Sam Kolder uses a variety of cameras to produce his videos. His main ones are the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II and EOS 7D Mark II DSLR cameras, but he also uses Sony’s mirrorless a7S II and a6500. Plus, he uses multiple drone cameras too.
My name is Caleb, and I’ve been a photographer for more than four years. I’m a self-taught sports photographer, and one of the things I’ve learned from the experience is what goes into a good camera setup.
In this article, I’ll explain Sam Kolder’s gear, from his main cameras to his drones and accessories. If you’re interested in the equipment behind his distinct filmmaking style, keep reading for a complete overview.
Contents
What DSLR Camera Does Sam Kolder Use?
Sam Kolder uses a couple of DSLR cameras, and both of them are from Canon. This setup is pretty balanced, including one full-frame camera and one APS-C model.
Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
Kolder’s full-frame DSLR is more known for use with action photographers than filmmakers. That’s because the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II is the fastest shooting of the 1D line, with 14fps continuous shooting in burst mode.
The Mark II is more focused on speed rather than just capturing the highest resolution possible, though the 20.2-megapixel sensor still isn’t anything to laugh at quality-wise.
More importantly for a filmmaker, this camera can record 4K 60fps footage or 120fps at 1080p. This isn’t the only feature suited for video. It also has 61 autofocus points, and continuous autofocus modes designed explicitly with video in mind.
Basically, the EOS-1D X Mark II is an excellent full-frame option if you’re interested in shooting videos. While it’s not cheap, it’s also cheaper these days than at its launch.
Canon EOS 7D Mark II
One of Sam Kolder’s alternate camera options is the Canon EOS 7D Mark II, a model that came out in 2014 as a midrange option.
The 7D Mark II has a 20.2-megapixel sensor, 10fps continuous shooting, and 1080p video recording.
The specs on this model aren’t anything special, and you can find similar or better ones in Canon’s current entry-level cameras.
It is cheap now compared to its initial launch price, but it’s still cheaper to just get a newer model like a Rebel t6i which likely has a better resolution anyway.
What Mirrorless Camera Does Sam Kolder Use?
Sam Kolder also uses two mirrorless cameras, both coming from Sony.
Sony a7S II
One of Sam Kolder’s mirrorless cameras is the Sony a7S II, a very capable video-focused model known for being the first full-frame camera to record in 4K.
The a7S II has a 12.2-megapixel resolution for still photos instead of focusing on video. Aside from the aforementioned 4K capability, the a7S II is designed with fast autofocus and 5-axis stabilization to make capturing good footage easier.
As a mirrorless camera, the a7S II is also smaller than many of its DSLR counterparts, making it easier to use on the move.
Sony a6500
The Sony a6500 is another mirrorless camera with a similar feature set to the a7S II, but with an APS-C sensor.
The a6500 has 24.2 megapixels, and like its larger counterpart, the a7S II, it can also record in 4K. It has a very fast 11fps continuous shooting speed, making it ideal for capturing action shots.
It also features 5-axis stabilization to help with capturing footage smoothly.
What GoPro Does Sam Kolder Use?
Sam Kolder’s action camera of choice is the GoPro HERO6, which isn’t the latest model from the company but is still plenty capable in terms of specs.
The HERO6 provides a 12-megapixel resolution and 4K video capture at 60fps. Its processing chip is an upgraded design from the HERO5, and this upgrade is said to offer twice the performance.
As expected from a GoPro camera, the HERO6 is waterproof up to 33 feet and is designed to withstand rugged use. Despite its small size, it does feature in-body stabilization.
What Drone Does Sam Kolder Use
Sam Kolder uses two drones, both of them from top manufacturer DJI.
The first is the DJI Mavic Pro, which features its own gimbal stabilized 4K camera and a transmission range of 4.3 miles. The drone is also pretty fast, able to fly up to 40mph.
Conveniently, you can control the drone with your phone using Wi-Fi.
Kolder also uses the higher-end DJI Inspire 2, which costs more than the Mavic Pro but comes with additional capabilities.
The Inspire 2 can shoot footage at up to 5.2K in CinemaDNG RAW, making it ideal for use by professional filmmakers and others with high-quality demands.
Furthermore, this one is even faster than the Mavic Pro and can reach a speed of 58mph.
What Stabilizer Does Sam Kolder Use?
Sam Kolder uses the Zhiyun Crane 2S handheld stabilizer. This stabilizer is a mechanical gimbal that has six different modes for different types of shots.
It’s a pretty versatile piece of equipment, as you can use it with anything from a phone to a larger DSLR camera like the ones from the Canon 1D series.
Additionally, the Crane 2S has a simplified setup process, which might make it easier for newcomers compared to other gimbals requiring a complex setup.
What Tripod Does Sam Kolder Use?
Sam Kolder uses a pair of tripods produced by JOBY. The first is the JOBY GorillaPod 3K Kit, a compact tripod with bendable plastic legs.
The main appeal is the ability to bend the legs to any position, giving the tripod more versatility than a more rigid design. The legs can also collapse into a selfie stick.
The JOBY GorillaPod 5K Kit is more or less the same but designed instead for use with larger and heavier DSLR cameras.
FAQs
Here are some other frequently asked questions about Sam Kolder and his setup.
What Does Sam Kolder Do?
Sam Kolder is both a filmmaker and YouTuber. His YouTube videos and vlogs have made him something of a celebrity influencer, and he is also known for working with the DJ duo The Chainsmokers.
What Video Editor Does Sam Kolder Use?
Sam Kolder uses Adobe Premiere Pro to edit his videos.
Conclusion
Sam Kolder has a wide variety of camera options to get the job done, ranging from the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II and Sony a7S II to drone cameras and the GoPro HERO6.
Have you used any of these cameras? Which camera in Sam Kolder’s collection would you want for yourself? Let us know in the comments.
