an extra battery is a must when it comes to DSLR filmmaking. Check out some here: Battery Grips.
• DSLR Carrying Case: Purchasing an expensive DSLR requires a decent bag to protect your precious camera. I bought a Canon Gadget Bag for $60. and I love it! I can pack almost anything in it, including multiple lenses, small tripod, camera, and a few sandwiches (jk). Luckily for you I've found it for under $50! Check it out here:Canon Gadgetbag at a steal!