No Film School's 2021 Holiday Gift Guide for Filmmakers
Looking to treat yourself, or the filmmaker in your life?
With the cost of gear these days, it isn’t easy to get the perfect gift for your favorite filmmaker (even if that person is you).
And of course, there is so much out there, so how can you find the best deals from the right vendors?
That's why we’ve got you covered with our annual gift guide. From cameras to lenses, to deals on that annual editing subscription, and even content, there’s plenty of ways to upgrade your filmmaking game and write off the cost potentially as part of your career!
We recommend you start here with B&H's Cyber Monday deals!
Gear
If you're adding stuff to your wishlist, buying for someone else, or just making yourself happy this year... gear is the place to start. For many of us, it's our happy place. It unlocks ideas, it motivates creation... and everyone wants new toys under the tree!
$1,000 and above (cameras, computers, and lenses):
- Sirui Anamorphic 1.33x E-Mount Lens Kit (24, 35, and 50mm) - $2,348
- Apple 14.2" MacBook Pro with M1 Pro Chip (Late 2021, Space Gray) - $1,999
- Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro with Monitor Kit - $2,999
- DJI Ronin 4D 4-Axis Cinema Camera 6K Combo Kit - $7,199
- RED KOMODO 6K Digital Cinema Camera (Canon RF) - $5,995
- Panasonic Lumix S1H 6K Camera - $3,498; Kit with Atomos Ninja V - $4,409
- Sony FX3 Full-Frame Cinema Camera - $3,899
- DJI Mavic 3 Fly More Combo - $2,999 (drone only - $2,199)
$500-$999
- Atomos Ninja V+ 8K Raw Monitor/Recorder - $999
- Sound Devices MixPre-6 II 6-Channel / 8-Track Multitrack 32-Bit Field Recorder - $970
- GNARBOX 2.0 SSD 512GB Rugged Backup Device - $599.99
$100-$499
- Zoom H1n Audio Recorder - $99.99
- JOBY GorillaPod 5K Kit. Tripod Stand and Ball head - $100.88
- Zoom H6 Pro Portable Audio Recorder - $319.99
- GVM 800D-RGB LED Studio 3-Video Light Kit - $231
- Samsung T5 Portable SSD Drive - $109.99
- Nanuk 918 6-Lens Case with Foam Insert (Black) - $134.21
- DJI Ronin-SC Gimbal Stabilizer - $279
- RØDE Wireless GO II Two Person Recorder Kit - $459 (without lavs - $299)
- GoPro HERO10 Black - $449.95
- Atomos Ninja V 4K Monitor/Recorder - $499
Under $100
- Datacolor SpyderCHECKR 24 Color Chart - $49.95
- Vello White Balance Card Set (Medium) - $10.49
- Ruggard Fold-Over Neoprene Lens Pouch (3.5 x 4.5", Black) - $10.49 or (3 x 6", Black) - $13.95 (Other sizes available. Get a full set for around $50.)
- Aputure MC RGBWW LED Light - $79
- PolarPro Slate CF Memory Card Storage Case - $39.95
- GoPro Media Mod for HERO9 Black, HERO10 Black - $79.99.
- GoPro Light Mod for HERO8 Black, HERO9 Black, and HERO10 Black - $43
Subscriptions
Being a filmmaker is a lifelong education, and as such, giving your content creator a gift subscription to their favorite online film and post-production courses, streaming services or cinema-related magazines can be a great way to keep in touch with the latest film trends.
Streaming Services
So many great filmmakers learn from watching or just love film-watching period. It's a great way to learn and get inspired, but also to support the field.
- MUBI: $10.99/mo. or $95.88/yr.
- Shudder: $5.99/mo. or $56.99/yr.
- The Criterion Channel: $10.99/mo. or $99.99/yr.
- IFC Films Unlimited: $5.99/mo (must have Amazon Prime)
- Sundance Now: $6.99/mo (must have Amazon Prime)
Credit: MUBI
Magazines
- BFI's Sight & Sound Magazine: $145/yr. for print or $45/yr. for digital (international rates)
- ASC's American Cinematographer: $30/yr. or $60 for 2-yr.
- Cinema Scope: $20 (one year) or $40 (two years)
Apparel and fun stuff
Everyone wants to look the part, or celebrate their favorite gear and companies. There is also plenty of fun little items that you or the filmmaker in your life might enjoy!
- Gift Cards from B&H (when you’re not sure what to get!)
- Filmtools
- Kino Flo T-Shirt: $13
- American Cinematographer "Sketch" Camera Operator T-Shirt: $15
- Moviola Ball Cap: $15
- Stinger Pin: $15
- 9-Light Pin: $15
- Hoo-Rag Bandana: $20
- 5-Panel Hat (Black): $20
- Camera Head Man Sticker: $4
- Cat Stops Sticker: $4
- Aspect Ratios T-Shirt: $23
- C47 Patent T-Shirt: $23
- Designated Charging Station (DIT) T-Shirt: $23
- Director Evolution T-Shirt: $23
- DTF (Down to Film) T-Shirt: $23
- Fix It On Set T-Shirt: $23
- Mayonaise T-Shirt: $23
- More Room Tone T-Shirt: $23
- Steadicam Patent T-Shirt: $24
- Steadicam Silhouette T-Shirt: $24