Music videos are a creative playground for filmmakers, combining music, visuals, and storytelling into a vibrant, cinematic experience. To bring these visuals to life, music video directors need high-end cameras and accessories that provide maximum creative flexibility and image quality. From slow-motion shots to dynamic movements, the right gear allows you to create engaging, artistic music videos that resonate with the audience and artist alike.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best camera and accessory setups for music video directors, whether you’re working on small indie projects or high-end productions.

1. Camera Setup for Music Video Directors

Music video directors often work with cinema cameras or mirrorless cameras that offer high-resolution video, slow-motion capabilities, and excellent low-light performance. Here are some of the top camera options for capturing the perfect music video.

RED KOMODO 6K (Cinema Camera)

The RED KOMODO 6K is a compact yet powerful cinema camera perfect for capturing high-end music videos. It offers 6K resolution, advanced color science, and high frame rates for slow-motion shots. Its small form factor makes it ideal for dynamic movements and creative setups, allowing directors to experiment with different angles and filming techniques.
Check out this camera and other high-end cinema cameras here.

Sony FX6 (Full-Frame Cinema Camera)

The Sony FX6 is a fantastic choice for music video directors looking for full-frame 4K recording, cinematic image quality, and excellent low-light performance. Its compact design makes it easy to move around, allowing you to capture both handheld shots and smooth movements using a gimbal. It’s a perfect choice for directors who want to create visually stunning videos on a variety of locations.
Explore this camera and other full-frame options here.

Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K (Cinema Camera)

For directors working on high-budget productions, the Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K offers incredible resolution and image quality. With its 12K sensor, this camera provides unparalleled detail and dynamic range, perfect for high-end music videos that demand cinematic visuals. The URSA Mini Pro’s color science and RAW recording capabilities allow you to create visually striking and stylistically rich music videos.
Check out this camera and similar options here.

Canon EOS R5 (Mirrorless Camera)

The Canon EOS R5 is a versatile mirrorless camera offering 8K video recording, making it an excellent option for music video directors who need high-resolution video and fast, reliable autofocus. It’s lightweight and portable, providing the flexibility to move quickly between shots or locations, ideal for run-and-gun music video shoots.
Explore this mirrorless camera and other options here.

2. Must-Have Accessories for Music Video Directors

To achieve the cinematic look that music videos demand, having the right accessories is just as important as the camera itself. Here are some essential accessories to help you craft a visually stunning music video:

Zhiyun Crane 3S Gimbal

For smooth, cinematic camera movements, a gimbal is a must-have tool for music video directors. The Zhiyun Crane 3S is designed for larger cinema cameras and offers exceptional stabilization, making it perfect for tracking shots, dynamic movements, and handheld shooting. Whether you’re following an artist through a scene or capturing complex choreography, this gimbal will keep your shots stable and professional.
Check out this gimbal and other stabilizers here.

Aputure 300D II LED Light

Proper lighting is critical for music videos, whether you’re shooting in a studio or on location. The Aputure 300D II LED Light is a powerful, versatile light that allows you to create dramatic lighting setups. It’s ideal for crafting mood, texture, and contrast, helping you bring the artist’s vision to life on screen.
Explore this light and other professional lighting options here.

Rode NTG3 Shotgun Microphone

While audio might not be as much of a focus in music videos, clear directional sound is still essential for certain scenes or behind-the-scenes work. The Rode NTG3 is a high-quality shotgun microphone perfect for capturing audio during live performances, interviews, or on-set sound that needs to match the video’s production quality.
Check out this microphone and other audio options here.

Kessler Crane Pocket Dolly

Music videos often incorporate smooth, sliding camera movements to add dynamic energy to the shots. The Kessler Crane Pocket Dolly is a portable and lightweight slider that allows you to create professional dolly shots, adding motion to your scenes without needing a full track setup. It’s perfect for capturing fluid camera movements in a variety of environments.
Explore this slider and other movement accessories here.

Atomos Ninja V External Monitor

An external monitor like the Atomos Ninja V is essential for ensuring that every shot is perfectly framed and focused. It also offers 4K recording, which allows you to capture the footage directly onto the monitor, ensuring the highest quality output. This is especially useful for music video directors who need precise control over their shots and settings.
Check out this monitor and other external recording options here.

3. Budget Breakdown for Music Video Directors

Here are some recommended camera setups for music video directors based on different budget ranges:

Budget Setup (Under £3000)

• Camera: Canon EOS R5
• Accessories: Zhiyun Crane 3S, Rode NTG3 Microphone, Aputure 300D II LED Light
  This setup offers high-quality visuals and audio for directors working on smaller music video projects. The Canon EOS R5 delivers 8K video, and the stabilizer, microphone, and lighting ensure a professional-grade production.
  Explore this budget setup here.

Mid-Tier Setup (£3000-£6000)

• Camera: Sony FX6
• Accessories: Kessler Crane Pocket Dolly, Aputure 300D II LED Light, Atomos Ninja V Monitor
  For directors looking to create more dynamic and cinematic music videos, this mid-tier setup offers full-frame video and professional tools for smooth motion and precise control over lighting and visuals.
  Check out this mid-tier setup here.

Pro Setup (Above £6000)

• Camera: RED KOMODO 6K + Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K
• Accessories: Zhiyun Crane 3S, Aputure 300D II, Atomos Ninja V Monitor, Kessler Crane Pocket Dolly
  For high-end productions, this pro-level setup gives directors access to the best in cinema technology, ensuring stunning image quality and creative control over every shot. The combination of cinema cameras and professional accessories ensures that every frame of the music video looks polished and dynamic.
  Explore this pro-level setup here.

4. Inside the Setups of Famous Music Video Directors

To give you some inspiration, let’s take a look at the setups used by renowned music video directors to see how they create their visually stunning productions.

Director X

Director X is known for his visually striking music videos, having worked with artists like Drake and Rihanna. His setup often includes:

• Camera: RED EPIC – offering high-resolution and dynamic range for capturing cinematic visuals.
• Stabilizer: Movi Pro Gimbal – for smooth and dynamic camera movements.
• Lighting: ARRI Skypanel S60 – for precise control over lighting and color in studio setups.
  Explore similar gear used by Director X here.

Cole Bennett (Lyrical Lemonade)

Cole Bennett, known for his creative and colorful music videos, has a more mobile setup:

• Camera: Sony A7S III – perfect for run-and-gun shoots with excellent low-light performance.
• Gimbal: DJI Ronin-S – for smooth handheld shots in fast-paced environments.
• Other Gear: Bennett often incorporates drones and simple lighting setups for outdoor shoots.
  Check out gear used by Cole Bennett here.

5. Conclusion: Bring Your Music Videos to Life with the Right Gear

Music video production is all about creativity and capturing the energy of the song through dynamic visuals. By investing in the right camera and accessories, you can craft cinematic music videos that align perfectly with the artist’s vision and the mood of the track.

Take inspiration from top music video directors like Director X and Cole Bennett, and choose a setup that fits your creative style and budget. Explore our full range of cameras and accessories for music video directors here.