Field-Tested

Gear We Use

The cameras, audio, and support gear behind This Is Not A Draft, ASU sideline coverage, and every shoot in between. Nothing on this page is here because a brand paid for it — it's here because it's actually been on a set with us.

Heads up: some links below are affiliate links — most through Amazon Associates, a few through other retailers. If you buy through one, Happy Jack Media earns a small commission at no extra cost to you — it helps fund the next shoot. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We only list gear we've personally run.

Cameras & Lenses

The A-cam and the glass

Sony FX6

Our main camera on every HJM production — from the ASU Sun Devils sideline to living-room interviews for This Is Not A Draft.

Sony A7IV

What we shoot all of our portrait photos on, and a solid option for a C cam.

Sony FX30

We love running the FX30 on gimbals and as a B cam for interviews or livestreams — beautiful image, and it matches up great with the FX6.

Sigma 24-70mm F2.8

We love Sigma lenses for the value — great autofocus, beautiful bokeh, almost half the cost of Sony glass at roughly 75% of the quality.

Sony 70-200mm F2.8

Perfect for getting close-ups from a distance. Can't argue with the quality of a Sony lens.

SmallRig Cage & Cine Rig

Cage-and-rig setup with a cine lens for handheld coverage — the exact rig from our warehouse b-roll days on This Is Not A Draft.

Link coming in v2

Audio

What gets recorded on set

Sound Devices MixPre-6 II

Our field recorder for interviews and multi-mic shoots — running lavs and a boom at the same time without missing a take.

Orca Bags Audio Bag

Keeps the sound cart mobile and organized — desert hillside shoots, stadium sidelines, wherever the mixer needs to travel.

Sanken COS-11D

Hands-down one of the most depended-upon lavalier mics for documentary and ENG work. We love the sound out of this mic.

Sennheiser MKH-416

Our go-to shotgun mic for outdoor productions. Exceptionally clear, focused audio with excellent off-axis rejection — ideal for interviews, documentary work, and run-and-gun shoots.

Sennheiser MKH-50

Second shotgun option in the kit — same series as the 416, for when we need a different pickup pattern.

Support & Stabilization

Sticks, sliders, and rigs

Manfrotto Fluid Head Tripod

Our go-to sticks for locked-off interviews — kitchen shoots, home interviews, wherever the FX6 needs to sit rock-still.

FreeSpeed Carbon Fiber Video Tripod

Second set of sticks for multi-camera setups — an affordable option for getting locked off. We run these for livestreaming and interviews, not so much live sports.

Steadicam Vest

Stabilization for walk-and-talk coverage — this is what got us smooth hallway walkthroughs at ASU.

EZFX Jib

For the reveal shots — we used this on some of the most emotional moments in This Is Not A Draft. Fair warning: 50% of the shot is the operator.

Link coming in v2

Dolly Track

Smooth push-ins for sit-down interviews in tighter rooms — used on the living-room interview setups.

DJI RS4 Pro

When you want buttery smooth, this is the go-to. Ran it for our parade shots and on the pitch for the World Cup soccer coverage.

Lighting

What lights the interview

Aputure 600C

Our go-to key light for indoor sit-down interviews.

+ Add softbox / modifier
(v2)

Bags & Field Kit

How it all travels

Sakk Pack V2 52L Camera Backpack

How the FX6 travels between setups without getting knocked around — garage shoots, warehouse days, on the road. Built for cinema bodies (FX6, FX9, C70, RED, ARRI), fits a 16" laptop, and still has room for lenses and accessories.

Pelican 1510 Carry-On Case

Hard-shell travel case for when gear has to fly or ride checked — TrekPak divider system and mesh lid organizer keep everything from shifting in transit.