For producer Sal D’Alia, a piece of camera equipment needs to meet a range of requirements to make it into his gear bag. At a minimum, an item must be capable of producing high-quality video and audio. But it must also be durable and adaptable, given that much of D’Alia’s work has taken him across continents.
One such project is Adorama’s web docu-series “Through the Lens” (TTL), which D’Alia ideated and produced. TTL looks at the evolving aesthetic of photography as seen through this generation’s creator class. In each episode, D’Alia delves deep into the lives, craft, and unique styles of talented artists who are shaping the future of visual storytelling. Now, coming into its 8th season, TLL has spotlighted artists from countries including Nigeria, Italy, Japan, Cuba and many more.
D’Alia shared with 42West the gear that he used to produce the most recent season of TTL: “Through the Lens: Into the Future.” Read below to learn why he chose each piece of gear:
Sony Alpha a7S III Mirrorless Digital Camera Body
“The a7S III works impressively well in low-light capabilities. It has a large full-frame sensor and advanced noise reduction, allowing you to capture high-quality footage in challenging lighting conditions. Oftentimes, I’m filming in unfamiliar locations and I don’t always have control over the light quality, so this is essential.
The camera can record 4K video at up to 120fps, giving tremendous flexibility in capturing cinematic footage. Plus, the support of 10-bit 4:2:2 color depth provides color accuracy: given that we are often showcasing artist’s work, accurate color depiction is non-negotiable.”
Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA Lens for Sony E
“When paired with the Sony a7S III, this lens offers excellent low-light performance thanks to the f/1.4 aperture. It’s also helpful in capturing a shallow depth of field when I want to focus on a subject during an interview.”
Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH Lens
“For a different perspective and effect, I carry the Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH Lens. The 50mm focal length offers a narrower field of view, ideal for focusing on specific subjects or capturing finer details within the frame, providing a human-eye-like perspective—a signature look for his docu-series. This lens is probably my all-time favorite, exceptional quality in a tiny and lightweight body”
Tiffen 67mm Variable Neutral Density (ND) Filter
“When working with unpredictable lighting conditions, it’s always helpful to have an ND filter on hand. This one by Tiffen allows me to maintain proper exposure and preferred depth of field. It also helped reduce glare, reflections, and overexposure caused by reflective surfaces and objects.”
DJI Mic 2-Person Compact Digital Wireless Microphone System
“I always opt for a wireless microphone option because it offers the freedom to move around and capture audio from various angles and distances. This was incredibly valuable when making this docu-series as my subjects were, at times, speaking far from the camera. It’s 15 hours of battery life also helped during long shooting days.”
Peak Design 5-Section Aluminum Travel Tripod
“I chose this tripod because its travel-friendly and highly portable. It’s lightweight and compact when folded, making it easy to transport to various shooting locations, which is essential for documentary work. It also has a fast and easy deployment, which is valuable when you need to capture a quick shot.”
Nomatic Peter McKinnon 35L Camera Backpack
“It’s important to me to have a backpack built with videographers in mind. With a 35-liter capacity, this backpack offers plenty of space for your camera gear as well as camera accessories. It also has a convenient side access panel for quick access to my gear and it’s built to last against any weather.”
Watch TLL Today!
As a founding member of the Sony Alpha Collective, D’Alia brought along some of the best in Sony’s innovative technology — along with helpful accessories — to formulate what you see on screen.
You can watch the first episode of “Through the Lens: Into the Future” below and at the AdoramaTV YouTube channel. New episodes premiere every other Friday.
