Sony Artisan Andrew Geraci is a multi-talented, pro content creator based in Washington, DC. His cinematography and timelapse skills have landed him work on projects with Steven Speilberg, David Fincher, Jeff Ford, Angus Wall and a host of commercial brands like Sony, NFL, Apple, Netflix, HBO, Showtime, Redbull, Nike and many more. To create such high-quality work, he needs high-quality gear – and that’s where his maximized Sony kit comes into play. With two Sony Alpha cameras, a Sony cinema camera and four G Master lenses, he’s able to get the high-quality photos and videos he needs for any professional project. Keep reading as he shares the gear you’ll find in his current kit.
Product Preview – In This Article You’ll Find:
–Sony Alpha 7R V
–Sony Alpha 1
–Sony FX3
–Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II
–Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master
–Sony 12-24mm f/2.8 G Master
–Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II
Cameras
Sony Alpha 7R V: This is my main go-to stills camera for capturing timelapse because the dynamic range and megapixel count allows me to capture at the highest resolution possible, giving me more latitude to work in post-production. I also love the image-stacking capabilities that the camera has to offer when it comes to macro photography.
An early morning gathering of tourists and photographers as the sun rises at the Tidal Basin in Washington DC during peak cherry blossom season. I used the Sony Alpha 7R V to be able to capture a large range of dynamic range, color, and resolution with this image. Coupled with the Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master to create a more graphical composition. Photo by Andrew Geraci. Sony Alpha 7R V. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/8000-sec., f/1.2, ISO 80
Sony Alpha 1: You can’t go anywhere without the Alpha 1 in your bag because it offers every feature you could think of for both photo and video. I use it quite often for motion-controlled timelapse photography as well as video when I’m in a run-n-gun situation. I never leave home without it!
Sony FX3: My personal favorite for capturing video. When a client asks for something that can match the Sony Venice for a feature film or if I need to capture cinema quality footage for an advertising campaign this is my first choice. The embedded 1⁄4-20 ports allows me to add accessories without a film cage which is great if I’m doing something simple but still want to attach an external monitor to the unit. Love the film quality of this body!
The Washington monument stands brilliantly against the explosion of color from the sunrise at the tidal basin in Washington, DC during the cherry blossom season. The Sony FX3 was used to both capture video and still frames of this event with incredible clarity and definition. Every shot looks cinematic with the FX3! Photo by Andrew Geraci. Sony Alpha FX3. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master. 1/250-sec., f/2.8, ISO 100
Lenses
Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II: This is my favorite ‘get around’ lens as I often photograph architecture and love to create both wide and tighter shots all at the same time. The 35mm allows me to create graphical compositions that you can’t really achieve with wider lenses.
Photo by Andrew Geraci. Sony Alpha 7R V. Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/200-sec., f/2.8, ISO 160
Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master: My go-to cinema lens. If I want to make something look ultra cinematic, whether in a timelapse or a video production, this is the lens I choose. The ultra-fast aperture and tack sharp glass is what draws me to this lens. I never leave home without it!
The Milky Way lights up the night sky in the western United States utilizing the Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. Because the aperture is so large and fast I was able to capture the Milky Way with ease, detail and sharpness. Photo by Andrew Geraci. Sony Alpha 7S III. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 5-sec., f/1.2, ISO 5000
Sony 12-24mm f/2.8 G Master: The ultimate wide-angle lens and my favorite for sweeping landscape vistas and other wide scenes. I wouldn’t trade this lens for anything else. Being able to film at 12mm is a game changer because it allows me to capture far more than my 16-35mm and then allows me to recompose my shot in post because I’m filming with my Sony Alpha 7R V or Sony Alpha 1.
Photo by Andrew Geraci. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 12-24mm f/2.8 G Master. 4/5-sec., f/4, ISO 50
Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II: When I’m shooting video this lens rarely leaves the body. It gives me the range and sharpness I need to capture compelling shots without having to swap lenses constantly. The manual aperture ring is something I love as well, and really helps with controlling exposure in auto-exposure modes.
The Kennedy Center in Washington DC lights up with the colors of the rainbow in this nearly 2” minute long exposure shot. The Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II really allowed me to zoom in and frame up with exactly what I needed and also allowed me to capture a beautiful exposure with incredible detail. Photo by Andrew Geraci. Sony Alpha 7R V. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 3.2-sec., f/10, ISO 50
Accessories
CFExpress A Cards: I hate things that slow my production or post-production down so having the CFExpress cards allow me to transfer data ultra fast between camera and computer, so it’s a no-brainer to have these in my kit!
Extended battery Grip: Allows me to film longer timelapses out in the field without having to bring larger batteries to supply power. Two batteries allows me to film for hours!
Kessler Cineshooter+: My favorite accessory to take my timelapse photography to the next level. It has a 3-axis head that allows me to create creative compositions that my clients and viewers love to watch.
Atomos Ninja V+: You have to be able to see what you’re filming and the Ninja V+ allows me to ensure I get the proper exposure on my scene and subject(s). This is a must-have item when paired with the Sony FX3.
ND Filters: ND1 – 1000: ND filters are a necessary tool to be able to capture both timelapse and video content; because of this I never leave home without them! If you’re not able to control the exposure then you’ll likely limit yourself on what you can achieve visually.
See more of Andrew Geraci’s work on his Alpha Universe Profile and on Instagram @drewgiggity.