What We’re Using in 2025 Unpaid, Field-Tested Favorites
We thought we’d share a few tools we’re currently using at American Movie Company that have impressed us in the field.
No sponsors. No paid partnerships. Just honest recommendations from one video professional to another.
Please let us know your favorites.
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 $799 (Standard) / ~$979 (Creator Combo)
Ultra-portable with a 1” sensor, 4K at 120 fps, and 3-axis gimbal.
Perfect for public transportation, travel shoots, vlogging, or as a lightweight B-camera.
Blackmagic ATEM Mini Pro ISO $594
HDMI switcher with multiview, ISO recording, and audio mixing.
Perfect for: streaming, webinars, and live multicam shoots.
Roland V-1SDI $1,300
Compact SDI/HDMI switcher with effects and multiview.
Perfect for mobile broadcasting, churches, and studios.
AVMATRIX Shark S8X Plus $3,000
Multi-input SDI/HDMI switcher with dual RTMP streaming and PTZ control.
Perfect for: hybrid events, livestreams, studio integration.
DaVinci Resolve 20 ree or $295 (Studio license)
Powerful all-in-one platform with new AI tools like IntelliScript, SmartSwitch & more.
Perfect for: editing, color grading, VFX, and audio.
Free or $295 (Studio license)
CINEMA CAMERAS WE RELY ON
Canon C70 4K/120, built-in ND, Super35. Great for docs and ENG. ($4,400 – $4,800)
Sony FX3 Full-frame, 15+ stops DR, XLR-ready. Great for narrative. ($3,200–$3,900)
STABILIZERS & GIMBALS
DJI RS 3 Mini Mirrorless Gimbal: Pro Performance, Lightweight. ($279)
Hohem iSteady MT2 Great value for hybrid shooters. ($263)
OTHER TOOLS TO WATCH
Panasonic AG-CX20: Ultra-low-latency livestream camcorder
Blackmagic UltraStudio 4K: 4K ingest & switching for ATEM workflows
Bottom Line:
We’re not saying these are the only tools worth buying. But they’re the ones we’re currently
using and that we think may deserve a look.
We’re always happy to talk gear.