NEW filmmakers...It's not about your camera

[@domorebehuman]

The 3 rules I recently learned will narrow down what tools to use for the job. 1. Delivery, where is it that the content is being delivered. This will already narrow down 60% of the gear 2. Technical, what is that is being shot and what are the requirements? Aerials, Underwater housing, Flexibility in post or baked in camera for fast turn around? 3. Aesthetic, what look is trying to be achieved, does it require the look to be all in camera or a lot of post / vfx etc. This has changed the way I see what tools are needed for a gig per gig basis.

[@FilmedbyFresh]

The problem is really consumerism. I see it across the board with phones, cars, cameras, etc. People see gear as a character trait rather than a creative tool. The “I’m a (insert camera brand) shooter” or “I’m a Apple person” when talking about phones. Being a “cinematographer” has become the trendy thing just how everyone is a photographer because they buy a camera. Everyone feels validated by the gear they buy rather than the product they produce.

[@CineDailies]

Wow so true fam “ppl see fear as character trait” such a good word ha.

[@DANAMIONLINE]

To add the accessibility of gear makes adds to this. Remember when the Komodo was released? Folks who couldn't afford a RED were now able to add to “I’m a (insert camera brand) shooter.”

[@Kevinmadefilms]

There are "photographers and cinematographers" and then there are "camera owners"

[@cammackey]

Facts on facts on facts. A client has never once asked me what camera I’m using. They see the previous executions, they see the work being put in during preproduction, they see the personal taste and vision.. not the camera. So camera decisions come down to more convenience and use case on the type of specific job. As I get more into narrative work tho, I’m start to see camera choices more as taste choices vs ONLY utility. But yeah, KZbin be toxic. You can say one sentence but there will be a herd of people saying “but you didn’t say this or that” yada yada. One video doesn’t negate the idea of others. Keep doing you bruv, we all love and respect you 🪶🖤

[@JonathanPalfrey]

Completely agree. 14 years making videos for clients of all sizes and not one has ever asked about the cameras we are using. Obviously I’ve taken a lot of care over which cameras and kit we should buy depending on which works best for us however we’ve never purchased kit thinking it will get us to the next level or impress a client. We retain long term clients because we listen to what they want, we make the entire process easy for them and we just enjoyable to work with. I’m sure they could find more talented crew or cheaper company however they keep coming back to us for those reasons.

[@DANAMIONLINE]

I feel you. I was on a call today with a repeat client because of our storytelling (character, plot, conflict, resolution, etc.), not because of the camera or the resolution of videos we produced for them.

[@zaymax_7]

I guess that's the difference. you've been doing this for 14+ years. Around 10+ years ago when your clients weren't as big as they are now, gear didn't matter a single bit. Now at 2023 where everyone has a cousin who has a mirrorless or dslr, everyone thinks it's the cameras and editing that make videos look great. I only started 4 years ago, and began at freshman college. I can say that 1/3 of the time my clients will ask about the camera, lights, and/or lenses. Especially the brand of the camera. Note that my clients now aren't big productions like you have. So yea like Dailies said it definitely matters less and less as the project gets bigger. It still does depend on the country though, since my country loves huge setups with terrible lighting and mediocre output half of the time. They just wanna feel like they're getting their moneys worth by looking at the setup rather than the output and efficiency sometimes (my experience and a few other friends)

[@fylmkid]

Date the cameras. Marry the lenses.

[@CineDailies]

Facts

[@CineDailies]

Might be a better title

[@the180degreerule3]

I strongly disagree

[@AfoteyAnnum]

#Bars

[@Eyeofkamau]

@@the180degreerule3same. I will always take a more capable camera and an cheap vintage lens than vise versa. Cheap vintage glass from the 80s on a Komodo X vs $5,000 cine glass on an a a6000. I don’t even like RED cams, just saw a video on it so it’s on my mind lol. Obviously that comparison is a stretch but I mean, to put things into perspective. The camera is what gives us the utility and latitude in post, not the lens. I’m putting the ring on the camera lol.

[@ThierryGibralta]

I have landed most of my jobs in the 1-10k range not because of my camera (I shoot with the X-H2s and never had any complaints, in fact most clients don’t know or care about that) but because I bring a solution to the companies I work with based on their marketing needs, not just for a video. Of course there is the creative aspect but there is also the business aspect. Once you show them that you understand their problems and think how to solve them with a proper package and solution, jobs come your way. Great video, cheers!

[@IJ_RogersTV]

Needed to see this comment. Thank you for this.

[@drewnoirfilmz]

Coming from someone who briefly worked in Hollywood and saw the transition from film to digital. From HD to 4K. You will always have people who will say that you “can’t do ‘this or that’ unless you have ‘this or that’!” Skill definitely trumps gear! If you know your skills as a cinematographer/videographer, you can make ANY camera and make it look good!

[@MattAitia]

Couldn’t have said it any better, I own a C200 and couldn’t care less to upgrade. I just want to create good work..

[@BrandonTalbot]

“Which I don’t really care.” Best quote. As you shouldn’t. You know you, and what you need better than any of us do.

[@CineDailies]

Facts bro

[@_parkphoto]

I'm at a place now where I'm just starting to poke my way into some production scenarios and I'm already seeing how true this is. The vision matters most! And the gear is just a way to get there. Super good man thank you

[@CineDailies]

All the best to you and your journey bro!

[@YannickReid]

He’s right. Most stuff on a production rented anyway

[@CineDailies]

Exactly

[@flproductions90]

As someone who is hitting a roadblock right now on how I want to approach this craft, this video was extremely enlightening and help me realize that I was spending too much of my money and effort into gear versus creativity and execution. I appreciate the motivation and wish you in your friends and nothing but success.

[@liamdaniel8142]

I really appreciate you taking the time to tell us this I'm someone that's trying to understand and wanting to be in the filmmaking industry I always thought that what it was mainly about it "camera gear" You set me at ease a bit. Appreciate you man 🙏

[@Ansonandco]

man shoot with what makes you happy and inspires you to create dope content. gotta block the haters! your video got my eyes on the new mavo mkii, I personally decided it wasn't for me, but thats the beauty of this space, we are just giving people options. you do you my dude! ♥

[@DANAMIONLINE]

That is a good point about the options. Any KZbinr sharing their experience is like a friend sharing their experience". It'd be great when more KZbinrs speak less "must have this [product]" and more "here's my experience with [product]".

[@Ansonandco]

@@DANAMIONLINE 100%! If we all shot the same thing, this space would be boring

[@OhkayCarlos]

Hey Joshua! A great conversation and glad you spoke on this! I think a lot of filmmakers are getting lost in the marketing of new camera releases and although technology advancement is awesome, I think it's created a consumer culture or consumer perspective on the film industry and content creation. The camera only matters if you need it to do what you need it to do to create what you need to create...if that makes sense lol. Great vid!

[@BourgeFilms]

This spoke to me like a sermon at church, brother! The knowledge I've obtained from this video is amazing. Thank you! In the beginning of my career, I struggled with the idea that "my camera will do the work" but its the skillsets and technical knowledge that helps out in the long run. I appreciate you and what you do for us! Thank you!

[@MarkTanCameraRoll]

Fantastic stuff man! I think it really summed up a lot about what my friends and I love about your channel the most, and what sets you apart as a creator on these platforms. Really solid stuff that some of the us really lean on as stepping stones in our discussions about our careers, gear, and the future of this industry that we all inexplicably love in one way or another. Great job man, gonna keep on watching everytime these videos come :))

[@thomas.kovacik]

Camera agnostic- whatever fits best for the job Great shout! Gotta be familiar with loads of camera systems or atleast learn quick hah

[@Photoshopuzr]

Couldn't agree more with this, skills will always beat out gear anytime. Im applying the skills from lighting into video now and its very easy to do, only thing I will like from my old machine is a bit more dynamic range and 4k for those crispy larger screens.

[@CineDailies]

Right on!

[@CCozart]

I like that you are working with the Kinefinity, and commenting on it as it helps expand knowledge all around; Especially coming from the 6k Pro with resolve.

[@sitebstudios]

This is why I still shoot with the BMPCC6k as my primary camera. It's a future-proof camera with internal raw, and it does everything I need and more. I focus on the story and everything else. Thanks for this! And congrats on your new camera!

[@PALALALALALALA]

Future proof is irrelevent in tech 😉, the only" future proof" camera right now is the Alexa35.

[@sitebstudios]

@@PALALALALALALA You just contradicted yourself in your own statement. Weird.

[@PALALALALALALA]

@@sitebstudios Yeah a bit. I should have said "the only rental proof camera right now is the Alexa 35"

[@smoloms]

More people need to remember that we’ve been making incredible movies/films/commercials for a long time. What we have now never stopped amazing productions from being made.

[@engineerfpv]

I totally agree with every single thing you said. Just one thing.. client wants to see a big camera if you are working direct and not within a production house. So just rigging you camera will make that work. One funny thing that happen to me a few months back. There was a production happening that my mum by accident pass by, and she did saw the camera ( from some stories I found it was an fx3, just the camera and a lens ). As soon my mother came home she was like: ehhh they are not good at their work. And i was like: how do you know? The camera was very small...

[@vilacron]

thank you for saying this out loud! this extends to software too!

[@ToysFoodChronicles]

Highly appreciated. I personally don't watch videos to critique, criticize, or dismiss thoughts. I watch them to either, be entertained or learn and sometimes, I get both. Your channel is one that does both. As a beginner, I don't have a dog in this fight, but simply stating what a client wants, I learned to pay attention to them and seek to deliver on their needs while practicing using light, dynamic range and composition to make that product the best I can for them. Thanks. You are awesome 👌🏾. Keep doing what you're doing.

[@KofiYeboah]

Though I HAVE been asked for a specific camera a couple times, or the odd times opportunity has come about getting into a new system, I can comfortably say that’s not an outcome for the majority of people, moreso, I’ll go out on a limb and say I gained a rep in terms of my work and it was an added bonus or very happy coincidence. I think what’s also valuble to acknowledge is that people on average only watch 30-50% of KZbin videos ( according to my retention graphs) so you have this huge audience of people only half listening, then running with the information making a decision.

[@madsappeal]

If/when I am a client, I'd look for the filmer's previous work to determine if I want to work with them. If a filmer has already done work I like, then I know that the communication about what I want will be smooth and that the person can get it done.

[@delmixedit]

💯 agree with you. I’m still just dabbling with it because my bread and butter is audio engineering, but having upgraded from Panasonic GH4 to BMPCC4K, I can say that initially my stuff doesn’t look that much better straight out. It has however sparked my creativity and desire to shoot more. Lighting is paramount, framing is important, knowing how to get the footage necessary (if you’re also directing). There’s so much more to this than what camera you use and it’s easily proven by looking all throughout social media and seeing what people are creating with every single camera available.

[@MarcusRFilms]

Mic dropped. I totally agree but, as your bro I also don’t you to too wrapped up in amateur, been only shooting for one year comments from the peanut gallery. I know exactly why you felt you had to share because others need to hear things like this from “influencers” on this platform that are REAL and not about trying to manipulate people into buying gear. This deserves mad respect. My thing is the fact that you had to do it is sad. The fact that people who don’t even know you want to tell you about something YOU purchased with YOUR money is nuts. Thanks for sharing this man. I pray that people take this in and stop following the herd.

[@YungContentshow]

Really wishing abundance of success. Being in this “starving artist” field can really demoralize you. I spent 10k on a camera and went into debt bc of it. Everything you said in this video hits home.

[@timothy_films]

That’s a word brother 👏

[@Childrenoflightprod_]

The was a good video I shot wedding for the first time with both my brother and father, I was using my Sony a6400 and my brother use iPhone while my dad use his Samsung to film and most the phone quality are pretty impressive!

[@films_by_aw]

Thank you for making this. I was literally going to make a video about this 😂 ( I still may do) but honestly the discourse around cameras on the platform has become silly. Buying a camera isn't ticket to money and success, because everyone else can buy that camera too. Your body of work and how you've treated and delivered for your clients is your best chance of success. Use the tool thay gives you the results you are happy with. And focus on lighting and what lenses you are using. But good video and I 100 percent agree.

[@MatthewDangyou]

First off, I approve those CRDBAGS in the background. Second! Couldn't agree more and more! Honestly the more and more I work in the professional world the more I noticed the gap between bigger cameras and mirrorless cameras are getting smaller and smaller. Like if you are doing social media work it doesn't make a whole ton of sense to shoot on a red or buy a red if that is your main thing. If you are doing high end production commercials then maybe it does make sense. But end of the day it isn't the gear that matters. More important is the ideas, the set design, the story, the lighting, the sound. If you bought any camera in the last 3 years you can make a living off that camera since that camera will be good enough to get the job done. It is mostly preference at the end of the day or technical needs like drones, gimbal, etc. For myself the only setting I want now is open gate 60fps lol

[@CineDailies]

CRDBAG GANGGGG AYYYEEEE But yeah man, the filmmaking world is open - people gotta apply themselves and make better ideas. That's what clients pay for.

[@MatthewDangyou]

For sure! Also I live in San Diego so if you are ever in LA and need a BTS or PA for shoots I would love the opportunity to work with you as well!@@CineDailies

[@fauland_photography]

Thank you for being the 'broken record' here. I am pretty new to film making but have a 15+ year experience as a pro photographer. And guess what? Exactly the same was a hot topic so often "get yourself this camera and you will be hired to do....." nope. Not a single time! Actually in most cases when working out the concept with the client on a "boss level" the gear would not be even mentioned. And that makes 100% sense. The visual result has to be discussed in as much detail as possible. This is what you are hired and paid for! You bring to the job what you know will deliver.

[@crismendes7273]

Thank You!

[@DANAMIONLINE]

Good point. There's too much value attachment to cameras instead of who people are and what they can deliver.

[@christopherduran9926]

Oh hell yeah, new CineDailies video! Editing to add: I think the only danger with gear, and especially representing it/showcasing it for KZbin is getting caught up in the hype of a new system and feeling you if you buy the new thing you can be “the channel” that people go to for that new system as a way to get more exposure. Not saying you did that, but I’ve seen other people get caught up in that, and then it quickly invites dissenting opinions, often unfairly, and a subsequent need to over analyze and defend your choice. Long story short, great stuff man, you’re clearly progressing, just keep doing you and nothing else will matter

[@danabeldp]

At the end of the day, just about all cameras on the market right now can give you an incredible image for a certain bracket level of production. Sure at the very top level, folks are typically shooting on a handful of specific systems. In my opinion, you can do just about everything with a mid level cinema camera for the typical doc/corporate/small commercial scene. I’m more concerned that I have enough grip & proper lighting to create shape and have enough power to balance exposure for my images. I am a Blackmagic Fanboy too lol.

[@blackedit90]

i personally dont understand why some filmmaker are afraid with certain brands. I use mavo lf, sony mirrorless,zcam and pocket 6k in my music video and big budget commercial works and have no problem at all. i never use red in my work ever . camera is just a tool.

[@Eyeofkamau]

Love this video man, youtube needed this BIG time.

[@the_real_kieganjones9932]

It’s basically the same thing for the music industry especially if you’re doing sink licensing or working for an artist. The gear doesn’t matter it’s just about how good you can make the music

[@luke.hutcherson]

I appreciate your perspective a ton

[@CineDailies]

Thank you for watching!

[@dericsanchez4081]

At this point, I’m not so concerned with technical specs of cameras. I’m mostly just trying to find a camera/system that has me excited to pick it up and go shoot with it.

[@maruwaanmoses]

So glad someone actually spoke out on this toxic YT mindset. Folks are chasing the newest and best cameras but can't shoot to save their lives.

[@sankt.gabriel]

I enjoy thinking and talking about gear on a technical level, even though it doesnt really matter since the camera is in the end just a tool. Expressing ideas and triggering emotions is obviously on a deeper level and more complex than the bitrate of the footage or sth.

[@hyperborean2576]

Most of my skill, hard work and attention to detail goes unnoticed by clients, many of which cannot see the difference between my work and an amateur starting out.

[@pawpaw324]

I think many of us creatives fall victim to perceived obsolescence. Great video!!

[@PALALALALALALA]

We are spoiled by camera tech, but so are more and more of the agency and clients that I work with. Since FX3 / FX6 came out with their all around features of a "lazy man camera" 😅, the lower thier of those clients have gotten customed to ULTRA fast paced shooting thanks autofocus, gimbal, live feed from FX3 without cable for putting the camera in akward places etc etc. The other one, are still "used" to bigger / heavier camera. Everycamera has its purpose and is the right tool for the job. But let's face it, some are more akwards middle tiers than others. 100% true with your statement "camera doesn't get you clients". The best thing it can do if you rent it out is to get you money.

[@chris_sparrows]

When I built my monster camera rig last year, I built it around my GH5 rather than get a new camera. Some fast low end cine lenses completed the package.

[@Imhotep397]

Of course you’re right, but the conversations still happen at the higher end it’s just Arri vs. Panavision (RED) kinda versus RED. And then the lens discussions. There’s large chunk of filmmakers that just petty and then there’s filmmakers that are just crazy curious and open.

[@GoldLynxMedia]

Camera wars are getting just as bad as the gaming console wars 😂I have really gotten work over the past year with my ability to pitch and selling story. Building my portfolio did the rest and no one Ive worked with asked what camera I was using. Sure there's preferences but most of the time... its me and what I like out of camera gear & tech, not the client. Def not a necessity to get work or start working. Great vid bro... go Eagles!

[@manikkrealm]

The path is definitely custom. In truth I've leveraged my camera to act as a filter though. Once the work hits a certain quality level, and the kit is expensive, many people don't bother to make bad offers. Some people just act right when they see a built out / large camera . Far too many people get equipment before it even makes sense to do so though. At some points shooters may reach technical limitations that are simply not reachable with certain cameras ( dynamic range, sensor readout , motion cadence, colour accuracy ) , but that's rare. As you move up in skill you'll first have to get to a point where you can even notice what's going on to be able to correct it. Most don't actually know.(and those jello rolling shutter tests are usually nonsense because , who does that on a daily basis on actual projects? lol ) Also , the best route in as you said, is to be hired due to how you create, not the tools you use to create it. (unless serving a specific niche) Beyond that, there's a lot of room to grow from learning post colour - check out Steve Yedlin's demos. You can get to a point where it gets harder to tell cameras apart aside from the specific things mentioned above. Like the recent feature THE CREATOR shot on the Sony FX3. It looks great. In theatres the difference is still visible but the average viewer likely can't pinpoint what that is. I also really agree with your point about solving the problem and picking the tools after. In my case I had a very specific set of problems that I had to solve. I live far from rental houses, and I'm taking a route into making narrative and fine art films on the regular. Commercial stuff comes but it's a whole different thing. I decided to buy an Arri after pushing the limits of each prior system I had ( Canon T2i - Panasonic GH4 - Fuji XT3 - Blackmagic Pocket 6k and now the Alexa XT ) . It definitely a "for me" decision as it wiped away the technical limitations I was facing altogether. My clients like what I've already done and work with me based on that. They can't tell what camera I shot anything on. Film , digital, gh4, arri. Even the lensing, people mention that the shots " feel good" , but that's about it.

[@chunmanf]

Preach it brother!

[@migbeauregard164]

Totally agree with you on this!

[@ruffprophetproductions]

Thank you, josh, for this video. All facts

[@JaymesMedia]

I’ve been saying how some people want to be a cinematographer but want their camera to do all the work for them.

[@JaymesMedia]

I feel KZbin is the reason why the camera brand war exist. So many misconceptions on KZbin. I found that out first hand once I started learning to color grade from pro colorist.

[@ngonzale3]

If I had a solid budget for a project, I'd choose a good crew and better lighting and grip equipment (and food and money to feed and pay them) over using a dream camera.

[@GioFilms24]

Keep it up man!

[@CineDailies]

Thanks! Will do!

[@shaazsphotohub]

Fujifilm for life bro. I am joking 😂, love this take and fully agree we all need to calm down about brands - they are probably not paying us to be a spokesperson. I am just starting out with my own short film journey and the amount of negative comments or stares about my Fujifilm has been comical - chill man we all don’t need Sony. Thanks for making this video

[@JwfilmNmusicStudio]

💯Right about that 💪🏾

[@SilviuIM]

Man says his opinion on the internet, hoping for a civilized conversation. Me: *sends prayers*

[@Brookssmedia]

The irony of this video being about how gear isnt the main focus snd how other things are so much more important, and all through the comments people are just talking about why they use/love the gear they have smh 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@donhan752]

Appreciate you bro

[@thedualexchange]

Well said Bro

[@luke.hutcherson]

Love this, dude

[@tdf6990]

💯!

[@pdcorlis]

Just imagine how many more great novels Ernest Hemingway could have written if only he had an electric typewriter. 😉

[@janzelhill7234]

Is that an Ice cream vendor? 2:17

[@CineDailies]

Yep! And it was HOT that day ha

[@janzelhill7234]

@@CineDailies I was just amazed that theres also ice cream vendor that walks with a bell. We have a lot of it in my country hahaha

[@WesleyClouden]

I Tellem all the time

[@CineDailies]

Tellem again!

[@wazlght5884]

You in your bag rn

[@CineDailies]

shall I cook?

[@johnclay7644]

informative video sometimes the script makes as much difference as the camera/s

[@CineDailies]

YES 💯

[@forewarnedfilm]

“It’s not the plane - it’s the Pilot”.

[@_samsafi]

People are way too fussed with camera's haha

[@chrisgorys]

You notice you’re beard is purple in the first walking clip lol

[@CineDailies]

Lens flare lol

[@ochiuldesticla]

Those people from last two videos were kind of mean, yeah.

[@thisisnotrobi]

Joshua kinda looking like Will Smith from an adjacent universe.

[@CineDailies]

Lol

[@Esoterixxx]

4 minutes in and still nothing has been talked about

[@CineDailies]

You must be a seasoned DoP

[@iComplainer]

“filmmakers”

[@CodyWales]

bUt rIg cUlTuRe!!!!

[@CodyWales]

This also makes sense why we changed cameras so much during the JMS days :)

[@verityrollins4951]

You make a lot of good points but then looking back at your channel you change cameras a lot. Don't you think that you contribute to the belief that camera gear is the most inportant thing. You make videos like this but still go and buy the the new shiny toy. Which is it.

[@CineDailies]

On average I own a camera for 2 years. I rent more cameras than I own because of a specific job. I cant control how someone perceives me, even if I show and say what I mean.

[@_o__o_]

i dont like it

[@Iamtongue]

Triangle

[@dildobang8330]

Marry the camera. Date the lens. Seen many good lenses are up for purchase rather than the body itself. Here in Singapore sony fx3 used are so scarce, but sony gm lenses everyone are selling theirs. Lenses are easier to find rather than the body..💁🏼‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️😅

[@CineDailies]

You mean…date the camera, marry the lenses? But in your case it depends in the market. Here in the US lens quality popular lenses are a better investment than a camera.