Ben Price is an experienced videographer based in Northern Ireland, shooting a range of exciting commercial video across multiple industries. His corporate work displays what he describes as a documentary approach, aided by his love of shooting on smaller camera systems.
"I've used my Canon EOS R6 since it was launched," says Ben. "I like it because it shoots 100fps in HD and 4K, doesn’t overheat, it's lightweight, weatherproof, small and maneuverable. It's also full-frame so, when combined with my 50mm f/1.2 L lens, it produces the quality that helps me deliver the story I want to tell in the style I want to achieve.
“My selection of dream kit would increase the range that I can offer to my clients – 6K to 8K, slow-motion, 12-bit cinema RAW and so on. All the time I'm looking at improving the efficiencies of my workflow without sacrificing quality.
"My workflow demands I carry nearly everything I will need in one rucksack camera bag (with the exception of C-stands, lights and modifiers), so small-body full-frame cameras that have incredible specifications will always be my go-to option, over bigger and heavier cinema cameras."
Specialisms: Commercial videography
Years active: 14
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Website: filmsbyben.com
Ben's current kit
1) Canon EOS R6
Time used: 4 years
This camera helped launch the current lineup of Canon mirrorless models and has an impressive high-ISO performance.
2) Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM
Time used: 10+ years
A firm professional favorite, this lens offers amazing light-gathering capacity and is one of only a few f/1.2 DSLR optics.
3) Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L USM
Time used: 5 years
Ben uses this for wide-angle footage. The constant aperture prevents exposure shifts between focal lengths.
4) Manfrotto MVK500
Time used: 10+ years
Equipped with a video head, this tripod provides Ben with fluid shots and stability in awkward locations.
5) DJI RS 2
Time used: 4 years
Pro video demands fluid motion and stable shots that are almost impossible to capture without a gimbal. Ben currently uses this model from DJI.
Ben's dream kit
1) Canon EOS R5 C
MPB says:
"Shoot breathtaking 8K 30p footage or 45MP stills, with the lightweight camera that combines the best of Cinema EOS with the advantages of the R series."
2) Canon EOS R6 Mark II
MPB says:
"Stills or video, action or portrait – the EOS R6 Mark II's unique blend of professional filmmaking and still image quality enables your creativity to thrive.
3) Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L
MPB says:
"Setting new standards of optical quality and speed, this lens offers supreme sharpness and low light performance. It can also focus down to just 0.4 m."
4) Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
MPB says:
"At just 1,070g it’s ideal for traveling. Image stabilization tech enables handheld shooting at exposures up to 5 stops longer than normal."
5) DJI RS 4
MPB says:
"The DJI RS 4 is a powerful and user-friendly camera stabilizer designed to take your filmmaking to the next level. This lightweight device boasts exceptional stabilization."
Ben's trade-in options
MPB suggests an extra dream kit item, and how Ben might trade-in to get it…
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM
While this lens is not a member of Canon’s premium L Series, it packs high-quality optics, rapid and smooth autofocus thanks to the STM drive, and a bright, constant f/1.8 aperture. Meanwhile the 35mm focal length offers a similar field of view to the human eye, making the video shot using it appear natural.
Why this item?
This lens is a more affordable, lightweight option that also has image stabilization and macro capabilities. It provides a natural focal length that works well for interviews or environmental shots, while also being discreet enough to carry anywhere and shoot inconspicuously to achieve candid reactions from subjects.
Trade-in Option
Ben could trade in his Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L lens and, if he decided against a like-for-like update to the RF version, it would free up some budget for his camera upgrades. Alternatively, since Ben mentions the 50mm is a key element of his existing kit, it would make sense for him to trade in his current EOS R6 camera body instead. This would be replaced by the updated EOS R6 Mark II, which is even better in low light, and Ben would be able to add the 35mm optic to his inventory for occasions when he wanted a smaller, lighter option than his EF 16-35mm DSLR lens. He could then retain the RF 50mm f/1.2.
