For the third year in a row, we’re rounding up the year’s top ten most popular camera rental items on KitSplit! These ten pieces of gear are what you, the KitSplit community, have been most excited about in 2018—based on rentals and searches.
Are you thinking of investing in new gear, and eager to extra money renting it out? This list might be a helpful starting point. Want to try it before you buy it? Rent it from other professional storytellers on KitSplit!
PS – Keep scrolling after you check out our main list to see our honorable mentions; the top ten most popular cameras, lenses and lighting on KitSplit in 2018!
1. Sony A7S II
The Sony A7S II takes the A7S to the next level with 4K internal mirrorless shooting. When you see the dynamic range of this little camera (up to ISO 409600!) in low light situations, you’ll be blown away. That’s why it’s no surprise that KitSplitter rented this bad boy into the #2 spot on our list! It’s rumored there will be a Sony 7S III released in 2019, which we’re excited about.
2. Canon EOS 5D Mark III & Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
The Canon 5d line is a trusty standby choice for photos and videos alike. Sure, the 5D Mark IV is newer, but KitSplitters still prefered the plucky little mark III this year! With endless possibilities to accessorize these cameras, they make a perfect choice when quality 1080 output is needed and the budget doesn’t leave room for 4k.
3. Sennheiser EW 112P G3
Taking the coveted #1 spot on our list of popular gear, this omni-directional microphone is omni-present in the industry, and with good reason. The G3 is the most reliable wireless lavalier in its price range. Used on everything from indie films to corporate interviews, its a safe bet for close range wireless recording.
4. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
Is anyone here shocked that this versatile lens is the most popular on KitSplit? One of Canon’s most popular lenses, the 24-70 II USM carries a consistent f2.8 aperture throughout it’s zoom range, minimizes chromatic aberration, and offers silent super fast autofocus.
5. DJI Ronin-M
The first on our list, the Ronin-M seems to be the go-to rig for KitSplitters in 2018. This rig works for cameras up to 8 pounds, and sports three different modes of arranging the rig for maximum maneuverability. And for those really tough shots, there’s always the option of adding a second operator on the bluetooth controlled remote.
6. Canon EOS C300 Mark II
The workhorse of the industry, Canon’s C300 Mark II is modular, customizable, and portable, making it the ideal tool for gorgeous video, TV and small films. Aside from being KitSplit’s most popular Digital Cinema Camera in 2018, it’s an evolutionary 2nd generation Cinema EOS 4K camera system with a wide range of new and improved features including 4K/2K/Full HD internal and external recording (including 4K RAW output) and a new 10-bit Canon Log 2 Gamma.
7. Zhiyun-Tech Crane v2
Despite stiff competition from the DJI Ronin-S this year, the Zhiyun-Tech Crane v2 was able to snag a spot on our list. This handheld gimbal stabilizer gives 360° Rotation along all three axes. Supports cameras that weight up to 3.9 lbs. Has a 1/4″-20 threaded hole for easing mounting.
8. Astra 1×1 Bi-Color LED
A staple in the lighting world, this light is bi-color, and with the twist of a knob can swing from tungsten to daylight without even changing a bulb! KitSplitters think the Astra 1×1 makes a versatile addition to any shoot.
9. ARRI ALEXA Mini
KitSplitters have embraced this incredible camera from ARRI, and you should too. Like it’s big brother the AMIRA, this tiny camera will record 4K footage. It’s capable of recording up to 200 fps, and the light weight body makes it ideal for tracking shots via Movi or Drone operating.
10. RED Scarlet Mysterium X & Red Scarlet-W
Last but not least is the RED Scarlet Mysterium X–KitSplitters RED of choice. In today’s market, 5K and 4K are more than enough, even as 8K sensors arrive. Its 13 Megapixel Mysterium Sensor supports 13.5 stops of dynamic range and an ISO between 320-800.
Honorary Mentions
KitSplitters rented a TON of gear on KitSplit in 2018, and while we’ve already broken down the most popular gear overall, we wanted to share some detailed stats on cameras, lenses and lighting, too!
Cameras
1. Sony A7S II – It’s 12MP full-frame CSC is a great option if you’re shooting in 4K video or low light.
2. Canon EOS 5D Mark III -This standby is still a great option for those taking photos, or after a 1080p full-frame DSLR on a budget.
3. Canon EOS C300 Mark II – KitSplitters have spoken–if you’re serious about video and film you need to master the Canon C300 Mark II.
4. ARRI ALEXA Mini -The ALEXA mini has a cool set of features that KitSplliters love, like 35mm format sensor (4:3 or super35) and 14+ stops of dynamic range.
5. RED Scarlet Mysterium X – KitSplitters that wanted native 4K recording in a body that’s battlefield ready opted to rent the Red Scarlet-X in 2018.
6. Sony XDCAM PXW-FS7 – A lot of KitSplitter’s rented the FS7 in 2018 for things like the ability record 4K video internally with a super 35mm Exmor CMOS sensor, and 14 stops dynamic range.
7. Canon EOS C100 Mark II – This compact camera is the little brother of the versatile C300, but don’t let size fool you, it is a smart choice if you are looking to shoot 1080 on a budget.
8. Panasonic Lumix G DMC-GH4 – The GH4 is a great option for KitSplitters looking for to capture 4K video but don’t have the budget for an ALEXA or Red!
9. Osmo Handheld 4K Camera and 3-Axis Gimbal – Aside from just being just fun to use, the Osmo is great camera to throw in your bag and take with you anywhere!
10. GoPro HERO6 Black – The GoPro Hero6 Black is the action camera to rent–with 4K 60fps and super-slow-motion Full HD 240fps video.
Lenses
1. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM – The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is perfect for anyone who needs a lens that will be effective in most everyday shooting situations
2. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM – Whether you’re setting up an interview and want to push the background out of focus, or need those extra millimeters to shoot from far off, this is the lens for you.
3. Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM – The EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM provides the optical performance necessary for critical applications, while delivering the renowned function and feel you’ve come to expect from Canon’s L-series lenses.
4. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED – This fast lens works great in low light and has a useful focal range for a variety of circumstances, from documentary work to portraiture.
5. Canon CN-E 35mm T1.5 EF – If you are looking for an affordable option for a cine-like lens, the Canon CN-E 35mm T1.5 EF is one to consider.
6. Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM – The most notable feature of this versatile little lens is its speed—it was the world’s first constant-aperture f/1.8 zoom lens!
7. Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM – The EF 50mm f/1.2L USM features an ultra-large aperture for a narrow depth of field and soft background blur that is so loved by photographers everywhere.
8. Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM – A solid offering from Canon, the 24-105mm f/4L IS USM’s zoom range makes it a great portrait lens.
9. Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 35-100mm f/2.8 II – With an ultra-long range of 35-100mm at a high-speed F2.8, this lens lets you softly blur the background for portraits and close-ups.
10. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM – This macro lens from Canon can grab beauty shot or table top work–and with the new 4 stop hybrid image stabilization system, going handheld is now a real possibility.
Lighting
1. Astra 1×1 Bi-Color LED – Litepanels continues their domination of the LED world with this incredible advance in 1×1 tech
2. ARRI 1000W T1 Fresnel – The ARRI Fresnel series is great where compact, light weight tungsten Fresnel spotlights are required
3. Canon Speedlite 600EX II – Pro features like a PC sync port, an “auto” mode and battery pack connector made this simple speedflash your go-to in 2018.
4. LiteGear S2 LiteMat 4 – The versatility of this soft light can’t be overstated! Easily mounted, clamped, screwed in or taped in place to spread soft, bi-color light
5. Kino Flo 4Bank Fixture (4′) – One of most useful lights working today, Kino Flo lights shine even, broad light at whatever your subject might be.
6. Dracast LED500 Pro Bi-Color LED – Weighing in at just 4.0 lb the LED500 is the perfect choice for location work, interviews and small sets where color accuracy, control and flicker-free output are super important.
7. Kino Flo 2Bank Fixture (2′) – Another win for Kino–between the on board dimmer and the capability to add the diffusion Flozier, you have the capability to truly sculpt this light.
8. Aputure Light Storm C300d LED – The C300d is a huge upgrade in output over the Aputure C120d and an extremely helpful addition to any filmmaker’s kit.
9. K 5600 Lighting Joker2 800W – As K 5600 put it themselves: “A JOKER-BUG 800 owner obviously understands the enormous advantages of this unique fixture.”
10. Profoto D1 Air 500W/s Monolight – Known for it’s size, flash consistency, and of course the wireless Air Remote system, the Profoto D1 Air 500W/s Monolight is a powerhouse.
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