Camera GEAR DOES MATTER in Filmmaking.

Alright we need to settle something here. The internet absolutely loves to say that “Gear Doesn’t Matter”, and it’s become a popular trend for photographers and videographers to make videos on why camera gear does not matter. And this may be a controversial opinion, but in my experience working as an underwater and wildlife cinematographer, I can absolutely say that gear does matter, and owning and operating particular systems, and having experience with certain cameras is a prerequisite to many projects.
Now what I do agree with with this mantra, is that you shouldn’t let gear get in the way of you shooting and filming projects. Just because you don’t own or can’t afford the right lens, or the newest camera doesn’t mean that you should put your filmmaking or project on hold. I think there’s an important distinction to make when we talk about gear and it’s importance.
Gear definitely matters and I’ll dive into this in the video, but not having gear or not being able to afford gear shouldn’t stop you shooting with what you currently have on a more beginner level. If you can only afford a second hand camera with a lens or two, this is more than enough to get started, build your experience and create some great projects to learn from. But if you’re turning up to a client site with an old cheap camera and a few zoom lenses, this is where I start to disagree with this mentality.
Saying gear doesn’t matter will hinder your ability to learn how different equipment operates, and it will limit your ability to progress in the world of filmmaking. Don’t spend money you don’t have, and don’t invest in equipment widely outside your skill level, but do expand your knowledge of equipment and how different pieces of technology may assist your filmmaking as you expand your filmmaking experience. These are specialised pieces of equipment, and as you grow more as a filmmaker you will be expected to learn how these work and have experience using them.
-- Cinematographer Bio --
Tom Park is an accomplished underwater cinematographer and director, with over a decade of experience working in the underwater film industry. Tom has worked on a variety of projects, from short form docu-series to commercials and brand campaigns, for clients such as The National Gallery of Victoria, Tourism & Events Queensland, Destination NSW, The Smithsonian, and his work has been recognised with awards from film festivals around the world.
Tom is known for his technical expertise in working with underwater cameras and equipment, as well as his creative vision in capturing the beauty and uniqueness of the underwater world. He is passionate about ocean conservation and using his art to raise awareness about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems.
If you are looking for a dedicated underwater cinematographer in your documentary film crew, or are a brand looking to create an unforgettable marketing campaign, Tom has the skills and experience to help you bring your vision to life.
For more visit my website: www.tomparkfilms.com
or find my work on socials at tomsunderwaterphotography
For business enquires only, please shoot me a message at [e-mail]

[@luxurytravel759]

This applies to anything really, any profession. I agree lots of photographers say this phrase that equipment doesn’t matter while they are shooting that video on the most expensive piece of camera or the lens there is on the market:))) Let’s put it this way, if someone is a beginner sure using any equipment is better than not shooting or creating at all, however, in order to shoot amazing cinematic footage you absolutely need high end gear. Bad photographer/videographer (someone doesn’t know the gear at all) can’t shoot anything even if you give him the best equipment. But a good photographer/videographer will be limited in his abilities to create something amazing without a good gear. This phrase always made me cringe when people say gear doesn’t matter. Ok then, Steven Spielberg can shoot amazing Hollywood movies with just GoPro, you know, since he is the best director/producer and filmmaker and he can hire the best camera men. No point to use million dollar camera equipments on the set, just use GoPro. Thats how stupid “gear doesn’t matter” phrase sounds to me.