Save As: Holiday Stocking (Gear Bag) Stuffers!

Our Special 2007 Buyer's Guide can be a great wish list as gift ideas for the video producer. But you don't want Aunt Suzy picking out that special Bling-Bling camcorder, so here's a list of some essential and just-for-fun items that won't break the bank.

Everyone who has picked up a video camera knows there's more to the gear than cameras, lights and tripods. So we've made a hint list...er...wish list for you to place in conspicuous view to add to your gear toolkit. You might copy it, then drop one in the kitchen, another in the garage and don't forget the top of the toilet to guarantee someone will catch your hint!

From tiny earbuds to noise reduction 'phones, you need something to monitor your audio in the field and when editing. Don't go too cheap; bad phones might not filter out crackles or hum.

Whether they're for the camera, computer, audio recording or attachments, our business can't thrive without cables [see the upcoming November 2007 Buyer's Guide for full story]. We've come across some specialized cables too: for instance, a coiled XLR cable with a right-angle connector.

Your camcorder probably came with one adequate battery. But for shooting all day, you need a super-duper battery. Check out an adapter, too, if your camcorder has to have the battery attached for charging, so you can charge one batt while the other is charging elsewhere.

We always recommend you place a transparent filter over your lens to protect it from scratches and flying rocks (well, if they're small rocks...). You can replace lens filters easily for not much coin, while repairing a cracked lens can cost you the price of the camera. Check out Cokin's filters and adapters, and while you're there, check out the cool magnetic filter holders. www.cokin.com

Redrock makes some cool accessories for camcorders, including lenses, adapters and converters. This Redrock Achromat Lens is a 10x lens that shoots very crisp clear extreme macro shots. www.redrockmicro.com.

C'mon! You're not still using those green veggie ties, are you? Rip-Tie makes ties from color-coded short strips for bulk reels to tabbed and Velcro shorties - it's hard to decide which is best. A dozen of each, please. www.riptie.com

Your camcorder and support gear need more protection than your old high-school backpack can give. Do you need water resistance or airport carry-on? How 'bout back-packing or day-tripping? Check and Otterbox: www.otterbox.com or Petrol: www.petrolbags.com [shown]

Some prosumer camcorders come with sun glare hoods. For the others, Hoodman has some great affordable Velcro-attachable hoods for both lenses and viewfinders. www.hoodmanusa.com