David Bicho
Commercial | Last Updated: April 4, 2024
So, where to start on the equipment. We´ll first start with the cameras we bring with us. The workhorse in the kit is the Canon 1DX. This one has been through it all and still performs like new. Most of the time I shoot tethered with my cameras. The Canon 5d MKIII and the Hasselblad uses their USB 2/FireWire800 to tether but with the Canon 1Dx we are able to use the Canon Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E6B. Some might think that wireless might bring more issues than solutions, but to us it well worth some startup hiccups than tether with cables. We constantly strive for a cable free working environment.
The Canon 5d MKIII is the backup camera, although it’s not entirely fair to call it a backup camera since it the camera we use for video assignments. It’s small and fits really nice in our Swedish Chameleon rigs. The lenses I use with it are Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L, Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L, Canon 24mm f/1.4L, Canon 40mm f/2.8, Canon 50mm f/1.2L, Canon 85mm f/1.2L, Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro and the Canon 135mm f/2L. As for flashes, the Canon 600EX-RT and the Canon ST-E3 RT.
When we need a little bit more resolution there is the Hasseblad H5Dx. This one has a workflow on its own, using Hasselblads own capture program and a firewire cable. It´s usually used for portraiture, still life and products. When shooting products (or people who can stand REALLY still) the Multishot feature gives the images a sharpness and quality you won’t get with any other camera system. The lenses I use with it are the Hasselblad Normal 80mm f/2.8 HC, Hasselblad HC Macro f/4 120mm II and the Hasselblad Telephoto 210mm f/4 HC.
Computer equipment then. In the iWork case we have a Macbook Pro 15″. Nothing special about it. Computer with software. But again we are trying to ease our lives with the no cable policy. In the case there is a Hyperjuice battery that powers the Macbook throughout the whole day of shooting and more. It’s handy for charging everything that can charge via USB. Other than that we have an assortment of thunderbolt adapters. For the Canon 1Dx ´s WiFi we use a USB-driven router from Donovo named Tiny. Although it was met with some skepticism due to its small and simple exterior, it sure has proven itself to be worth a place in the computer kit. Other things in the case is a USB3 memory card reader (like these), a backup Lacie rugged and, just in case, a power cord.
To carry everything, I use all Think Tank – Think Tank Cable Management 10 V2.0, Think Tank Cable Management 20 V2.0, Think Tank Cable Management 50, Think Tank DSLR Battery Holder 2, Think Tank AA battery Holder, Think Tank Airport Security 2.0. Then to carry and charge my Macbook Pro, an iWorkCase.
When we are out and about the Profoto D1 flashes come to great use. Lightweight and rugged but they need to be plugged in, thats why there is 3 Profoto B1 in the picture. Together with ETTL the setup time for quick portraiture is even shorter and I have to say it works pretty flawlessly. Now with the upgrade on the Profoto Air transmitter, it’s compatible with the Canon 1Dx, so there is no need to switch camera just to use the Profoto B1 ‘s.
Other than that, i don’t think there is anything out of the ordinary in the kit. Lens cleaning and sensor cleaning kit. Hoya Variable ND filters for video. And of course, some precious Swedish snuff.
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