8 UNDERRATED Filmmaking Gear I Regret Not Buying Sooner (2025)
Some of the best investments I’ve made as a filmmaker aren’t the flashy cameras or expensive lenses you might expect. They’re the underrated, often overlooked pieces of gear that have saved me time, made me more efficient, and even helped me make more money. If you’re serious about stepping up your filmmaking game, you’ll want to keep reading.
I’m Bruno Pozo, a full-time commercial filmmaker based in Bend, Oregon. I share weekly videos on filmmaking techniques, gear reviews, and strategies to make money with your camera. In this blog, I’m breaking down eight underrated filmmaking tools that you probably don’t have in your kit yet—but absolutely should. And stick around until the end, because I’m revealing a bonus piece of equipment that’s been the biggest driver of my growth as a filmmaker.
1. LCD Screen Protector
Ever scratched your phone screen? It’s frustrating and, frankly, preventable. So why don’t we give our camera screens the same protection? I use an LCD screen protector for my Canon R5 Mark II, and it’s one of the most overlooked yet essential pieces of gear in my kit.
Why You Need It:
Protection: Prevents scratches, smudges, and damage to your LCD screen, keeping your camera looking brand new.
Resale Value: If you ever decide to upgrade, your camera will be in much better condition, potentially fetching a higher resale price.
Peace of Mind: Knowing that your $4,000 camera is better protected for just a $10 investment is a no-brainer.
Pro Tip:
Some screen protectors, like the one I use, even come with an extra cover for the small mode dial screen. It’s a small detail, but it adds an extra layer of security.
2. High-Capacity, Fast SD Cards
SD cards are often an afterthought for beginner filmmakers. But the wrong card can ruin a shoot. I learned this the hard way when I ran out of storage mid-shoot. Now, I exclusively use 256GB V60 SD cards.
Why You Need It:
High Capacity: 256GB cards ensure you won’t run out of space, even on long shoots.
Fast Write Speed: V60 cards support 4K 60fps video without a hitch. Lesser cards (like V30 or U10) might not even handle 4K 30fps, leading to dropped frames and corrupted files.
Efficiency: Fast read speeds mean quicker transfers to your computer, saving you valuable editing time.
How to Choose the Right Card:
Check Your Camera’s Requirements: Look up your camera model and find out the recommended read and write speeds for the resolutions and frame rates you shoot.
Invest in Speed: Opt for at least V60 cards if you shoot in 4K or higher resolutions.
3. High-Quality On-Camera & Wireless Microphones
We all know bad audio can ruin great video. That’s why I rely on two essential mics:
RODE Videomic NTG: Great for ambient sounds and vlog-style shooting. Its adjustable gain dial and safety channel (which records a second track at -20dB) ensure perfect audio in any situation.
Rode Wireless Pro: Ideal for talking head videos or interviews. Its 32-bit float recording eliminates worries about clipping, and the built-in auto-gain adjusts levels perfectly on the fly.
Why You Need It:
Professional Audio Quality: Clear, consistent audio, no matter the distance from the camera.
Versatility: The wireless mic records locally as a backup, ensuring you never lose important dialogue.
Convenience: Fast, easy file transfer with the included carrying case and charging hub.
Pro Tip:
Consider using both mics simultaneously. Record ambient sound with the on-camera mic while capturing dialogue with the wireless mic for richer, more dynamic audio.
4. Sturdy Fluid Head Tripod
Tripods are boring, right? Not when they make or break your shots. I use the SmallRig FreeBlazer tripod, and it’s a game-changer.
Why You Need It:
Stability: With a 20-30 lb payload capacity, it securely holds even my heaviest camera setups.
Fluid Head: Unlike ball head tripods made for photography, the fluid head ensures smooth pans and tilts, giving your shots that cinematic feel.
Quick Setup: A single-latch system on each leg lets me adjust height quickly and efficiently.
Pro Tip:
This tripod extends up to 7 feet, perfect for shooting above crowds or achieving high-angle shots. If you invest in one tripod, make it a fluid head.
5. High-Quality Camera Strap
Camera straps are usually an afterthought—until you’ve tried Peak Design’s quick-release system.
Why You Need It:
Convenience: Easily attach or detach your camera with a one-click locking system.
Comfort & Durability: Designed to support heavy setups comfortably and securely.
Versatility: Quickly switch between handheld shooting and mounting on a gimbal or tripod.
Pro Tip:
Always use durable anchors. Peak Design’s locking system has held up even with my heaviest rig, providing peace of mind on set.
6. Multitool
As filmmakers we use a lot of tools that require different screwdrivers, flatheads, and allen wrenches. So having a multitool with all of those on hand is a gamechanger.
Why You Need It:
Versatility: Instead of having one tool for every screw and plate you own, you can have one multitool that does it all
Convenient: Having this one multitool on set will make you everyone’s friend. No more looking for the right screwdriver or allen wrench.
Time Saving: Instead of wasting time looking for the right tool, you’ll be able to get things done faster and get back to shooting.
7. Lens Cloth & Rocket Blower
Our image quality is only as good as our sensor and lens is. That’s why making sure these are clean is so important to our work. I keep a handful of lens cloths to not only clean my camera lenses, but my LCD screen and camera body as well.
A rocket blower helps to blow dust off of surfaces like the lens, camera sensor, and camera body.
8. 18% Gray Card & Color Checker
Although these are not the sexiest tools, they can be extremely useful to us as filmmakers. Both an 18% gray card and a color checker are used to help us check exposure, set white balance, and even help in color grading our footage in post.
Why You Need It:
Accurate Exposure: Instead of guessing if you’re exposure is correct, both of these tools can help you set the right exposure for your scene.
Accurate Colors: Never set the wrong white balance again when you use these tools!
Improve Workflow: Not only will you save time in post not worrying about exposure and white balance, you can even match all your color grading across shots just by using the color checker.
Bonus Gear: Editing Laptop
Here’s the bonus tool that’s been my secret weapon for staying efficient on shoots: The M1 Max Macbook Pro!
Why You Need It:
Editing Powerhouse: The new Macbooks with the Apple Chips have changed the editing landscape forever. With dedicated drivers for encoding and decoding video files, you’ll have the smoothest editing experience ever on these laptops.
H.265 Video Editing: With their new encoders you can now edit H.265 files with ease on this laptop. Normally these file types required us to create proxies before we can edit, but no more! Now you can simply import the footage from your iphone, gopros, drones, and cameras into the computer and edit them right away1
Efficiency Boost: The blazing fast performance of the laptop means more productivity and, ultimately, more profit. I have become an editing powerhouse because of this laptop and I have seen my business grow as I am able to get more projects done, in less time!
Why This Gear Will Transform Your Filmmaking
These underrated tools aren’t just convenient—they’re game-changers. By investing in this gear, you’re not only protecting your expensive equipment but also optimizing your workflow. This means less stress, fewer headaches, and more focus on what matters most: creating incredible videos.
Actionable Steps:
Assess Your Current Kit: What’s missing? Which of these tools will solve your biggest pain points?
Invest Strategically: Start with the gear that will immediately improve your efficiency and workflow.
Optimize Your Shoots: Use these tools to save time on set, capture higher quality footage, and ultimately grow your filmmaking career.
Ready to Level Up Your Filmmaking?
These eight pieces of gear may not be the most glamorous, but they are some of the most valuable investments you can make. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, these tools will save you time, reduce stress, and make you more money as a filmmaker.
Want more tips like this? Subscribe to my YouTube channel for weekly videos on filmmaking techniques, gear reviews, and strategies to monetize your craft.
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