Choosing Gear Strategically

So you have a Steadicam, a Trinity, maybe a Ronin or Titan, and you’re considering adding a ZeeGee, Volt, Slingshot, or whatever the newest tool might be. Selecting gear that fits your operating style and artistic preference is important — but if we set personal preference aside for a moment, the real question becomes: which path will help you work more consistently?

If you are already landing steady jobs, choosing tools that enhance your work on set becomes easier. In those cases, the return on investment can be driven by a single full-time project. But for operators still finding their footing, the smarter approach is to examine your market. How many operators at your level already own the same tools? Is your market driven more by commercials or long-form work? In some regions, Ronin demand far exceeds Trinity requests; in others, it’s the opposite. Iidentify supply-and-demand gaps in your market to make the right purchase that can move your resume to the top of the list.

Buying the newest gear simply because it’s new doesn’t guarantee steady work or help pay down debt. Most decision makers, such as producers and even many DPs are not fully aware of emerging tools or the value they bring. Introducing new equipment often requires a diplomatic approach and clear justification to add cost to a production. Too often, I see operators invest five or six figures in gear and then rent it for a few hundred dollars per day. The math doesn’t support the stress that follows.

If purchasing new gear isn’t financially practical, consider partnering with an owner whose equipment sits idle. Share the rental when you book the job, and if demand proves consistent, explore a rent-to-purchase arrangement. One of the keys to longevity in this business is keeping your debt ratio manageable while ensuring you have the right tools for your market. When strategy replaces impulse, the right gear can change the trajectory of your career.