Last updated on September 14th, 2017 at 10:36 pm
Just a few years ago, we were all chained to our desks. Technology, not as advanced back then, forced us to use big clunky machines and equipment to get jobs done. We are in the process of evolving how we work. In just a few short years, more of us are working remotely, craving mobility, and using increasingly smaller and lighter equipment. One area that’s seen huge amounts of downsizing is video production. It’s unreal how much smaller and advanced a lot of video equipment has become. I mean, when you think about it, aerial shots used to be taken by helicopter. Now we have drones. If you’re a videographer on the go, one of your goals is to stay light weight. The camera and lenses you’re bringing along will no doubt already weigh you down but to take good footage anytime of the day, you need some equipment to help you out. We’ve rounded up 5 portable must have film tools for videographers. This equipment won’t add too much extra weight on your back, but with these in your possession, you’ll still be on your A-game while shooting.
Portable Film Tools for Videographers
1. Monopod –
You definitely don’t need to lug around a tripod while you’re on the go unless you’re also carrying around a 24-pound camera + lens that need the support of a tripod. DSLR’s are generally light and don’t require a tripod. A handheld monopod is lightweight, will swivel in all directions, give you smooth movement, as well as help you shoot above the crowd. And you can easily move around while carrying it with one hand. Being retractable when not in use makes it extremely portable. We recommend the Manfrotto Xpro Aluminum Video Monopod With 500 Series Video Head and it’s first on our list for portable must have tools for videographers. You can pick one up here for $299.
2. External hard drive –
If you’re like me and want to carry around existing footage or want to get your footage off your memory cards directly after shooting, you’ll be carrying around an external hard drive. One of my favorite film tools, these ultra-portable devices ensure you have your footage safely with you at all times and, more importantly, that you’ll continuously have space on your memory cards for more. Our favorite is the LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB External Hard Drive which comes in a signature orange sleeve making it shock resistant, drop resistant, rain resistant and pressure resistant. Can’t get much more protection than that. But if you’re not doing any stunts over the Grand Canyon with your equipment, we also really like the G-Technology G-DRIVE 4TB External Hard Drive. It’s more compact, stylish, and has double the space with models up to 6TB.
3. Neutral Density Filter –
This is pretty much weightless and takes up no space yet is something really useful to have in your bag. An ND filter screws onto your camera lens and reduces the intensity of colors, giving no changes in hue when you change environments. For quick changing environments, it allows you to control and smoothly adjust the exposure of your footage effortlessly. For example, when using an ND filter while moving from indoors to outdoors, the colors of your footage won’t be affected. Just use your camera normally and let the meter on your DLSR do all the work. Since it screws on to your lens, you would need to purchase an ND filter that is the correct size for it. Nevertheless, we recommend one from Genus for lenses with a 77mm thread—the Genus Genustech 77mm Eclipse Neutral Density ND Fader Filter that has 2 to 8 stops of neutral density.
4. Reflector –
The worst time to shoot outdoors is midday when the sun is directly overhead. Let’s say between 11 am and 2 pm. But that could be kind of an inconvenience, can’t it? It’s not always possible to avoid this time of day and using a reflector is one way you can still get some good footage. Unfortunately, the durable and collapsible feature that makes disc reflectors portable is also a disadvantage because disc reflectors are indeed flimsy making them hard to work with on windy days. Although disc reflectors are still our favorite, you might want to check out the Westcott Scrim Jim Cine 4’ x 6’ reflector, as an alternative, which is made of fabric and has a more rigid frame. This will collapse and fit into a bag as well. If you still happen to be interested in the ever popular disc reflectors, make sure you pick up the Neewer 43 inch 5-in-1 Collapsible Multi-Disc Light Reflector With Bag.
5. Røde VideoMic – 
Last on our list of portable must have tools for videographers is the Røde VideoMic, one of the most popular microphones on the market to give a boost to your DLSR. This is one of the must have tools if you’re shooting outdoors, especially among nature, where there are plenty of opportunities to amplify the lightest of noises such as moving water, birds chirping, leaves rustling and make them come to life on your video footage. If you want quality audio to go along with your footage, don’t rely on the weak built-in mic that comes on most DLSR’s. The Røde VideoMic is light weight and compact, yet delivers crisp sound. All you need is a 3.5mm headphone output to hook one up, which also means that you can hook it up to other devices with a 3.5mm output such as your smartphone. You can pick up a Røde VMGO Video Mic GO On-Camera Microphone right here for an affordable $99.00.
We hope this list of portable must have film tools help with not only making you take better footage but being agiler while you’re on the go. Do you carry useful and portable film tools that aren’t on this list?
What to read next: Top 5 Tools to Improve Your Productivity
34 Comments
Handy List
Great tech tools for great videos!
yes these are the basics for video shoot 🙂
I would love a reflector for pictures! It makes a selfie that much better! 🙂
The fact that you added links to the products is honestly so helpful! 🙂
These are some awesome tools. I definitely need that monopod and probably the filter and reflector. Hey they all look so good. I really need to step up my photography tools.
The Neutral Density Filter is awesome! Many people don’t give it enough credit, while they should! This list is great!
Must have tools for videographers!
Such a great post thanks for sharing In not a videographer but st least now I know x
Great list of tools. I love the fact that you’ve included reflectors and a mic, two of the most over looked tools. I’ll be looking to upgrade my mic soon, I’ll definitely check this one out.
I have everything but three and four, I’m still bulking up my videographer equipment. First paycheck and I’ll definitely add those to my list!
reflector would be the best thing to chose . Awesome list though. Thanks for sharing!
These do look like some great tools. I don’t make a lot of videos, but my son does, so I’ll show him this post.
This list is a little bit over my head. I would love to learn to be a videographer but first I need to learn the tools I need to do that. Your list is super.
I have been thinking about the monopad for a while. Great to know about these products!
My brother love photography and he is always hunting for photographing tools. This list would definitely come in handy for him! Thanks for sharing! These tools look so awesome and high-tech.
These look like great tools to have on hand! They’re also great ideas for holiday shopping this year for the person that already has a lot but missing these!
These are some great looking tools, I really need to get a reflector for my photography as I could do with all the light I can muster.
This is perfect timing. My son just said to me I should do video – granted he didn’t suggest how with my fictional site. I have been thinking about it, at least now I know what equipment to have. Thanks for the first step.
Thanks for sharing this! The holiday season is coming and it’s great to have this list ) I’m thinking to start making videos for my recipe blog )
I had not known about the reflector or the neutral density filter! I am going to go check some out.
These all sound like great tools for improving the quality of your videos. I have been wanting to make more videos, I will bookmark this article.
I wish I could be a professional videographer. I do have a hard drive and a tripod. If this is a minimum I guess the rest is just perfecting the perfect shots.
These are such amazing tools. My husband loves photography, Will share this with him.
Oh, great to know this basic needed tools. I think some of these are also a must-have for photographers like a monopod and hard drive.
Reflectors can make or break you rpics. Great one to put on the list.
Very interesting list! I have a friend this would be great for.
I would love to have a ROD Video-Mic. It’s on my personal wishlist for Christmas!
My hubby loves making videos, l only made a few, however, I will share this article to ensure he is full equipped.
Agree with all of these. I personally know someone who works in this field. Hardrive is a must!!
This is great list to have. I need this reflector in my life.
All good things to have available. My oldest daughter is interested in tv/movie production and has a few of these. Might be adding the rest to her supplies for Christmas.
These are really neat tools! Great learning about what’s out there in the world of video.
This is such a great lists. I’ll keep this in mind.