I get asked about gear more than anything else, so here's what I'm actually using, what I think of it, and what I'd buy if I were starting over with the same budget.
Camera: Sony FX3
I bought the FX3 in 2023 and I'm still happy with it. The dual native ISO (800 and 12800) is genuinely useful — at ISO 12800 in S-Log3 the noise is manageable and the image still grades well. The autofocus is better than I need for narrative work. My main complaint is the form factor: it's sized for a gimbal, which means rigging it for handheld or shoulder work requires a cage and a lot of accessories. With a full rig it's heavier than a dedicated cinema camera that already has the handles built in.
If I were starting fresh today I'd seriously look at the Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K. The 6K sensor, ProRes RAW, and built-in NDs are compelling, and the Resolve integration is obviously excellent. The autofocus is the tradeoff.
Lenses: Sigma 24mm and 50mm f/1.4 Art
The Sigma Art lenses are the best value in modern cinema-adjacent optics. Sharp wide open, consistent color across focal lengths (which matters when you're intercutting), and the focus breathing is minimal enough that I don't think about it. The 24mm is my primary lens — I use it for probably 60% of shots. The 50mm for tighter coverage and close-ups.
I've thought about adding a 35mm but the 24mm and 50mm cover 90% of what I need and I'd rather not carry more glass.
Audio: Zoom F3 + Sennheiser MKH 50
The Zoom F3's 32-bit float recording has genuinely changed how I think about audio on small crews. I no longer set levels — I set them conservatively and deal with any clipping in post, which essentially never happens because 32-bit float just doesn't clip. The MKH 50 is a supercardioid that handles indoor dialog well without being as tightly directional as a shotgun.