How The Panasonic S5 Has Made Me a BETTER Videographer

0:00 Introduction
0:30 How I was slowing my progress with Sony AF
0:47 Not relying on autofocus
1:01 Letting go of your comfort blanket
2:28 Why MF helps you more than limits you
3:43 DISCLAIMER - Acknowledging how AF is great in some use cases
4:11 Changes in equipment = paying more attention
5:25 Becoming more creative with handheld shooting
7:10 Final thoughts
THE GEAR I USE:
*Some of the following links are affiliate links, so if you decide to purchase something, I get a very small commission at NO extra cost to you - Thanks in advance for supporting the channel!
CAMERAS:
My Main Cam (Lumix S5ii)
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My B-Cam (Lumix S5)
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My C-Cam (Lumix S1)
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PRIME LENSES:
Panasonic LUMIX 24mm F1.8
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Panasonic LUMIX 35mm F1.8
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Panasonic LUMIX 85mm F1.8
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ZOOM LENSES:
Sigma 28-70 F2.8
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Panasonic LUMIX 16-35 F4
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Panasonic LUMIX 70-200 F4
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AUDIO SETUP:
Rode NTG4+
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Tascam DR60 MKii
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Hollyland Lark 150
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LIGHTING SETUP
Godox LA200d
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Colbor CL60
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Godox SL60w
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Smallrig Softbox
geni.us/HR4h
DESK & COMPUTING
My Main Computer (Mac Mini)
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Laptop (M1 Pro MacBook Pro 1TB)
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Computer Monitor (Viewsonic ColorPro VP2786-4K)
geni.us/8H3Oib
Logitech Craft Keyboard
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Logitech M590 Mouse
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Samsung T5 SSD 1TB
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SanDisk G-Drive 6TB
geni.us/qM1oUN
Hello and welcome to your weekly dose of Panasonic S5 Propaganda... if you haven't already noticed - I love this camera!
The reason for making this video is to attempt to dispel the negativity around certain areas of this camera.
I actually thought that I would be limited when I got the Panasonic S5 and instead I actually feel a lot more free than I ever have with my video production.
The S5 is such a powerful camera for video and I know that people know this, but everyone's sitting on the fence due to the fact that there's a lot of worries regarding its AF performance. I don't understand why everyone is so afraid to manual focus!
Don't get me wrong, I was also sitting on that fence for a long time and I was quite worried moving from the Sony AF to Panasonic AF, but the minute I got the Panasonic S5, those thoughts just completely escaped me and this camera just outshines in every single way.
I really hope that this video helps you perceive this camera in a different way. The S5 has many strengths that aren't spoken about and if you just allow a slight change of perspective then you can really make some amazing things using this system.
Thanks for watching - and please subscribe if you haven't done so already!

[@alainmarion8952]

I completely agree with you. A film maker should use manual focus most of the time and use autofocus only for specific shots where pulling focus is difficult. But it seems to work the other way around these days.

[@JoshCameron]

Yeah and unfortunately I have to admit I was overusing AF before I got this camera. But now, I’m using MF 99% of the time and I actually feel a lot more free that way. Don’t know why I put it off for so long!

[@danielthalmann5321]

I think while focusing manually is giving you more creative control, it was a rather a necessity, than an artistic decision in filmmaking because of the poor autofocus performance. I could imagine that modern autofocus could be used more an more even in professional productions.

[@JoshCameron]

@@danielthalmann5321 Hi Daniel, I understand what you're saying here. It could be seen that way as well I guess, but for me it was a great step forward in learning a valuable skill that I can carry forward to any camera I use. the AF performance of cameras is getting scary good now, and in some cases proves to be a much more convenient and efficient method for tracking movements etc. I do strongly believe that despite this, there'll always be a place for MF in the professional video production world - so I'm happy i've adopted it into my workflow! Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and have a great day!

[@danielthalmann5321]

@@JoshCameron Hi Josh, thanks for your reply. MF is definetly a valuable skill a filmmaker should learn and use. And I also think it could step up your "creative awareness". But still I'm very excited about what AF's role will be in future filmmaking.

[@JoshCameron]

@@danielthalmann5321 Yes completely agree! In 5 years time I'm sure AF will be insanely good that it'd be a crime not to use it!

[@niladri.ssv.bhattar]

I recently started my journey into Photography/videography and purchased S5. But when with friends seeing how good their Sony AF is I began to question my buying decision. But thanks to people like you for putting up these kind of videos to help me get some motivation back and keep pushing forward. Much love from India. P.s. got the video link from the FB group.

[@JoshCameron]

Ah thanks for the kind words mate! Yeah honestly, you’ve made the right decision by getting the S5. The colours are far better and it’s got a lot more features for video production than any Sony camera has at this price point 🙌🏼 Thanks again for watching buddy and enjoy your S5!

[@RussellKentNicholls]

Totally agree with you Josh! Learning your tools gives you the power to not be dependent on your equipment's capabilities and think with your mind to expand your creativity 👊🏻

[@JoshCameron]

🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 Thanks Russell! Love your work! 😉

[@serenaodp]

Just bought this camera, cant wait to use it. Your videos on the S5 helped influence my decision over Sony. Always been a fan of Panasonic Lumix (have a G7) and I'm not straying away just because of "Bad AF". I have a feeling their next 3 cameras including the GH6 are going to be absolute juggernauts. Thanks for the vid.

[@JoshCameron]

Ah glad my videos helped you man! I really hope you enjoy it... I bloody LOVE mine! Yeah I defo think they're onto a winner with their latest iteration of M4/3 cams... let's see shall we !

[@BNC593]

Well done. Really good points

[@EmilRojc]

So young and so real. I wish u 1 milion subscriers ! Thanks for your sharing Josh

[@JoshCameron]

Thank you Emil! Really appreciate it 🙌🏼

[@jasonbrenner4975]

This is fantastic. The AF was one of the ones things that got me concerned about getting the S5. However your content is motivating and reassuring i made the right choice. Keep up the great work. Thanks Josh.

[@alieazzy1631]

I have used many cameras, not as a professional but as a hobby from cheaper APS to A7S III. Cheaper ones won’t do the job right and expensive ones weren’t for me since the lenses were made expensive. Stuck with Fuji system which is good but the flickering while zooming in or out and stabilization just didn’t work. I have used canon, Fuji and don’t camera but watching your video one day I was like why not try S5. Got a really good student deal with 50mm for around $2200 with kittens as well. All I can say is it’s amazing for what I do, I don’t use AF as much but stabilization in this camera makes not not use the gimbal and I have to carry less stuff now. Thanks for Sharing, it’s worth it for the price and is amazing video work horse.

[@JoshCameron]

I feel at home with my panasonic gear as well to be honest. I used Sony before, and there's so many drawbacks to that system. I know everyone always talks about AF, but realistically it's perfect for stills and you should really Manual Focus for professional video work too!

[@JpBoudreaux]

Just picked one up and I am so excited to use it to secure the bag!

[@JoshCameron]

Awesome! Let me know how you get on with it, JP!

[@LuisHernandez-fh3gc]

Hey Josh awesome video man! I was wondering if you can make a video in the future touching on how you've improved your focus pulling on your S5??! I think that would be really helpful and inspiring to a lot of us film makers that have older gear and can't necessarily rely on the AF technology that most of the modern Sony's a7 cameras and Canons R lineup offer now a days . Anyways, you can tell you put a lot of hard work and effort into your videos and the quality shows. I just want to say I'm looking forward to seeing more videos from you in the future. Keep up the amazing work, we're here for it, and supporting you man! ^_^

[@JoshCameron]

Hey Luis! Thank you! Yes definitely - I actually have a video planned for this exact topic so keep a look out and hopefully i'll be able to get round to it as soon as I can. Really appreciate the kind words mate, makes it all worth it!

[@DavidHorizonFilms]

Agree 100%. Love my S5 as well!

[@JoshCameron]

Hey David! How are you buddy? Thanks for watching 🙌🏼

[@cj64films]

Well I actually own an a6400 right now. And I’ve been thinking of buying an XT4/XT3 but I might go this route and get an S5. I’ve been in the exact situation letting auto focus do it’s thing. I feel like it’s more freeing to focus yourself. I owned a pocket 4K for 3-4 months and that really taught me how to compose and manually focus my shots, especially with the vintage glass I have. I also really love all the amazing codecs this camera has to offer, and the anamorphic support it offers unlike Sony

[@JoshCameron]

I used to shoot with the A6400, and I also have the XT3 along with my S5.... I can tell you now - GET THE S5! Especially if you're shooting a mix of photo and video. The S5 is way more reliable than both the Xt3 and the A6400 when it comes to a number of things, and stands to be my favourite camera that i've ever used. The XT3 is great for stills shooting though.. fuji's are fun - but the S5 is my workhorse :D

[@mythologycreativemedia7454]

Awesome video and awesome tips mate, I’m a vintage manual lens guy and the Gh5 taught me to do away with autofocus. Being able to shine through any camera/rig you pick up is the way forward so I couldn’t agree more.....does help with the S5 being awesome 🤩

[@JoshCameron]

I seriously need to get onto the vintage lens hype don't I?! Thanks for the love dude!

[@mythologycreativemedia7454]

@@JoshCameron it’s a learning curve and not for every project bro but so cheap you have to give it a go 😁

[@PavSZ]

Very good points! You sold it to me!

[@JoshCameron]

Haha! You’ve sold me on everything you’ve ever reviewed.... if only I had the money 👀😂

[@gamepat9]

I'm so glad I found your channel. I think I'm on a very similar path. I shot a few music videos and started doing some small paid work. I currently use the A6400 + Gimbal too. And I hate how the gimbal feels like a crutch, since I'd like to do more shots now where handheld is much more suitable. I'm also probably one of the few people who really needs the 10bit, because I tend to do intense color grading in resolve. There's currently a 300€ Lumix cashback campaign and I'm very close to pulling the trigger on the S5. I think I need to binge some more of your videos 😁

[@JoshCameron]

Hey Patrick! SO sorry it's taken me so long to get back you on this, i'm normally really responsive with replying to comments but it's been a busy few weeks and there's more comments than usual! If you haven't already done so, then defo pull the trigger on the S5 - it's a superb camera and you're going to notice a huge difference in quality coming from the A6400. I used that cam for a few years and when I came to Panasonic my mind was blown!

[@srg_creative]

All good points. I love being able to use vintage glass as well...fully manual, and with ibis, it's really been a fun way to shoot and can give you some creative options.

[@JoshCameron]

This is something I need to do next! Really need to think about getting some vintage glass for the S5... Everyone raves about it!

[@cj64films]

@@JoshCameron get some Takumars! They’re kinda the hidden gems of the vintage world and their still affordable. Let everyone else have their Canon FD’s lol

[@BootStrapTurnerVideography]

Rolling throught all the OG S5 footage lately, I'd argue the OG S5 can continue to make better videographers rather than KZbin vloggers. Name any professional productions that were AF throughout the entire production? Hard to do with real glass. Perhaps LiDAR with electronic focus motors like the DJI Focus Pro? I suspect focus pullers as a profession will still be around for a while yet.

[@MichaelSchagen]

I started out recording video using 8bit rec709 camcorders. They taught me to white balance and expose correctly in camera. Recently I got an S5. It will teach me to focus and think about dof.

[@FL18644]

Great sharing . You know I am considering it and really worry about the issues

[@JoshCameron]

Don’t worry about that! Trust me, the AF is absolutely fine for casual shooting - and you should be using MF for any paid work anyways! It’s such a great camera 📸

[@FL18644]

@@JoshCameron one scenario I often encounter that is a running shot from one side to another . If I use AFC and and continuous shooting . The AF accuracy do you think is good ?

[@JoshCameron]

@@FL18644 If your background isn't too busy and you have your AF sensitivity increased then I can't see this being an issue. Normally once it's acquired focus it's pretty sticky :)

[@SergeGolikov]

I actually know videographers like that 0:16 😂 Liked and subed 👍 I am old school and used to shoot everything MF. Super 8mm, 16mm, Film SLR's, early Camcorders and Broadcast Video. Been researching the S5 past week, this is now locked in, keep up the good work 🍷

[@JoshCameron]

HAHAHAA the worst type!

[@wherewelivenow4356]

Sad thing is that some people will be put off the S5 due to concerns about the AF. Like your video points out it really doesn't matter, plus if Pany do go to DPAF a lot of critics will say the DFD used to be better. The current DFD is adequate, and it's not as if Canon and Sony AF doesn't do it's share of hunting.

[@JoshCameron]

The issue is that people think they can't produce the same quality content without AF, and that's really not the case at all. I agree, I think it's adequate for the use cases i'd put it in. Manual focus will always be a safer avenue no matter what camera you use - I like having all the control! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, I appreciate it :D

[@markshirley01]

I go half way with you on the AF. I use single point to acquire my focal plane and then record, its very reliable and a very quick method of working. If you need a focus pull then yes manual is the way.

[@JoshCameron]

Yeah that's a really handy technique actually - sometimes to speed things up i'll hold down the AF button in MF so I can lock the focus on the subject before the take. This works really well and it means you can be sure that the focus is where it should be. I should've mentioned this actually! Haha thanks for the comment, Mark!

[@markshirley01]

@@JoshCameron good subject for a video Josh - show the different techniques. 👍

[@eatsimplefood]

Hi Josh, thanks for the video. What lens do you use for manual focusing or can you do it with all the lenses? Could you show how you do it? or point to a useful video? I need to learn this. Can you do it with the 24-105mm? thanks!!

[@StanleyVB_20]

Many may argue that if you want to go without autofocus you can do it on Sony too. I own an s5 and for my portraits, street and landscape photography and limited video use it is a great combo of features and price. When I purchased it I sought something which pushed me to learn its creative features more and not cushion me into high stills fps or autofocus. Something which I can keep tweaking till I get something unique that I shows my skill not the camera's specs. I think a wedding photographer focusing on minimum effort quick results to boost profits will have different considerations though.

[@JoshCameron]

Yeah of course - you definitely can go without AF on Sony cameras as well, but then without the AF, what's the real selling point of Sony cameras? The lens selection is extremely expensive, the cameras rarely receive major firmware updates once they're released, and no one really likes the colours coming straight out of them.... So then you're just a member of the Sony club for the sake of it haha! Don't get me wrong, I loved my Sony cameras and still think they were absolutely fantastic... It's just there's so many other brands out there that for me, offer more for the money. Realistically, the closest Sony Camera in terms of video performance (since that's what I'm focussing on here) that you could compare to the S5 is the A7siii, and it's double the price! I guess that's the point I'm making here. The S5 is a wonderful camera for stills and I love it, too! Glad you're finding it as awesome as I am :D I get your point about the Sony cameras for wedding shooters makes total sense, though - although I wouldn't want to hire someone who puts in minimum effort :P Thanks for watching Stanley and I hope to speak to you again soon!

:) apenas estoy acostumbrandome a mi S5 es un reto agradable.

[@arande3]

Of course if you want more things in focus you can just use APS-C mode, although it's true there are only 4k pixels in that mode instead of downsampled 6k. I have used both cameras you reference in this video, they have their strengths I think, S5 is cleaner and smoother whereas a6400 is even more portable and has a certain look to it that feels modern/hip-hoppy whereas the S5 looks more 90s to me

[@TsvetanVLife]

S5 is great camera. I had it for a few days to test it. Only thing I had problem with, was that notorious AF. There was a moment when it took 17 seconds to find me in the frame. But when we talk about FF camera for video S5, is the best priced camera out there.

[@JoshCameron]

It’s a mixed bag, I’ve had some great results with the AF myself and sometimes I’ve found it to be a little slow... it just depends entirely on the shooting environment etc. Defo agree with you there - it’s the best video centric mirrorless camera under £2K 🙌🏼

[@LucaBono.Studio]

Now if you want to jump into another nice circle of hell, try a Zeiss ZF and you will be cursed for life with the manual lenses ahahahah! Great video Josh!

[@JoshCameron]

Hahahahahaha okay if you recommend it then I’ll tarnish myself even more haha!

[@Wistbacka]

Great insight! Manual focus is always superior, but I also want a good AF for the more point-and-ahoot stuff, or following moving objects in uncontrolled environments. Speaking of manual; is focus peaking good on the S5? Feels like if AF is slow, that would also mean camera would have a hard time knowing what is in focus. Or an I wrong? P.s. missed opportunity with your channel name: Josh *Cameran* 🤭

[@fajita2]

About autofocusing--what about gimbal use? Isn't it most effective with a camera that has good autofocus? I am filmmaker, not a vlogger, I'm always behind the camera. But I do use a gimbal increasingly, and Panasonic cameras having subpar AF make them difficult to use on gimbals. Do you not find that to be the case?

[@clifftotten7609]

I'm not sure but I believe that some Sony cameras can also allow you to switch away from auto focus and into manual focus too?

[@JoshCameron]

That’s not the point I was trying to make ... of course you can do that with Sony; you can do that with any camera :) I was just saying how the Sony AF is so good that users will rarely switch into MF because they become reliant on the decent AF performance 🤪

[@magnusgotander7788]

On your musicvideos, home are manage the sound and with what ?

[@JoshCameron]

Music Videos normally have pre-recorded audio that I sync in post :)

[@MrJapanforce]

If you want quality you think of Panasonic. Period!

[@JoshCameron]

Hey Andreas! Definitely agree with you - thanks for watching!

[@lovefirst6157]

Agreed

[@JacoboCastroCristo]

Thanks for the video. How can I find the video in 03:27 ?

[@JoshCameron]

Hey Jacob! Here's a link to it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIDUgqCDa9WhZ7M

[@JacoboCastroCristo]

@@JoshCameron I just get redirected to the same video (How The Panasonic S5 Has Made Me a BETTER Videographer)

[@Franciehatescoffeeicecream]

To be honest I've come from TV where autofocus didn't exist. To have the S5ii I am not sure how reliable that it is and I'm so new to autofocus

[@goldstraw360]

All good points. I'd also add that for straightforward self pieces to camera, the autofocus on the S5 is absolutely fine as long as you set it into the right mode and have a decent amount of light to let it do its stuff.

[@JoshCameron]

Thank you! Yeah it definitely is. A lot of people don't give it the time of day and instantly jump on the bandwagon of 'Panasonic AF Sucks'... But when you know how to use it and when, it can yield some great results!

[@NowyKurs]

Would S5 also have 6K 12 Bit RAW output with new firmware update, just like S1?

[@JoshCameron]

Hey! Yeah the S5 can already do this! It outputs 5.9K Raw over HDMI. The S1 is the last planned camera to get this update

[@jamomorrissey]

Is there anything the S1 has that you wish the S5 had? I’m looking at both as my possible next camera

[@JoshCameron]

It's coming today ;) haha thanks for the comment James, and keep an eye out! P.S - I think we just spoke on FB haha!

[@jamomorrissey]

@@JoshCameron Haha! We did mate. Eagerly waiting 🤟🏻😆

[@JoshCameron]

@@jamomorrissey It's UP!

[@the_yesnt1358]

How much of an issue is the autofocus for amateur videography. E.g. an amateur action (following characters along a street or wile they run up a staircase) film where it might be difficult to us the manual focus

[@JoshCameron]

Hey! It comes down a number of factors, such as lighting/contrast in your scene, how busy the background of your image is, how quickly the subject will be moving etc. It performs a lot better than some people make it out to, and if you know how to tweak the AF sensitivity the correct way, you can actually get some really decent results !

[@the_yesnt1358]

@@JoshCameron say I was following a subject down reasonably busy street and then switched to another character who was behind him how would it go with that. Also your opinion on the auto focus seems to be a lot let’s critical of the camera compared to many others. Why is that?

[@sardanapalos]

@@the_yesnt1358 i think it depends on what you do and what you wanna pull off, if you ever try to do a film for example with a Bm you also dont get autofocus....what i mean is, are you in need of that cinematic look he s talkinmg in the video? If yes then you will probably go to a more cinematic camera in the future like Bm and then you ll have to either learn to autofocus or pay someone to be your autofocus. It depends on what is your potential... if you are in weddings for example you may need autofocus cause you need to finish fast a job, but then you arent crativbe probably... i have also been traped in this autofocus shit for a long time and one day i took a desiccion, in some years i ll probably know if i was right or wrong, cheers from a newby :)

[@dongyo69]

I dident use an af lens in years. I do not need it anymore all i do photo video is mf.. I gues the s5 would be a happy camera in my hands.

[@JoshCameron]

The S5 will be excellent for you.... Such a beast for the price point!

[@DjVuyoUmlungu]

The main problem I have with Panasonic are the L Mount lenses and that the Sigmas have even worse AF! I dont want to buy 2 lenses which are double from the price of the camera each and when I might wanna sell them, there might be nobody to buy them.

[@JoshCameron]

I see what you mean, Sam. It does seem that the L mount is both lacking in lens options and users at the moment, but I have every hope that will change very soon. It seems that there's a lot to look forward to in terms of affordable lens options this year, and I know for sure that the community surrounding L Mount cameras is growing also. We just gotta wait for it to all fall together :)

[@DjVuyoUmlungu]

@@JoshCameron I would get Panasonic imidately if the AF would work and the Sigmas/Sigma adapter. Panasonic is for me the best option for video. Better than Sony. But they have to step up. I personally have never used manual focus ever, but there were times when I needed it. So it should be somehow reliable.

[@JKAthestorychamber]

You have seen the light.

[@JoshCameron]

😂😂😂 I have - I’ve now converted into the realm of “real video production” 🤪

[@JKAthestorychamber]

Fantastic Josh. Apologies as The Trinidadians is not up and running as yet..Covid slowed it down as it's interview based. This is my website though...www.johnaparicio.co.uk

[@JoshCameron]

Will check it out - thanks mate!

[@Brookssmedia]

So the problem with your AF vs Mf section is you disregard tracking shots or push in shots. The same limitations you speak of with af you have in mf you are limited in creative shots. You also can do much at a shallow depth of field or interviews at f1.8. You can't set manual focus on an interview shot at f1.8 unless you have someone pulling focus for you like they do in the cinema world. If you don't have someone pulling focus for you them you need reliable af to get certain shots. Most of your shots were static or the movement it did have your subject wasn't moving back and fourth.

[@JoshCameron]

Hey Shawn, I was mainly talking about my use cases with this camera in my work and trying to display the sort of things that I'd be filming on a regular basis. The push in/pull out shots are definitely something that are doable for me with MF though. The lens I use for this camera exclusively at the moment has a constant f4 aperture so I don't ever come into any issues since it's not a crazy thin focus plane to work with. I get your points though and in the future when I invest in some faster primes, i'll defo do a video that incorporates the points you've made. Thanks for taking the time to comment, and have a great day!

[@tomnikso7389]

Man could you talk slower in your videos for not native English Peop? I used tu understand well English speakers but I struggle with you :D

[@JoshCameron]

I'll try my very best :D

[@rickmears7670]

Noteworthy point about micro-jitters.

[@JoshCameron]

Cheers Rick!

[@paulbvid]

Can’t figure out ur accent, r u English?

[@JoshCameron]

Hey Paul! Yeah I am hahaha!