Top 10 must-have gadgets for the rookie filmmaker

At just over 10 ounces, the new Google Nexus 7 tablet is light enough to take anywhere — an essential feature for the novice filmmaker who has a bagful of gear to carry. With up to 9 hours of HD video playback and 10 hours of web browsing, the 7-inch tablet is a great tool for a filmmaker to use (Google, starting at $229).

Lights, camera, action! This MHD Sport Wifi Action Camera will capture unique shots — whether you’re tearing around a racetrack, speeding down ski slopes or exploring the ocean’s waters. The camera can be controlled directly or remotely using the included wrist-strap remote control (Monoprice, $177).

The new HD Camcorder with Premium Audio by Sony is perfect for rookie filmmakers because it allows them to use Wi-Fi to send videos to their smartphone. It also allows someone shooting the film to control the camera with their smartphone — which is ideal for someone who is also starring in the movie (Sony, $300).

Every filmmaker needs storage space for his work, so a perfect gift is a memory card to store HD video and high-resolution images. This Transcend card, for example, includes a lifetime warranty and has built-in error correction that automatically detects and fixes transfer errors (Amazon, $32).

Who said making films has to be done on the ground? This Syma S107C Camera 3 Channel Remote Control Helicopter is equipped with the latest Gyroscope technology. Allow your rookie filmmaker to capture scenes high above what the eye can see (Amazon, $32).

With this software, you can help the filmmaker in your life visualize, brainstorm and organize story ideas before the filming process begins. StoryBoard Quick has easy page-layout features, graphic-manipulation tools and caption storage — making preproduction easy and fun (Amazon, $249).

Discover how to create professional-quality digital videos through this book, which was written by a seasoned pro with 40 years of teaching experience. Digital Filmmaking for Beginners introduces novice filmmakers to all technical aspects of filmmaking by featuring clear instructions accompanied by online video demonstrations (Amazon, $25).

Featuring a host of filmmakers, The Art of Filmmaking will provide inspiration to any rookie filmmaker. This DVD documentary features interviews with classic filmmakers such as James Cameron, Tim Burton and West Craven, who offer behind-the-scenes stories and advice about their triumphs and failures (Amazon, $80).

Nothing says filmmaking like a movie clapperboard. There are several varieties available, from ones that use chalk to others that are dry-erase boards. This clapperboard includes space for the name of the scene, the cut, the take and the date of production (Amazon, $17).

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