When NFL Films sends Sony Artisan and timelapse master Drew Geraci into cities across the country, there’s zero margin for error. From frigid Northeast dawns to electric nights under stadium lights, his kit is built for precision, reliability and cinematic storytelling across thousands of frames. Below Drew breaks down the cameras, lenses, motion tools and media he trusts to turn fast-moving streets, shifting skies and roaring crowds into immersive timelapse sequences – frame after flawless frame.
Drew Geraci's Sony Alpha Kit For Timelapse Creation
When you’re tasked with bringing the stars of the NFL to life across cities all over the United States, there’s no room for guesswork. Timelapse photography and cinematography live at the intersection of patience, precision, and trust... trust in your gear to perform flawlessly while you’re chasing light, weather, and movement across unpredictable environments. If you’ve ever filmed in the Northeast you’ll know that it can be 50 degrees one day and 12 the next. This was the case when filming for me at multiple stadiums.
For my recent work with NFL Films, my bag wasn’t packed with gimmicks. It was packed with tools that have proven themselves under pressure. Every piece has earned its place.
Here’s what came with me and why.
Shop Drew’s Kit:
Camera: Alpha 1 II, Alpha 7R V, ZV-E1
Lenses: 12-24mm f/2.8 G Master, 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II, 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II, 50mm f/1.2 G Master
Accessories: TOUGH CFexpress Type A Memory Cards
Cameras
Alpha 1 II: If there’s a centerpiece to my kit, this is it. The Sony Alpha 1 II is my go-to camera when I need uncompromising quality. High-resolution timelapse demands incredible dynamic range, clean files, and consistency across thousands of frames and this camera delivers all of it effortlessly. Whether I’m capturing a sunrise over a stadium or the pulse of a city coming alive at night, the A1 II gives me files that hold detail in highlights, depth in shadows, and color that grades beautifully for cinematic delivery. It’s the kind of camera that lets you focus on storytelling instead of technical limitations.
Photo by Drew Geraci (from timelapse)
Alpha 7R V: Timelapse is about detail and the Alpha 7R V thrives on it. With its ultra-high resolution sensor, this camera is perfect for cityscapes, architectural work, and sequences where I know I’ll want flexibility in post. Cropping, reframing, or adding subtle motion in post without losing quality is huge when delivering premium content. The A7R V is also rock solid for long exposures, which is critical when working at night or during blue hour.
ZV-E1: Small body. Big impact. Great for BTS! The ZV-E1 is my lightweight, versatile companion for behind-the-scenes shots, secondary angles, and video moments that complement the timelapse work. It’s fast, reliable, and surprisingly powerful for its size. When I need to stay nimble or grab footage without drawing attention, this camera earns its spot instantly.
Photo by Drew Geraci (from timelapse)
Lenses
12-24mm f/2.8 G Master: This lens is all about scale. When you want to show the enormity of a city/stadiums towering into the skyline, clouds racing overhead, streets flowing like arteries nothing beats an ultra-wide. It’s dramatic without feeling distorted, and it’s a staple for epic establishing timelapses.
Photo by Drew Geraci (from timelapse)
16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II: The workhorse. This lens lives on my camera more than anything else. From wide city shots to environmental storytelling, it’s incredibly sharp edge-to-edge and perfect for both timelapse and motion. If I could only bring one lens, this would be it.
24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II: This lens bridges the gap between wide and tight storytelling. It’s ideal for compressing city scenes, isolating details, or creating subtle, cinematic timelapse sequences with a more intimate feel. Paired with the 16-35mm II lens, this combo is unbeatable and great for travel.
50mm f/1.2 G Master: The 50mm f/1.2 GM brings character. When I want shallow depth, beautiful separation, or a more emotional visual tone, this lens shines. It’s not just sharp, it’s expressive. The quality of the blur on this lens is untouchable from any other lens on the market.
Photo by Drew Geraci (from timelapse)
Accessories
TOUGH CFexpress Type A Memory Cards: Timelapse production is brutal on media as you often end up with terabytes of data at the end of your project. The Sony Tough CFexpress A cards are fast, reliable, and built to survive real-world production. When you’re capturing thousands of frames per sequence, you can’t afford dropped frames or corrupted files. These cards are absolute tanks and they perform like it! These cards are always in my bag and are always reliable.
PolarPro ND 64 & ND 1000 Filters: Timelapse is about manipulating time, and ND filters are essential. The ND64 lets me smooth motion during daylight while maintaining natural exposure, while the ND1000 is my secret weapon for long exposures in bright conditions. These filters help turn chaotic movement, traffic, crowds, clouds, into fluid, cinematic motion. These are a must have in any timelapse kit!
Motion Control, Kessler CineShooter: Static timelapse is powerful – but motion timelapse is immersive. The Kessler CineShooter adds depth, parallax, and a sense of presence that static shots simply can’t match. Slow, precise camera movement across a city scene elevates timelapse from a visual to an experience. This tool transforms stillness into storytelling.
Photo by Drew Geraci (from timelapse)
Every item in my bag has been stress-tested in the field; from freezing mornings to long nights, from quiet rooftops to busy city streets. This gear doesn’t just capture images, it helps tell stories on a national stage. When working with a legacy brand like NFL Films, quality isn’t optional. It’s expected... and this kit delivers frame after frame, city after city.
See more of Drew Geraci’s work on his Alpha Universe Profile and on Instagram @drewgiggity.
