THE RIGHT PACKAGE FOR A SUCCESSFUL SHOOT

Whether navigating tropical jungles, searing deserts, icy mountains, or the depths of the ocean, wildlife filmmakers face a unique set of challenges. Despite the variety of environments, a common set of considerations always guides their essential kit list. 

On every shoot, technical challenges are inevitable as capturing something unique to tell the story often requires innovative solutions, such as using tiny cameras embedded in trees. While equipment is tailored to the environment and subject, starting with gear that won’t fail is crucial, especially when far from any repair options. 

Main camera equipment should be robust enough to withstand extreme conditions and perform consistently. It’s important to consider how many cables are required to connect the gear, as these can be weak points in the field. In cold environments, touch screens may freeze, and protective gloves can make them difficult to use, and battery life will be impacted too. 

Power is another crucial consideration that is often overlooked. Lower power consumption means fewer batteries to hire, carry, and charge on location—an essential factor in remote areas without access to electricity. Discussing power efficiency with suppliers is highly recommended. 

For major wildlife productions, including those for the BBC and streaming platforms, UHD delivery is almost mandatory, with 8K delivery becoming increasingly common. UHD is the baseline, but some allowance is made for specialist cameras that may only record in HD. If the camera can only shoot in 4K, stabilising footage could be challenging, especially if cropping is necessary, which could compromise the final delivery. 

The environmental impact of the production is also a key consideration. Reducing the weight of baggage not only lowers the carbon footprint but also helps stay within budget. Additionally, lighter gear is easier to carry to remote locations. 

Capturing with clarity 

CVP understands that documenting wildlife demands precision, patience, and specialised equipment to seize those fleeting, extraordinary moments in the wild. Its selection of products is curated to help you achieve stunning results, whether photographing birds in flight, elusive mammals, or intricate macro scenes in their natural habitats.  

Its range features cameras from brands like RED, ARRI, Nikon, Canon, and Sony, known for their superior image quality, fast autofocus systems, and exceptional low-light performance. These cameras are designed to withstand the challenges of shooting in diverse environments, from dense forests to open savannahs. Paired with an extensive collection of lenses, including long telephoto and macro lenses, you can capture every aspect of wildlife with unparalleled clarity and detail. 

In addition, CVP offers a wide variety of accessories tailored to the needs of wildlife cinematographers, including sturdy support, advanced audio recording equipment, portable lighting solutions, and weather-resistant gear to ensure you are prepared for any shooting condition. We’ve even got camouflage gear to help you blend into your surroundings for those close encounters! 

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Words by Adrian Pennington

This article is sponsored by CVP