Top 10 Holiday Gift Recommendations for Film and Video Makers
Amazing Gift Ideas for Filmmakers, Videographers, and Digital Storytellers.

The StudentFilmmakers.com Editorial and Workshop staff would like to share their Top 10 Holiday Gift Recommendations for Film and Video Makers. These are highly recommended products designed and manufactured by highly reputable companies leading and pioneering the entertainment industry. Some of the equipment listed here are tools we have seen exhibited and demonstrated at key industry tradeshows like NAB and IBC. A lot of the gear featured here are solutions we have featured and demonstrated at the StudentFilmmakers.com Workshops in Manhattan, New York, as well as used ourselves for our own video and photo shoots.

Celebrate the next back-to-back holidays and celebrate the film and video makers in your life who are making a difference in the creative communities by sharing their talent, stories, and art. Here are fantastic gift ideas for the Filmmakers, Videographers, and Digital Storytellers in your family, in your classrooms, and in your crews. These are great gift ideas to treat yourself with.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.

BeachTek DXA-SLR PRO HDSLR Audio Adapter
Unleash your sound with the Beachtek DXA-SLR PRO.
The essential DSLR camera audio adapter. The DXA-SLR PRO bridges the gap between DSLRs and professional video cameras by enabling pro audio features that facilitate high-quality audio recording directly to the camera. Includes dual trim controls, ultra low noise preamplifiers for exceptionally clean audio, fast acting limiters, VU meters, phantom power and headphone monitoring plus a unique AGC Disable feature to reduce hiss. Ergonomic chassis mounts securely to camera and tripod for a truly portable all-in-one high quality audio solution. Two year warranty.
Pictured: BeachTek DXA-SLR PRO on DSLR; StudentFilmmakers.com Workshop.

Steadicam Merlin 2 Camera Stabilizing System
The Merlin 2 system offers videographers, cinematographers, and video enthusiasts an ultra-smooth, elegant handheld camera stabilizer system with unparalleled performance and precision. The Merlin 2 system supports a wide range of DSLR, compact and professional camcorders, point-andshoot cameras, and other video-capture device models weighing from 0.5 to 5 lbs (0.23 to 2.2 kg). The Merlin 2's forward-thinking Folding-Caliper hinge allows instant fold-up, perfect for shouldermounted shooting, and just as quickly, returns precisely to its original position for handheld camera work. The newly enhanced precision-adjustable stage offers shooters exacting balance.
Pictured: Patrick Reis leads Merlin 2 segment; StudentFilmmakers.com HDSLR Workshop.

FloLight MicroBeam 128

FloLight MicroBeam 128. The FloLight MicroBeam 128 was featured this year at the StudentFilmmakers.com Workshops with Peter Stein, ASC and Patrick Reis. Many videographers and HDSLR shooters attending the workshops have asked us to recommend on camera lights. Here are more details:
High output compact LED light, 100W hotlight equivalent output. Multiple versions are now available to choose from, Daylight (~5600K) or Tungsten (~3200K), in either 30° beam angle or 60° beam angle versions. Models are available for Panasonic and Sony batteries. Runs for over 6 hours on some large camera batteries (genuine NP-F970). Specifications: 128 Ultra Bright LED's. Daylight (~5600K) and Tungsten (~3200K) Versions Available. Spot (~30° Beam) and Flood (~60° Beam) Versions Available. External DC input 7-16v DC. Full dimming via dimmer knob on back of unit.

Miller Compass Series of Fluid Heads
Compass 12, Compass 15, Compass 20 and Compass 25.
Especially designed for the latest range of digital handheld, shoulder mount and DSLR camcorders, the Compass range of fluid heads provides professional performance combined with stylish design and user friendly features. Offering both 75mm and 100mm ball levelling versions this premium camera support range incorporates a wide payload range from 4.4lbs to 30.9 lbs, selectable pan/tilt drag settings, dial up counterbalance and illuminated bubble level all in a lightweight fluid head. From DV to ENG to compact Cinematography, the Compass range provides uncompromising ultra smooth take offs, super smooth pan/tilt moves and perfect stops.
MILLER tripod and monopod systems are featured at the StudentFilmmakers.com Workshops.

Tiffen Dfx v3

Tiffen Dfx v3 digital effects software, is easy to use and features over 120 filter effects, a staggering 2,000+ presets, digital versions of award-winning Tiffen filters, films stocks, specialized lens correction tools, film grain, exacting color correction, plus natural light and photographic effects. Dfx v3 is the definitive set of digital filters for professional photographers, top motion picture filmmakers, video editors, and visual effects artists around the world. With Dfx v3 you'll be able to create the effects you want.
Pictured: Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Kim Welch at Dfx demo station;
StudentFilmmakers.com Workshop.

Sony Creative Software Vegas Pro 12 Suite

The Vegas Pro 12 Suite is a full-featured production environment for video editing and compositing, multi-track mixing, sound design, visual effects, and disc authoring. Included in this major editing suite is Hitfilm 2 Ultimate, the perfect tool for advanced filmmakers and industry professionals who want to add sophisticated visual effects and true 3D compositing to their projects. Master audio in Sound Forge Pro 10, automate your editing workflow with Production Assistant, and add the perfect musical background with 100 Sony Sound Series: Production Music soundtracks. Burn finished projects to a DVD or Blu-ray Disc with DVD Architect Pro 6, or render them to a variety of professional formats. Pictured: Vegas Pro 12; StudentFilmmakers.com Workshop.


Carl Zeiss Compact Prime CP.2 25/T2.1 Lens
With an even larger aperture, the new Compact Prime CP.2 25/T2.1 lens from Carl Zeiss achieves outstanding images in challenging lighting conditions. The Compact Prime CP.2 25/T2.1 succeeds the Compact Prime CP.2 25/T2.9, which will continue to be available as long as supplies last. This gives users even more possibilities to compose their images and requires less effort with the lighting. The biggest advantage on set it that the light does not have to be adapted when switching lenses because they all have the same F-Stop. The lens speed is ideal for playing with the depth-of-field.
Pictured: CP.2 lens on DSLR; StudentFilmmakers.com Workshop.

Lowel Blender™ 3 Light Kit

The Lowel Blender 3 Light Kit combines three color-changing Lowel Blender LED fixtures, with stands and AC adaptors, to bring further creative options and a faster way to light 'Run and Gun' interview setups. As a result, the classic three-light interview setup now gains the ability for each light to output tungsten color, or daylight, or any blend of the two. Choose to match a location's ambient light color, or change each Blender's color to create a visual contrast, increasing contrast and a sense of depth in the image.

Panasonic AG-HPX370 P2 HD Shoulder-Mount Camcorder
Featuring Advanced U.L.T. Imager
The AG-HPX370 is an affordable second-generation, interchangeable lens camcorder with 10-bit, 4:2:2, independent-frame full 1920 x 1080 resolution AVC-Intra recording. The HPX370 incorporates newly-developed 1/3", full-HD 2.2 megapixel U.L.T. (Ultra Luminance Technology) 3-MOS imagers and a 20-bit Digital Signal Processor to acquire native 1920 x 1080 resolution images. Rivaling the image quality and sensitivity of ½" imagers, the new U.L.T. sensor results in marked improvements in sensitivity, measured at F10. The same levels of sensitivity and image production that characterize the interlace mode are now possible in progressive mode courtesy of Progressive Advanced Processing (P.A.P.), a 3D adaptive processing technology.

Domke RuggedWear Camera Bags

Domke's new RuggedWear lineup includes a wide range of courier bags, slings and satchels, ergonomically designed for comfort and performance. Like other Domke bags, the RuggedWear collection is durable, roomy, lightweight and versatile. Bags are designed to provide photographers with a solution that is easy to work with while providing the utmost protection. Features include the following: High-quality, weather-tough cotton canvas treated with special non-solvent, environmentally friendly waxes that give the fabric a lifelong resistance to inclement weather as well as a unique, distressed look. A soft, well-padded interior that protects camera lenses from scratches. A flap and oversized YKK zipper for quick and easy access, while steel hardware keeps the shoulder strap safely secured. Twin tracks of high-friction rubber woven into the thickest, toughest cotton webbing, allowing it to cling to the shoulder. Interior and exterior pockets for additional storage for accessories.