Barney

If you're shooting close-ups and want to maintain clean audio, you can't do without a Barney. This item is an insulated protective cover — usually made of foam or neoprene — that you pull over the camera's motor housing. The camera motor runs constantly, and in sensitive shots, you'll clearly hear the rattling and whirring of the focus motor, iris motor, and internal mechanics on the audio. The Barney dampens these noises without completely blocking the cooling circulation — that's the trick.

Practical on Set: You primarily need a Barney in three scenarios: first, for genuine close-ups where the camera is close to the actor's mouth; second, in absolutely silent sequences where any motor noise destroys the stillness; third, for shots without playback, where the original sound will be synchronized later and you need to minimize any ambient noise. In practice, you put the Barney over the housing as soon as you're recording audio. Some DoPs also work without one if the camera is far enough away or the sound will be post-dubbed anyway — but as soon as your sound mixer gets nervous, the Barney is your best friend.

Material and Handling: A proper Barney is made of multi-layered material — often foam inside for absorption, durable on the outside so it doesn't shed fibers. Important: It must fit loosely, not too tight, otherwise heat will build up. For longer takes in summer, you might need a smaller or perforated Barney to prevent heat buildup. Some cameras have specific Barneys, others are universal — this depends on the camera's design. On the side where your follow focus gear shaft is located, you might need to cut a hole.

The name, by the way, comes from American grip slang and is still used today — one of those terms that stubbornly persists because the item itself is so practical. Basically, the Barney is low-tech but highly effective: it costs little, weighs almost nothing, and saves you hours in audio post-production or even reshoots later because the original sound is clean.