GEAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS
ACCESSORIES No matter how advanced your camera or how stunning your lenses, production doesn’t run as smoothly without the right accessories. From rugged transport solutions to high- speed storage, reliable monitoring and essential software, this year’s Gear of the Year Awards celebrates Think Tank’s Darklight Backpack and Video Tripod Manager 44 are durable, high-capacity options.
Being able to see clearly and capture confidently is key, and the best monitor and/or recorder can add so much to a production, including unlocking the maximum potential from your camera. The SmallHD Cine 18 4K and Ultra 10 are standout production monitors, while Blackmagic’s Video Assist 7 12G remains an essential for on-set monitoring and recording. Portable options such as the Accsoon Seemo 4K and Neewer F700 give shooters versatile screens for any scenario. Atomos brings new functionality to its affordable Shinobi II, as it can be used to control lots of camera functions directly from the screen. Fast, reliable memory cards keep your footage safe and sound in the heat of the moment. This year’s shortlist features heavyweights like the Sony Tough CFexpress 1920GB, Sandisk Extreme Pro SDHC UHS-II 128GB and Angelbird AV Pro SE 1TB. Whether it’s CFexpress Type A or B, SDXC, CFast or micro SD, there’s a format for every user, from content creators to cinema DOPs. External drives are equally vital. The Samsung T9 and T7 Shield
the tools supporting every shoot. For protecting and transporting precious gear, hard cases and rollers are indispensable. The Peli 1535 Air Case remains a favourite for its rugged build and airline carry-on compliance. Alternatives like the Orca OR-14 and Panaro Max520 combine strength with interior organisation. The new Tenba Cineluxe V2 Roller and Manfrotto Pro Light Cineloader are designed with filmmakers in mind, while the Think Tank Airport Roller Derby V2 brings four-wheel mobility. Backpacks and holdalls are the best option for many. The Lowepro Pro Trekker BP 650 AW II and Droneguard BP 250 blend comfort with space, ideal for all-day location work and perfect for carrying a UAV. Peak Design’s 25L Outdoor Backpack offers weather resistance and slick modularity, while the Manfrotto Reloader Switch-55 transforms from backpack to roller with ease.
SSDs, Sandisk Extreme Pro, OWC Thunderblade X8 and high-capacity Sandisk Desk Drive SSD 8TB provide blazing-fast, reliable backup. Powerful software ties it together. Industry titans like Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve Studio 20 and Final Cut Pro X are joined by workflow-enhancing tools such as Frame.io, Atomos Atomosphere and Sony Ci Media Cloud, making this category more essential than ever. Accessories might not always steal the limelight, but without them the show doesn’t go on. Vote now and help spotlight the unsung heroes of filmmaking.
IT’S IN THE BAG From roller cases to rucksacks, have your say. Also included are categories for monitors, memory and software
“Fast, reliable memory cards keep your footage safe in the heat of the moment”
58
PRO MOVIEMAKER
Powered by FlippingBook