Gear and gadgets: Some of our favourites to kick off the year.

TRIPOD GRIP & DM-E100 STEREO MICROPHONE

WORKING WITH camera equipment can either be a breeze or a gale-force wind. There is a large selection of peripheral technology available that caters to specific camera users, ranging from novice enthusiasts all the way through to professionals. And Canon is going after everyone with the introduction of a new microphone and tripod grip. The keywords for these items are compactibility and convenience.

The lightest microphone offered by Canon to date – the DM-E100 – offers enhanced pickup to capture audio at its highest quality. The microphone utilises an electret condenser design and features a 100 Hz to 10 kHz frequency pickup. The design is small, weighing just 64 g, and can easily fit in your palm. Not needing a battery, the microphone is plug-and-play and uses a 3.5 mm audio jack, which makes it a promising addition for any content creator who’s just starting out or works on the go.

Keeping the microphone and camera steady is the new HG-100TBR tripod grip. When not locked in position, the grip can swing in a full 360° rotation, while offering users an adjustable tilt mount of 45° forwards and 90° backwards. It also boasts vertical movie-recording functionality when used with a camera that supports it. A light and compact design ensures the grip can be conveniently stored and easily transported. When used with the Canon BR-E1 wireless remote control – the first Canon tripod grip with this feature – remote shooting and recording are made easy.