Just for giggles I thought I would approach the guys at ARC (The Adorama Rental Co.)to see what the top five rentalsare at Adorama (That’s right, we’ve got a professional video rentaldepartment!And we rent very high end gear. So take note filmmakers, video journalists and broadcasters). There isn’t much here that surprised me. And I eliminated the more obvious yet not so sexyitems like c-stands, flags, apple boxes, what have you. So in the spirit of a beauty pageant, I will put on my best Bob Barker imitation and introduce each item as it walks down the runway.
This sexy successor to the H4N turns heads and ears while displaying a wide array of talent. It sings. It dances. It may even bring about world peace. But most importantly it has four mic-line inputs (with the option to expand to six) and an interchangeable head. Wait, it’s a shotgun mic! No, it’s X-Y stereo! Wait, it’s a mid-side or in-studio mic! Can it be, that it’s actually all three and more?! It’s also a recording studio in your hand! If the ZOOM H6 had a resume, it could find work in the mail room and become the CEO. Ergo it’s not too surprising that this ended up in the top 5 list let alone a top ten or more. Now the go to audio recording device for anyone shooting professional video with a DSLR, it is just as effective while mixing your latest composition or recording your next podcast. And it will bring about world peace.
4. CANON CINE-SERVO 17-120 PL Mount Lens
If you need to go pro then go BIG with this hefty, dare-I-not-call-it-an accessory. Probably the ultimate cinema lens which might explain its popularity in spite of the hefty price tag.
3. SmallHD DP7-PRO OLED ON CAMERA FIELD MONITOR
Either out in the field or in studio, it stands to reason that a professional videographer will need an attachable monitor. And as it turns out, this little beauty is our most popular brand. Flexible, easy to use and FAST… apparently there is no slow signal sync with this one. Whether you shoot in SDI or HDMI, you can convert your feed back into either signal. Although to be honest I am not sure if this will bring about world peace.
2. CANON C100 Mark II AND C300
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Okay so I’m cheating a bit here. But both cameras are a part of Canon’s C-series with the C100 being the more affoardable of the two. But the C100 Mark II is a serious improvement upon the original with its ability to shoot up to 4K. Working with both of these cams is like shooting with a DSLR yet without the drawbacks associated with a, er, DSLR. Like the intuitive AF focus and a silent, adjustable zoom. Or a better internal audio recording capability than Canon’s DSLR models like the 7D Mark II or the 5D Mark III. It almost negates the need for a separate audio recording device like the aforementioned H6 (which will, under no uncertain terms, bring about world peace). I should say that the C100 Mark II gives the pricier C300 a run for its money but the C300 is still very popular among indie film makers on a low budget and online news videographers. And It has come down in price thanks to the release of it’s suped up sibling the C300 Mark II. Which may also explain that particular cam’s current popularity.
And now we finally arrive at our most popular item, the reigning Miss Universe herself….
Well isn’t she a beauty? That streamlined chassis with the pretty buttons. The 35 mm size sensor that will peer into your eyes and make you wish you were wearing your evening best. If Helen of Troy had the face that launched a thousand ships then the PXW-FS7… I, uh, can’t think of an analogy right now. Anyway, this all in one behemoth of a camera is gaining use in indie films, documentaries, unscripted TV, etc, as it hasabuilt inshoulder mount which makes it perfect for run and gun situations as well as studio shoots. So is it any surprise that it rests at numero uno of our most rented list? I ask you: was it really a contest to begin with? Maybe it, too, will bring about world peace. And stop an alien invasion while preparing aperitifs for a party of twelve. All this while givingAnthony Bourdain his close up as he waxes nostalgic over his favorite bahn mi shop. While this seems impossibly heroic to the rest of us, for the SONY PXW-FS74Kit’s just a walk in the park.
And there you have it. I want to thank the kind folks at ARC for taking the time in helping me compile this list. Especially whenthey clearly had better things to do. However, you should really take advantage of their service, particularly theRent to Buy program which allows youtoreceive a refund of up to 100% of therental fee should you decide to purchase your item within 30 days.* So what are you waiting for? Contact ARC immediately so that you, too, can help thePXW-FS74K save the world.
*Not all items apply.
