My Favourite Filmmaking Gear of the Year | Items to consider for 2026 (Cameras, lenses & more)

As we wrap up another transformative year in filmmaking, I've had the privilege of working with an extraordinary range of equipment that has genuinely elevated the quality and efficiency of my productions. From breakthrough camera systems that punch well above their weight class to innovative lighting solutions that have revolutionised on-set workflows, 2025 has been a year of remarkable technological advancement in our industry.

Having spent countless hours testing, comparing, and creating with various pieces of kit, I'm excited to share my definitive list of favourite filmmaking gear from this year. Whether you're planning your equipment strategy for 2026 or simply curious about what's been making waves in the professional filmmaking community, this comprehensive guide will help you make informed decisions. Throughout this journey, I've relied heavily on LighRent to access premium equipment without the hefty upfront investment, allowing me to test and work with gear that would otherwise be financially out of reach.

Camera Bodies That Redefined My Workflow

This year marked a significant shift in how I approach camera selection, with several models fundamentally changing my perspective on what's possible within different budget ranges. The democratisation of professional-grade features has never been more apparent, and I've found myself reaching for cameras that offer the perfect balance of image quality, usability, and value.

Sony FX3: The Compact Powerhouse

The Sony FX3 has been my most-used camera this year, and for good reason. This compact cinema camera delivers full-frame performance in a body that's barely larger than a traditional DSLR. What sets it apart isn't just the exceptional low-light performance - though shooting clean footage at ISO 12,800 has been a game-changer for documentary work - but the incredible versatility it offers across different shooting scenarios.

The active cooling system has proven invaluable during long-form interviews and event coverage, eliminating the overheating concerns that plagued earlier Sony models. The built-in ND filters, whilst basic, have streamlined my run-and-gun workflow considerably. For anyone considering stepping up to professional cinema cameras, the cameras for hire on LighRent offer an excellent opportunity to test the FX3 before committing to a purchase.

Canon C70: The RF Mount Revolution

Canon's decision to embrace the RF mount in a professional cinema camera has paid dividends. The C70 represents everything I love about Canon's colour science wrapped in a modern, feature-rich package. The dual gain sensor technology provides remarkable dynamic range, whilst the RF mount opens up access to Canon's impressive new lens lineup.

What truly impressed me was the camera's performance in challenging lighting conditions. The ability to switch between gain modes seamlessly has allowed me to capture scenes that would have required significant lighting setups with previous generation cameras. The autofocus performance, inherited from Canon's mirrorless technology, has been particularly useful for solo shooting scenarios.

Feature	Sony FX3	Canon C70	Best For
Sensor Size	Full Frame	Super 35	FX3 for shallow DOF
Low Light Performance	Exceptional (ISO 12,800+)	Very Good (ISO 6,400)	FX3 for extreme low light
Built-in ND	3-stop variable	4-stop (2,4,6,8 stops)	C70 for precision control
Colour Science	Sony S-Cinetone	Canon Cinema EOS	Personal preference
Weight	715g	1.1kg	FX3 for handheld work

Lenses That Transformed My Visual Language

While camera bodies capture attention, lenses truly define the character of our images. This year, I've been particularly impressed by several lenses that have become essential tools in my creative arsenal. The combination of optical excellence and practical usability has reached new heights across various price points.

Sigma Art Series: Prime Excellence

The Sigma Art series has continued to impress me throughout 2025. The 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art, in particular, has become my go-to lens for documentary and corporate work. The optical performance rivals lenses costing twice as much, whilst the build quality instils confidence during demanding shoots.

What sets these lenses apart is their consistent performance across the entire zoom range. Unlike many third-party lenses that show weaknesses at certain focal lengths, the Sigma Art series maintains exceptional sharpness and minimal distortion throughout. The weather sealing has also proven reliable during outdoor shoots in challenging UAE weather conditions.

Canon RF L-Series: Professional Standard

Canon's RF mount L-series lenses represent the pinnacle of optical engineering. The 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM has been particularly impressive, offering the versatility of a 24-105mm range with the consistent f/2.8 aperture typically reserved for shorter zoom ranges. The image stabilisation system works seamlessly with compatible camera bodies, providing up to 8 stops of compensation.

For those looking to experiment with premium glass without the commitment of purchase, exploring the lenses for hire on LighRent has been invaluable. It's allowed me to test various focal lengths and determine which ones truly suit my shooting style before making long-term investments.

"The right lens isn't about specifications - it's about how it helps you tell your story. This year taught me that investing in quality glass, whether through purchase or rental, always pays dividends in the final image quality."

Vintage Glass Renaissance

Interestingly, 2025 has also seen a resurgence in vintage lens adaptations. Classic Contax Zeiss lenses, properly adapted to modern mounts, have provided a unique character that contemporary lenses struggle to replicate. The subtle imperfections and distinctive rendering qualities have added emotional depth to several narrative projects.

The key to successfully using vintage glass lies in understanding its limitations and working within them. These lenses often lack the clinical perfection of modern optics, but this perceived weakness becomes a strength when used creatively. The organic bokeh and slight colour shifts can enhance the storytelling rather than detract from it.

Lighting Equipment That Changed Everything

Lighting remains the most transformative element in filmmaking, and 2025 has introduced several pieces of equipment that have revolutionised how I approach illumination on set. The combination of increased output, improved colour accuracy, and enhanced portability has expanded creative possibilities significantly.

Aputure 600D Pro: The Game Changer

The Aputure 600D Pro has redefined what's possible with LED lighting. The 600-watt output rivals traditional tungsten fixtures whilst maintaining the benefits of LED technology - minimal heat generation, precise colour control, and impressive battery life options. The build quality feels professional throughout, from the robust yoke system to the intuitive control interface.

What truly sets this fixture apart is its wireless control capabilities. The ability to adjust intensity, colour temperature, and special effects from across the set has streamlined lighting workflows considerably. The app integration works reliably, and the fixture responds instantly to adjustments. For larger productions, the ability to control multiple fixtures simultaneously has proven invaluable.

Practical LED Solutions

Smaller LED panels have also impressed me this year. The Aputure MC Pro series offers incredible versatility in a pocket-sized package. These tiny fixtures punch well above their weight class, providing enough output for close-up work whilst offering full RGB colour control and special effects capabilities.

The magnetic mounting system has proven particularly useful for quick setups and hidden placement. I've found myself reaching for these lights constantly, whether for subtle fill lighting, practical replacements, or creative accent lighting. Their small size belies their impact on the final image.

Audio Equipment Worth Your Investment

Sound quality can make or break a production, and 2025 has seen significant improvements in both wireless systems and recording equipment. The reliability and audio quality of modern wireless systems have reached a point where they're genuinely dependable for professional productions.

Wireless Revolution

The Rode Wireless Pro has been a standout performer throughout the year. The 32-bit float recording capability provides incredible flexibility in post-production, whilst the compact form factor doesn't intimidate subjects during interviews. The range and reliability have been exceptional, even in challenging RF environments.

What impresses me most is the backup recording feature. Having the security of local recording on both the transmitter and receiver has eliminated the anxiety that traditionally accompanies wireless audio systems. The peace of mind alone makes this system worthwhile, but the audio quality is genuinely excellent as well.

Boom and Shotgun Excellence

The Deity S-Mic 2S has become my preferred shotgun microphone for documentary and narrative work. The improved off-axis rejection and natural sound character work well across various shooting scenarios. The build quality inspires confidence, and the included accessories demonstrate thoughtful design throughout.

Building Your 2026 Equipment Strategy

As we look towards 2026, the equipment landscape continues to evolve rapidly. The key to building an effective equipment strategy lies in understanding which tools genuinely enhance your creative capabilities versus those that simply represent the latest technological advancement.

My approach has shifted towards building a solid foundation of reliable, versatile equipment whilst leveraging