THE FILMMAKER
Greg Burnett
liverpool, ENGLAND
Talking about gear is something that I’m weirdly passionate about, and the truth is, couples will never care what I shoot their wedding with, but I do. And I’ll always make sure I’m on top of new gear, to either make my life easier when shooting, or to get the best look for my films.
I started my filmmaker journey within the realms of a Canon workflow, and quickly realised that this wasn’t for me. So moved over to Sony, and never looked back.
Over the years, I tried to take a fly on the wall approach to filming weddings, then over time, I gained the confidence to make my presence known. It’s not about me, and it never will be. But I want couples to feel comfortable with me in the room or around their family. So having a smaller rig used to be the way to go…now…I don’t care. I want the best camera for the best results. Obviously there has to be limits, and I’m not rocking up with a £30,000 Sony Burano, but having cinema like features, to create the best final film is all I want to achieve.
A-CAM
SONY FX6
I’ve recently made the switch to the FX6, and although it’s a cinema camera, it definitely comes with it quirks or annoyances…whichever way you look at it. Theres no doubt it’s the biggest camera I’ve ever used to shoot a wedding, but in terms of image quality. I love it!
One of the main features that stands out as a filmmaker, is internal ND filters. Working in many difference weather conditions and environments, for anyone reading this, you’ll appreciate how amazing this feature would be in your workflow. The trade off however, is this camera has no IBIS. Which has its own problems. Mainly because I’m a self-confessed handheld filmmaker, who HATES a gimbal.
I suppose, you could argue saying that theres not much difference in image quality, versus the FX3. But in a world where most of the world’s wedding filmmakers, have taken a vintage approach to filmmaking, I’d like to think I’ve gone the other way. Wanting to make sure, in 5, 10 or 30 years time, my films will still look good on a big screen.
B-CAM
SONY FX3
Been using multiple FX3’s for at least 5 years now, and they’re one of the best cameras available. There’s definitely cameras with better spec, or better features. But I could put money on the FX3 has probably sold more units than any other camera body on the market.
Both cameras with dual base iso…shooting most scenarios in 800iso or 12800iso. Giving you the best quality image in day and night time situations.
BTS
IPHONE 17 PRO MAX
The iPhone 17 Pro Max, plays a huge part on the wedding day for me. I capture a lot of BTS and POV content for socials.
LENSES
SONY 35 f1.4 GM
This may come as a surprise, as everyone in the industry has given Sony a lot of their hard earned cash, and bought the 28-70 f2 lens. And undoubtedly one of the best lenses on the market…but, I’m a simple guy, I LOVE a 35mm and also, I get zoom fatigue, and honestly, can never make my mind up when it comes to focal length. So I reverted back to my trusty 35mm.
Take a step back, it’ll look like a wide angle. Take a step in, it’s replicating a 50mm prime. And also found its the perfect focal length to crop for social content too. (I know I know, sorry)
SONY 28-70 f2
As I said above, I started getting zoom fatigue with this lens, and started using this lens at either 28mm or 70mm. So found its a better lens to sit on a tripod for speeches or ceremonies.
SIRUI 85 f1.4
In between 85mm lenses, as I was using the G master for years. But after getting sent this from Sirui, it gives very similar results, for a fraction of the price and nearly half the weight of the G master. I clearly love Sony, but this 85mm is honestly incredible. But tend to use this, the most, for speeches or drinks reception, getting natural reactions from guests.
AUDIO
HOLLYLAND LARK MAX 2
These have become integral in my bag. Capturing speeches and ceremony, the same way I used to, with the TX650’s and using the elastic sleeve to sit on a mic, capturing all the audio, recording into the camera and baking the audio into the video file, while also recording externally with 32bit float. Incredible.
TASCAM DR10-L PRO
These are definitely a more “professional” looking mic, and with 32bit float, they’re great for hiding in a bowtie or just sticking on a lapel with a small footprint.
SONY TX650
Are you even a wedding filmmaker if you don’t have a handful of these in your bag?
Always great to have one in your pocket, incase an impromptu reading breaks out, or a groom gets given a sneaky present from the bride that you didn’t know about.
Not the greatest audio to come from the Sony’s, but definitely the most handy to have on you, with about 20 hours battery life.
DRONE
dji AIR 2s
I have a “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” approach to the drone. Truth is, you can be super creative with it, but I tend to feature about 20 seconds of drone footage in most of my films. But, I will say, this image out of the Air2S is superior to the Mini 3, 4 and 5 drones by DJI. Soz not soz.
accessories
Atomos Shinobi II
A monitor has become one of the most invaluable pieces of gear in the bag. Not only can I compose my shots perfectly (versus using the small LCD screen on the back of your camera). Some incredible features built in, like touch to focus and false colour, making sure I can expose SLOG3 footage without any friction.
Polarpro VND Peter McKinnon Mist Edition
In my opinion, the best ND filters on the market, and using the mist edition, to bloom the highlights.
K&F carbon fibre tripods
The fact that all the tripods are carbon fibre, is actually super important. Travelling a lot, and making sure they’re light, is something my back will always thank me for.
Zhiyun M60 Molus light
A really powerful light, that can go in my backpack, and light the dance floor (and other dark situations) really well.
