The holiday season is once again upon us — and that means it’s time to start shopping. Not sure what to get for your video-savvy friends? Uncertain what to add to your own wishlist? Not to worry! This round up brings you gift ideas for video producers at all levels. Read on for some much needed gift-giving inspiration.
SMX-30 Stereo/Mono Switchable Video Microphone
Named “Best Microphone” by Videomaker when it was released in 2016, the SMX-30 is still one of the most versatile video microphones available. Unmatched in its design, the SMX-30 is essentially two microphones in one, with both stereo and mono-shotgun microphones that you can switch between on the fly. Talk about bang for your buck! Plus with other great features like 3-stage gain control, auto-on, a low cut filter, and of course awesome sound quality, the SMX-30 is sure to be a microphone you’ll always want to keep in your gear bag. www.azden.com/smx-30
ViewSonic VP3881 Monitor
With an immersive curved screen and stunning WQHD+ 3840×1600 resolution, the ViewSonic® VP3881 monitor elevates your viewing experience from flat to panoramic. Delivering incredible detail and vivid colors across wide viewing angles, this monitor is engineered to provide incredible color accuracy, while HDR10 content support delivers a wide dynamic range of vivid colors and rich contrast. Thanks to an expansive 38” frameless screen, ultra-wide 21:9 aspect ratio, and integrated speakers, this monitor is ideal for video editing, photography, graphic design, content development, and other color-critical applications. www.amazon.com/ViewSonic
Canon EOS R
Canon may be new to the full-frame mirrorless game, but its EOS R — that’s compatible with over 60 EF lenses — is a camera to celebrate. This full-frame mirrorless gifts you a 30.1 megapixel sensor with a bundle of lenses compatible with Canon’s RF mount — the EOS R being the first to use this lens mount. Four new lenses work with the EOS R System, those being: the RF 28-70mm F2 L USM, RF 50mm F1.2 L USM, RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM and RF 35mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM. The EOS R camera has a DIGIC 8 image processor and shoots 4K 30 fps video with 10-bit HDMI out. Plus there’s dual pixel CMOS autofocus, 5,655 AF points, an expanded ISO 50 – 102,400, 8 fps still shooting, and dual pixel RAW. It retails for 2,299 dollars. usa.canon.com/eosrsystem
Vimeo/Livestream
Transform any event into a professional live production with Mevo Plus. Stream live to every major platform including Vimeo, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Periscope and more. Don’t need to stream live? Record in stunning 4K and save for later instead. With easy-to-use live editing tools, you can say goodbye to post-production and make edits straight from your phone – it’s like having a production studio in your pocket. Whether you’re sharing a can’t miss a moment, trying to reach more clients, hosting a town hall for global employees, or connecting with fans, take your production to the next level with Mevo Plus. www.shop.getmevo.com/
Shutterstock videos in 4K, HD and more
Unwrap a world of creative possibilities with cinema-quality footage from Shutterstock. With over 12 million of the world’s best stock videos at hand, it’s easy to create incredible content fast. Boasting an epic range of aerials, lifestyle shots and more, Shutterstock has videos for any project. At just $359, a pack of 5 HD clips makes for a perfect gift – or add more videos and save. 4K video packs are available too. Start shopping at www.shutterstock.com/video
SlingStudio Wireless Multi-camera Livestreaming
SlingStudio is a wireless multi-camera broadcasting platform with 4K post-production support. Monitor, record, switch, edit and stream live HD-quality video wirelessly to Facebook, YouTube and Vimeo using smartphones, professional cameras, or other video recording devices. Save hours of setup time and simplify post-production with a single storage device and time-aligned files. SlingStudio is portable, affordable and easy to use. www.myslingstudio.com
HISS BUSTER!
Capture pro audio directly to your camcorder or DV camera with the amazing new DXA-MICRO PRO+. Powerful, low-noise preamplifiers ensure clean, hiss-free audio. Super easy to set up and use. Works with virtually any microphone. New features include built-in LiPo battery for up to ten hours of run time, external power option and a removable cheese plate. From the makers of the world’s most popular audio adapters. $229.
www. beachtek.com
SHAPE Cage for Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K
(Lifetime Warranty) The form-fitting cage provides easy access to all the BMPC 4k camera controls and ports. It features multiple threaded holes and one cold shoe mount to attach accessories. A Quick Release Delta Plate with 15mm rods, a Wooden Left Side Handle and a Top Handle with our Patented Push-Button Technology can be mounted to the cage. The cage also features a full-sized HDMI cable protector lock. A removable, height adjustable Metabones® Adapter Support Bracket reduce the stress of the camera lens mount. All SHAPE products and accessories are covered by a lifetime warranty. www.shapecamera.com
Nikon Z 7
Bring your cinematic vision to life with the new FX mirrorless Nikon Z 7 with 4K UHD. Its powerful capabilities include accurate on-sensor Phase Detect AF for fast, sharp videos and in-body VR for stability. www.nikonusa.com
WidsMob
WidsMob Screen Recorder is an easy and professional method to record videos, capture audio and take snapshots for onscreen activities on Mac. It is a versatile game recorder, webcam capturer, YouTube video recording app, audio extractor, etc. Moreover, it also enables screen selecting, mouse recording, panel drawing, video/photo editing, and other excellent features. www.widsmob.com/screenrecorder
Saramonic UwMic9 RX9+TX9+TX9
The Saramonic UwMic9 RX9+TX9+TX9 is a dual-channel, camera-mountable, UHF wireless system enabling you to use two lavalier mics with only a single compact receiver connected to your camera. This system is perfect for DSLRs, video cameras or audio recorders for content creation. Remarkably easy to use; just plug in the mics, turn on and begin recording. UwMic9 features rugged metal construction and delivers clear, broadcast-quality sound. Optional transmitters and output cables (sold separately) provide unrivaled flexibility; making it possible to add a handheld microphone or plug-on transmitter, as well as connect to smartphones, tablets, computers, GoPro cameras and more. www.saramonicusa.com
SmallHD FOCUS OLED
Retail: $699 This is the ultimate color accurate touch screen monitor for your DSLR/Mirrorless camera. Featuring a color-rich 5.5 OLED display, L-Series battery bracket for power and the ability to power your camera via the 7.2v Power Output. The FOCUS OLED was designed specifically for small run and gun setups that need the powerful SmallHD toolset in an ultra lightweight and minimal form factor. With Page-builder OS, you have quick access to tools like HD Waveform, 3DLUTs, False Color, Focus Peaking and so much more. www.smallhd.com
Premiere Rush is rushing in for the holiday season
What would be a great gift for a video editor? Premiere Rush CC is a new cross-device, editing program that combines Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Audition into one powerful app. Rush shares everything to the cloud, from your phone to tablet to your desktop. Video editing on the go has never been easier! With Rush, you can capture video, color-correct, edit, record, clean up audio and even post to social media. Starting at just $9 a month ($19 for teams), video editors will have everything they need no matter where they go during the holidays. adobe.com
Audio-Technica Streaming/Podcasting Packs
Each of the four Streaming/Podcasting Packs from Audio-Technica gives content creators a versatile, easy-to-use, and cost-effective boom microphone setup with an accompanying pair of monitor headphones. The packs include a 20 Series microphone (with either a USB or XLR output), stand mount, ATH-M20x professional monitor headphones, and a custom boom arm with desk mount. The boom arm features full 360-degree rotation and adjustable, spring-stabilized joints for optimal mic placement, and comes pre-threaded with the appropriate USB or XLR microphone cable for a sleek, clutter-free appearance. audio-technica.com
QNAP TS-453BT3
Featuring dual Thunderbolt™ 3 ports, coupled with M.2 SATA SSD caching and 10GBASE-T connectivity, the TS-453BT3 provides an ideal environment for professional collaborative media editing and high-speed file sharing. With powerful hardware capabilities and feature-rich productivity tools, the TS-453BT3 provides the best NAS solution for media studios or small creative workgroups looking to greatly simplify their workflows. Compact, powerful and a large storage capacity with four drive bays that can support up to 12TB drives per bay, this is the ideal storage solution for creative professionals. qnap.com
Roland V-02HD Multi-Format Video Mixer
The Roland V-02HD Multi-Format Video Mixer is an ultra-compact two-input switcher and video production problem solver for a wide range of production settings including livestreaming and presentations. The V-02HD is a ‘micro switcher’ that’s small enough to fit into equipment cases and camera bags.
The V-02HD is available in value-packed switcher/remote footswitch/cabling bundles that facilitate immediate use. Designed to integrate with typical video production workflows, the V-02HD has a screw tap for standard video mounts and its ultra-lightweight design makes it ideal for mobile video applications.
V-02HD bundles are available at your nearest authorized Roland Pro AV reseller. proav.roland.com
Steadicam Volt
he Steadicam Volt™ is Steadicam’s first handheld electronic stabilizer for shooting smooth android, iPhone, and GoPro video. The Volt is equipped with a 3-axis gyroscopic stabilizer, allowing you to get extended stable video footage in two modes; “Movie” and “Sport”. Once balanced the Steadicam Volt’s, motorized gimbal (powered by long lasting rechargeable Lithium Ion Batteries) will transition to work manually even if the batteries have run out, unlike any other gyro-stabilized gimbal. Weighing only one pound, the Steadicam Volt provides increased mobility without jeopardizing stability. tiffen.com
Tiffen Mavic 2 Series Drone Filters
The Tiffen Mavic 2 Series Filter Kits were designed for the professional aerial photographer or cinematographer looking to perfect their aerial imagery. The kit contains solid Neutral Density filters ranging from 2 stops to 4 stops, as well as Rotational Neutral Density Polarizers, which offer contrast enhancement and reflection control. The filters have a multilayer and hydrophobic coating. Its surface is waterproof and contains scratch prevention technology. The filters guarantee ultra-low reflection rates and they have unmatched color fidelity. Included with the kit is a compact metal tin carrying case. tiffen.com
Tube Arsenal
If you need high quality Intros, End Screens and Lower Thirds but don’t want to deal with annoying things like learning to be a motion graphics designer, then click right over to www.tubearsenal.com. Tube Arsenal is a website with graphics that can be customized through your web browser and delivered to your laptop in a few minutes. Starting at $9 these graphics will make you look like a pro.
Getting ready for the holidays is often more stressful than it needs to be. Let this gift guide serve as a starting place as you hunt down the perfect gift for the videographer in your life. And if you’re a video producer yourself, go ahead and circle your favorites so your loved ones know what you’ve got your eye on this holiday season.