FDM Graduate Student Equipment Overview
The UCSC Film Department provides all the production equipment needed for our graduate students to produce high quality thesis projects. Most of the equipment below is shared by the two programs, however SocDoc students are assigned their own Sony FX6 camera kit to use exclusively during their first year in the program. PhD students have a few different cameras that are shared among the members of that program. With both programs gear can be checked out over breaks and the summer for longer periods of time so that projects can be done around town or around the globe. The following is an overview of the available equipment, not a comprehensive list. Currently enrolled students can log into the “UCSC Web Check Out” system for a comprehensive list of equipment that is available to their cohort.
Cameras
- SocDoc:
- The Sony FX6 with its full frame sensor and 24-105mm lens is the main camera for the SocDoc program.
- For lower profile, less obtrusive projects there are also a couple of Sony A7S3 cameras available. Each camera kit comes with a zoom kit lens, shotgun microphone and the needed accessories.
- PhD:
- Sony FX6 with 24-105mm lens
- Sony FX2 with 24-105mm lens
- Sony A7IV with 24-70mm lens
- BlackMagic URSA 4.6 with 18-35mm and 50-100mm lens
- Other cameras that are available to both programs:
- -Go Pro Hero 10
- Camera One (wide and 360 degree lenses)
- DJI Phantom 4 Drone
Lenses
In addition to the kit lens, students have access to lenses for special applications such as wide angle, telephoto, macro or wide aperture low light situations. There are models from Nikon, Zeiss, Sony and Sigma.
Tripods/Monopods and Stabilizers
A variety of Manfrotto and Sachtler fluid head tripods and monopods will keep your shot steady. Dollies, stabilizers, sliders and shoulder rigs let you add movement to your shots.
Audio Recorders
Audio recorders range from higher end units with excellent preamps to small highly portable handheld units and even a 360 degree unit recorder. Models include Sound Devices MixPre 6, Zoom H5, Roland R-26, Tascam Ambisonic.
Lighting
The FDM Department has moved to mostly LED lighting. There are some higher wattage tungsten kits available as well. Most of the LED lights have an option to run on battery power making them adaptable and convenient for a variety of uses. From small highly portable LED panels, spots and color wands to high wattage Arri and Lowell fresnel kits with softboxes, you will find what you need to light up your project.
Microphones
Shotgun, cardioid, omni, wireless lavaliers, stereo, vocal, pickup, boundary, contact, surround and even underwater microphones are available. Manufactures include Sennheiser, Neuman, Sony, Shure, Rode, SEA2, Oktava, Audio Technica and AKG. Boom poles and “blimps” will get your mic close to your subject and protect it from wind noise.
Specialty Gear
Ipads, Wacom Tablets, portable projectors and screens as well as VR Headsets are available.
Support/Grip Gear
Extra items to round out equipment packages would include, boom poles, microphone stands, reflectors and reflector stands, c stands, gels, xlr cables, power cables, etc.
For specific questions about FDM production equipment please contact the Checkout Lab Manager at “fdmcheckout@ucsc.edu or 831-459-1960.