My Ultimate Daily Pocket Camera

Thoughts on carrying a small camera daily, and reflections on my first point-and-shoot camera.
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OUR COMMUNITY DISCORD:
/ discord
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*SCORE
Excerpts from Chypho - Eelgrass Meadows
from Episodes in Oceanography vol. 2
chypho.bandcam...
Huge thanks to Chypho for allowing me to use their music in my videos - you can support them by buying their digital releases on Bandcamp, or by purchasing their casettes.
chypho.bandcam...
www.jahbulonre...
Final track and recurring ambient pad produced myself
Synthesized on Korg Volca FM 2
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"G9X"
23.12.09 - 23.12.10
Cleveland, OH
*Made for the sake of making.
Evan Monsma

[@EvanMonsma]

Our community discord (for makers of all kinds): discord.com/invite/j9N9tHmJmK

[@Hawk7886]

I really love your awkward, genuine style. You're doing your own thing without any of the overprocessed, hypermanufactured 'youtuber' stuff that's so prevalent everywhere else. It reminds me of what the platform used to feel like back in the day. I can't wait to see what you do with your future projects dude

[@EvanMonsma]

Thanks- yeah I'm definitely being intentional about not playing up a super fake personality and all that

[@MrRafaztar]

Lol it’s just a different editing style but still cinematic and planned.

[@MrRafaztar]

You might like it more but it’s not genuine

[@Hawk7886]

@@MrRafaztar sad take

[@obomasinladen]

If by “Doing your own thing” you mean making an over melodramatic video about a digicam, ok

[@Etna.]

As a fan of Van Neistat, I really do appreciate your style of storytelling. I am rethinking all of my deal on KZbin or even social media in general for a while right now and I think your video made me for a lack of a better term: flip the switch. More honesty in my life and delivering more than just showing off. Thank you for that! Regards, Etna.

[@DoppCreations]

I think you are on to something. Some of my favorite moments were when I lived in Japan from 2006-2008. I didn’t have a smartphone, and I all I could afford and carry was a little Sony point and shoot. To this day it remains some of my favorite memories and shots I have ever taken. This video is making me reconsider why that is. Kudos, thanks for the great video.

[@EvanMonsma]

Thank you for the comment, means a lot. I'm glad I could provide something that resonates with that memory. Maybe you could mess around with a camera like that again and see how you enjoy it!

[@KentHeckel]

As someone who has carried a point & shoot since 2014. Im so glad you are experiencing the joy! Its such a pleasure to shoot with something meant for video instead of the iphone

[@KentHeckel]

WAIT YOU'RE IN CLEVELAND??? Love stumbling on a creator also in town :) Love your stuff so far

[@ChosenTheKing]

Just found your channel after that VIRAL HIT-SENSATION of a last video haha, and I love the aesthetic and videography you bring. I also liked the narrative piece you did, it feels very grounded and achievable. I’m a bit frustrated by all “life changing realizations” some similar style channels have every video. It’s like they think their life isn’t worth sharing unless they uncover something profound. I’m much happier if creators focused more often on little things that make them happy. It’ll probably resonate with less people but it fees more genuine. Will definitely be going through all your old content :) hope you keep making dope videos!

[@EvanMonsma]

Thank you. I appreciate this comment a lot- I've been thinking about how the storytelling fits into these projects. I want to be intentional about how I balance that without feeling like I'm turning everything into a big unnecessary insightful story every time. But I'm glad for the perspective you've shared- that my videos are sort of a different thing because I'm keeping the stakes low, at the end of the day the story isn't about how "this thing changed my life!!" its just "this thing is fun". Thanks for the comment and insight.

[@Miscast]

g7x has been my daily carry, I made a thumb grip out of epoxy and got custom straps made that wouldn't jingle on video. love the battery holster man. really beautiful.

[@EvanMonsma]

Thank you man 🙏 The G7X rig sounds sick

[@adityaranawat9030]

how you mentioned everything thats in my head n finally feels good that people like me exits amazing work man... love ya

[@LajosNagy]

Today I smiled again. Today will be a good day. Thank you.

[@rimostle]

Your videos are always so inspiring and weirdly calming. Also a pocket camera is such a good idea too, I for one prefer the raw footage it gives a lot

[@EvanMonsma]

Thanks! Yeah I'm liking it a lot

[@catjive2]

You really capture the Cleveland I grew up in. Thanks for that

[@benjo6698]

That was a nice mix of storytelling, craftsmanship and inspiration to try something new for yourself. Thanks man!

[@kildareire]

My new favourite channel. Please keep on creating. 👍👍

[@EvanMonsma]

Thank you, means a lot. Plenty more coming for sure

[@ItsCaptainAllan]

I love the fact that most of your concepts are always focused on functionality rather than aesthetics. Much love from Kenya, East Africa.

[@bubblesculptor]

Excellent! Nice seeing the younger generation enjoying this type of crafting

[@VyssaTV]

Love your content man, I never comment on anything but I'm well aware how much it means to smaller/growing creators. Keep killing it.

[@EvanMonsma]

Thanks man 🙏 I appreciate it

[@cosmashono7665]

It’s so calming and so original watching your videos. Watched your 0$ camera rig earlier and immediately subscribed. Keep up the originality. Had some camera accessories in my Amazon basket…after watching that video, I didn’t even know when I removed those items from the basket.

[@CheveeDodd]

I have that same old Powershot... bought it for $20 in 2016 to start my daily KZbin practice. It carried me for 6 months and I love it.

[@EvanMonsma]

Sick- its so much fun to use. Batteries just die soooo quick shooting 1080 on it

[@CheveeDodd]

@@EvanMonsma I have a little belt pouch and about 4 aftermarket batteries that still live in my larger camera bag because it is super awesome to just have around. Thanks for the reminder to take it out more often!

[@TaleW.I.P]

Subscribed within 15 seconds, i have the exact outlook as you're describing. Love when I watch KZbinrs I can relate too. Awesome video!

[@no_name9165]

First video I've seen since the custom grip handles you made. Really nice video and inspirational. Keep up the good work.

[@EvanMonsma]

Thank you 🙏

[@Thelobbyingdetective]

Greetings from The Gambia, West Africa!

[@WorldAccordingToRad]

I can see link between your videos and Van Neistats. Good job, keep on creating. Greets from Poland.

[@kathrynmonsma]

Love this one Definitely makes me appreciate the simplicity of not being so reliant on phones and clean fancy devices. I love taking little pictures and videos when I can- capturing beauties and moments big or small, but I do always feel a bit obnoxious whipping out my phone. I love the concept of the maybe-not-highest-quality but accessible and simple and wonderful in that way pocket camera. Letting the videos from the old Cannon play and then playing your newer shots is such a beautiful time jump- it's the same magic, same simple joy of seeing a deer or a cool building or a cool moment and just taking some of it in. What a joy :) Thanks for continuously highlighting the moments, opportunities, joys, creativities, and simple pleasures that we keep forgetting about.

[@EvanMonsma]

THANKS:)

[@kathrynmonsma]

YAH

[@FonGomez]

This was so refreshing to watch. KZbin needs such spaces more than ever! Best from Mexico City

[@LuisMercadoorg]

Another gem! I just hope that, as your skill get better and better, you still keep this rough, improvised aesthetic. All your final products are quite charming in no small part due that finish. Edit: missed my opportunity to call this from the very beginning “a literal battery grip”

[@EvanMonsma]

Haha thanks man- yeah definitely gonna keep up the rough aesthetic. Its just more fun to make things kinda shitty a lot of times lol

[@LuisMercadoorg]

@@EvanMonsma it surely beats the hyper refinement of tech today. Too sterile.

[@DevonTalksTabletop]

You have such a natural ease at storytelling, Evan. Keep up the great work, and I'm super excited by your growth and your success so far :)

[@EvanMonsma]

Thanks Devon 🙏

[@StMediaNL]

Very relatable. A year ago I did a US roadtrip (European here) and I used my GoPro for video. That while I had my iPhone with me as well. The thing is, these camera's are designed to capture video. You turn them on and they are ready to shoot. With phones, you gotta unlock, search the app, etc. Also, you can put a camera on a table or ground. Phones, you gotta hold them or you need a big cage/tool. And the shots always have this way too sharp look, while video camera's have a softer look usually. It's easier on your eyes. Thx for sharing, fun video to watch. :)

[@pupi-pupi]

the last part of video with your childhood shots with the synth score is amazing

[@CoachRamona]

I really enjoyed the story telling in this video. More of this! Thank You.

[@michelveraliot]

I really apreciate the simplicity and calmness of your videos, the story telling is awsome keep going ! my grand pa had an G9X loved this camera as an kid, idk what happened to it but i will surely use it again if my family find it he loved canon and as i'am learning photography now this video was very special for me.

[@ohgun515]

I'm glad Will put you in his video. You deserve way more attention, the quality in these videos is insane.

[@nathanb9111]

Another fantastic video as is the usual from you. I appreciate your attention to the small things. I find a similar change in my behaviour over the last few years as someone who used to be a digital photographer where it was not unusual to take over 12,000 photos in a day of racing. These days, I'd be lucky to take more than five hundred over an entire year. Less photos, but the emotional connection to each one is far, far more. And I find alot of my work is what many would call mundane, everyday photos of the city I live within or the rolling hills in the distance, but I find immensely enjoyable to capture these often-overlooked scenes. And that's all that matters. My first camera sits on the desk a few meters from where I am, and even before this video I have thought to bring it back into the light as a daily carry. I always have at least one (often several) film cameras on me so it wouldn't take up much space! Thank you for the motivation.

[@R2r_1337]

Great video. Made me feel a bit nostalgic. I started shooting photos when I was 26, so very late. In your videos that you did as a kid I can see pure excitement about just going out and shooting. Something I guess I can’t have as an adult. After your vid I started thinking about the things I really enjoyed back then. Internet was different and new, video games were fun… now everything is kinda meh

[@g.g.frammer5732]

So cool! Really an amazing way of story telling and craftsmanship! Also I might be wrong but that looks like bridges over the Willamette in the scenic shots, I love it so much! Childhood

[@RachaelPadilla]

Delightful! It's always a pleasure to watch one of your movies, and the camera project looks great as well.

[@alexbergen9981]

This has been another beautiful installment of “Evan Has Fun” 🥳🤪

[@pewpl]

Wow. This was a really enjoyable watch. Love the vibe of these videos.

[@shayes.x]

Speaking of every day carry items, I recently got an EDC flashlight (Nicron N7 if anyone is interested). I've found having a small device dedicated to providing a powerful and consistent light source (as compared to a phone flashlight) to be both helpful and fun. It's more practical than a phone light in many cases, as the form factor is purpose built and you don't have to worry about possibly damaging your $1000 smartphone just to have some mediocre light. It's more fun than a phone light because it typically has much further range, and it's always a nice feeling when you get to use a tool that you regularly carry with you. To relate this to your video, I think I got a similar feeling when I got my EDC flashlight (and similarly with my EDC knife). I'm not one to take many photos in general, but through my similar experiences I am able to relate to your discussion about an EDC camera. Great video, keep it up!

[@hardworksmart]

Thank you for this video! I think you're right - camera limitations make us go out and shoot.

[@nathanarrowsuch5014]

What an awesome vid ! I love your studio, the simplicity and what you are able to do with not a lot of! Keep them coming my freind!

[@elijah6496]

i really love this channel. the style of your videos are amazing and genuine. i love that you also customize your cameras the way you like, building parts for your camera. my second favorite thing after photography:). you deserve many more subscribers.

[@pandalavalamp]

I fucking love your video style man, there's somehting inherently nostalgic about it.

[@EvanMonsma]

Thank you 🙏

[@-hyphenated]

Evan lives in the present day, trying to revert himself to older ways of life

[@s.y.n.c.c]

Wholesome video and nice idea about the extra battery grip

[@CrisArrejin]

I just want to say thank you

[@maximumfunk5484]

I opened KZbin after being completely unproductive today even though I have no pressing matters to take care of. Watched this video first and it's going to be my last video on KZbin for a while today. Thanks for always being inspiring Evan.

[@EvanMonsma]

I love that- thanks for the comment man- I appreciate it

[@JohnRogersWalks]

What a wonderful, magical video - loved everything about it! Great work.

[@creditcardchase]

In the latest episode of Monsma Adventures: Evan solders a suspicious handheld device, trespasses in a school, and videos various scenes without consent

[@EvanMonsma]

In the next video we'll see how many of my cameras TSA thinks are bombs!

[@kathrynmonsma]

but it looks cool so therefore it's all fine :D

[@UncagedCrayon]

always making bangers evan. you capture such a feeling in everything you film

[@EmilyNIcholas-c4x]

BRO, I can relate. And you've really captured some magic.

[@coscorrodrift]

This video was a whole vibe, i liked that. That grip was very Neistat but the style of the video is def yours. Miss those times My brother bought the same camera 2nd hand a year or so ago, for "regular youtube" it definitely helps to have a better camera but for those kinda old school memory lane clips and to get the feeling back there's nothing like it. I also have a point and shoot i got 2nd hand, an Ixus something. Neat thing, but i've been forgetting to take it out lately

[@creativeleodaily]

These kind of bricked buildings were the only reason I went to UK, and wont lie, I gave the Like to your video only after watching these buildings which I can relate to... and btw awesome view, I am also looking for portability camera setup... as I am planning to start going on Euro trips...

[@MindfulGrinds]

Super cool man! Love the custom half cage.

[@EvanMonsma]

Thanks man

[@cruikshank]

Really enjoyed this video. The flashbacks to your early PS experience was great. I’m a forced to retire due to 4 spine surgeries professional photographer. Among the many cameras I once owned was a Canon G10 and G11. Both great in their own right. Nowadays I do most of my shooting on my old iPhone 8+ and GoPro Hero 7 Black. I’m on a fixed income and trying to find a way to pay for a newer but used iPhone. Hopefully a 13 Pro. I shoot so much with my phone because It’s always there. I’ve had it so long it’s on its 3rd battery and it’s always full because it’s only 64GB. That was some skills shaping that copper. Reminded me of metal shop back in the 70’s. I look forward to seeing more of your work. Like others mentioned, I enjoyed your low key flow. Not yelling and 100 quick cuts. Thanks for sharing.

[@spa1ktc]

Incredibly inspiring! Thank you!

[@Quackalope]

Great, great, great.

[@MrAndresMira]

Hi! Nice vid! Have fun with it ^^ I recently got a Lumix GX80 and is so fun to have some camera always with me. feels natural.

[@zacharyrivera5418]

Bro, I’m loving your videos, really have me hooked now, keep it going brother

[@realestatebuyjosh]

LFGOOOOOOOOOOO excellent video. Looking to buy a camera to reduce my phone use also (just broke up with my smartwatch for a Casio too). It was said elsewhere, your style is immediately reminding me of Van Neistat - the only person I watch on KZbin (when not looking for camera reviews) - you just made the list. I’m so sick of polished reviews of people regurgitating the same bullshit over and over. Storytelling will change the world, and you’re great at it.

[@JamesWall-k4j]

Love it.

[@EvanMonsma]

Thanks 🙏

[@tomassanchez8960]

This is good man, really good.

[@equipadont]

We've gone full circle with this one

[@iosmusicman]

Ace video. Super sounds too.

[@reidaudioworks]

The pocket notebook thing stuck with me for whatever reason and I'm starting to try it. Would love to see a video on how you utilize it and what advantages you think it brings to the creative process. Maybe a little boring compared to actually building something but I'd watch it haha

[@sentimentalhermit]

Using the extra battery/holster as auxiliary front grip is a great idea

[@weshall2897]

Love this idea and you did a great job of telling the story about it. I have been going no phone for a bit now, relying on my cellular apple watch to stay connected through just text and phone and cutting out distracting apps like you mentioned. But have missed being able to capture photos/videos to show people things I see in the day to day. But carrying a pocket camera is a great idea! I have a gopro hero 9 that I might test it out on but might make the jump to a point and shoot at some point

[@tinrobit]

just found your channel, loved the $0 camera video, genuinly hit home and ive been thinking that exact thing what i needed to hear for the past few weeks, ( going back to basics ) thank you, i needed to watch that video, i just got a 2015 camera at a thrift store, and fixed it by getting parts online, ive been using my phone less and less, hope to see more videos

[@aravindvinayakan]

Big Neistat vibes, while still being original and authentic! Looking forward to seeing more videos from you :)

[@TailoredSheets]

This was informative and beautifully sincere. 🖤

[@nexus8wanga-iv6ec]

I am a g9x mark 2 user. I was dissatisfied with the lack of customizable parts even though it is a relatively advanced compact camera. However, I was impressed with your video. It is rugged but very cool. It gave me a hint that I can create a base plate and use it as a starting point for my own customization.

[@elihennessyjones]

beautiful video bro coincidentally i've started doing that same thing with my old canon ixus its quite magical

[@EvanMonsma]

Thanks man

[@intothewoods_23]

Fun project!

[@MatthewEarhart-dj6bl]

First video I’ve came across 👍🏻👍🏻. I just do photography as a hobby with a little bit of video here and there. Now I’m off to Amazon to look for a point and shoot camera 😂.

[@ps91digitalarts29]

I just ran across your videos. I believe we are in the rotation cycle where people are getting bored with the new. There’s something about using things from the past and getting a look that looks more cinematic without using apps and luts.

[@Zoom.Dude.]

Ah Cleveland you beautiful city

[@SkysTrains]

i got that feeling, about just wanting the basic feeling of a point and shoot camera, personally i got a canon eos r100, just cause i wanted a little more expansion, thanks for the video.

[@npegg]

you're amazing

[@trels203]

Like the custom work, sick vid

[@sithilliyanage3676]

Try CHDK (Canon Hack Development Kit) with your canon point and shoots, it's similar to Magic Lantern for DSLRs. You can run it without modifying the firmware. 😜

[@kevinnatalieleblanc5631]

love this content, keep it up!!

[@FPepii]

why do your videos almost hypnotize me hahaha

[@joshwarren6639]

this video was really really well done! keep it up!

[@lolapplesauce]

inspiring stuff, watching you. thanks for sharing

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

KZbin sent me. This was a very well done video......Super story and the old filming sold the idea! I use a G7X MK II and the poor thing is tattered after three years, but so are my videos and my channel still keeps going ...Despite Rene, Todd, and Neil begging me to leave.

[@befer]

Fuck... If only more people could appreciate these videos for what they are. Im so mad people have their heads up their ass. And its not just this video or channel, it's the entire idea and what this channel stands for. It's not a crazy out-of-the-world ideology, it just stands for good roots, alternative thinking and just not being a slave to devices and physical things. It's not about the channel, al though the channel's morals allign with it. It's about turning on your brain and turning off the phone

[@ov3rheat.gamestreams]

Great Edit Dude! 🙌

[@tonywoodyard6337]

you're awesome.

[@Firefox-sn2ys]

that's kinda the same reason why i bought myself a polaroid its just fun to search for some weird or interesting stuff to shoot

[@HaydenTherrien]

Awesome vid, I love the G9X. I also carry mine everyday and use it to film lots of KZbin stuff

[@CaptainCarpensir]

I’ve been considering getting a flip phone for a while now and the only thing keeping me from doing that is figuring out what to use for music. Sucks that things like the OG iPod aren’t manufactured anymore.

[@EvanMonsma]

Yeah definitely. I've been thinking about getting a mini ipad or something to run music and navigation in my car so I can cut my phone out in that respect as well. I think there was a relatively recent ipod in like 2017 or something that has bluetooth so you can use wireless headphones and such, not sure if it can run spotify /other streaming services though. Moving all the music you like to offline downloads could be a whole process but would definitely be interesting to try

[@Pap-Chive-hq6vw]

Damn. Inspired AF.

[@HussainAlkumaish]

Seeing the battery holster.. naked copper hosting a battery with naked contacts? That looks scary!!

[@guitarandgospel]

My wife has a G9X. It is insanely good and kills a phone. She has had it for a long time. You can also do more than just point and shoot if you want

[@thebritishbiker8197]

I have a very similar camera with lives in the door pocket of my car Few spare batteries thrown into the centre console Means I can always shoot something interesting when I'm out It's also led to some nice talks and even a good friend I still talk to

[@thebritishbiker8197]

That's something you never get with phones No one strikes up a conversation about phones

[@LuisMercadoorg]

I hope you don’t live in very hot part of the world. Car heat would destroy my camera batteries if I left them there.

[@EvanMonsma]

Super cool idea. And yeah definitely true that dedicated cameras are a much more interesting talking point and hobby. Thanks for the comment

[@thebritishbiker8197]

@@LuisMercadoorg hahah Yea I live in Wales, very much not an issue

[@thebritishbiker8197]

@@EvanMonsma i was going to replace it with a cheep film P&S cam, been into film a lot as of late but this video kinda is tempting me to keep the digi and record some video, ive only ever done stills before

[@AdmiralSym]

In 2020 I bought a Mk1 G5X since it's so feature packed but it kinda forgoes the compact nature of one of these things. It's sorta like a more compact mirrorless camera

[@NamelessChannel01]

Hey, just stumbled upon the video. Loved it! Keep up the good work :)

[@r0b223]

i should study rn but a small break with a new Vid and a cig was totally in time xD Great Topic, i got a good Pocket cam couple of years ago and only used it for Photos, i dont like the feeling of taking pictures with such a small camera, so i dont realy use it that much, but i am motivated now to take it with me on a small trip and do a videographie project thx ^^

[@b0ss__li]

instantly subscribed✨

[@RobertWaters-sl6zz]

Great video. I love your ingenuity. Were the later pictures taken in Cleveland?

[@Jamboxxx]

Another banger