The Top Ten (Extra) Things Every DSLR Filmmaker Should Have in His Bag

March 28, 2013 By Ron Dawson

Besides your camera, lens and primary audio gear, if you’re a DSLR filmmaker, you should also have…

Backup camera
Extra AA and AAA batteries
Extra camera batteries
Extra cards
Extra a/v cables
Battery charger
Backup mics
Pad and pen (I use a Moleskine)
Breath mints (Fresh breath is a priority in my life).
Business cards (note: if you’re an independent contractor working for another studio, you should not pass out your business cards while on a job for someone else.)
A loupe (e.g. Zacuto’s Z-Finder)
Card reader*
Portable hard drive*

Notice I had more than ten things? That’s because I always have extra.

What do you have in your bag?

* I only bring a card reader and drive when I’m traveling and need to back up footage. I usually don’t take them on local gigs. But, it wouldn’t hurt to have them if you have the room.

About Ron Dawson

Ron is a writer, filmmaker, speaker, author, coach, and host of Radio Film School. He does brand and content marketing for the media and tech industries at Blade Ronner Media.

Comments

Jody Wickersham (@jodywick) says

March 28, 2013 at 12:45 pm

also…mini flathead screwdriver, multipurpose tool, lens rag, gum and advil. I carry a big bag.
- Ron Dawson says
  
  March 28, 2013 at 2:29 pm
  
  I totally forgot about my screwdriver. Good call Jody. Thx! 🙂
bernardlausydney says

March 30, 2013 at 8:50 am

always need a role of gaffa tape, neve know when you’d need to macguyver stuff together!
- Ron Dawson says
  
  March 30, 2013 at 6:56 pm
  
  Great point Berndard. Thanks for sharing.
James Lee says

April 1, 2013 at 12:56 pm

a cliff bar. i’m happy i put this in my bag during a long shoot…
- Ron Dawson says
  
  April 1, 2013 at 1:11 pm
  
  Snap! Thats a great one! I often will pick up the chocolate, chocolate Harvest bars to put in my bag for a shoot. Let’s go ahead and add bottled water to the list. 🙂
Dan Dawson says

April 2, 2013 at 6:59 pm

Loved your suggestions and the added ones from the comments. I’m a big fan of the food/water addition… I just hate being stuck at a gig and being starving! If I’m heading out for any decent amount of time I always take a small backup battery to charge my USB devices if needed (phone, etc.) or my computer for dumping content or charging things. I carry one of the cheap disposable rain camera covers… never know when it’s going to start misting or raining on an outdoor shoot.
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