Panasonic S9 beefs, my Hollyland Lark Max, and who made you the gatekeeper?

I don't care about the Panasonic S9, it is well documented that I love my original Lumix S5, and I shot this video with my Panasonic GH5, using a Ttartisans 17mm f/1.4 lens, and it's dope as all get out, but I digress, and so... it's funny to watch KZbinr's eat one another over this Panasonic roll out of the S9. A crazy mess. Oh well, as I said, I don't really care, but I'll comment on it in this video, and who knows? Maybe it'll get me a few views if I title this video well. That's how it works, right? In any case... I DO care that my Hollyland Lark Max is annoying in so many ways, but I'll probably keep it anyway because, ONE, it sounds good, and TWO, it's really convenient when it works, but there are some quirks that I'm trying to work out, and so... we'll see how it goes. I talk about it a bit in this video, among other things.
This is the End for Me Premier at the Manhattan Film Festival ticket link...
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My GoFundMe for my film, This is the End for Me:
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My Patreon link:
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Please watch my first film, shot entirely on my LG V40 smartphone, all alone, by myself, during the pandemic, called The Center of Distance, at: tubitv.com/mov....
All my info:
My cameras: Panasonic Lumix S5, Panasonic Lumix GH5
My lenses: Sigma 28-70 f/2.8, Minolta Telesor 28mm f/2.8, Minolta MC Rokkor PG 50mm f/1.4, Minolta MC W Rokkor HG 35mm f/2.8, Helios 44-2 58mm f/2, Sirui 35mm f/1.8 anamorphic, Sirui 75mm f/1.8 anamorphic, Ttartisans 17mm f/1.4 micro 4/3, Meike 35mm f/1.4 micro 4/3.
My gimbals: Zhiyun Weebill S, and Hohem iSteadyX
My lavalier mic: Purple Panda
Shotgun mic: Boya MM1
Audio recorder: Zoom H1n (the red one)
My phones, used for both video and audio: LG V20, V30, V40 and V60. iPhone SE 2020
My lights: Pixel RGB (2), and AMZdeal light wand (a stick light)
My tripods: K&F Concept T254A8, Neewer 75" for my Pixel RGB light, Mactrem 62.5" and Victiv 72", PGYTECH Mantispod
ND filters: K&F variable filters for my lenses, and a 37mm variable for my phone, and Neewer ND2, ND4 and ND8 and variable ND2-400 (all 37mm for my phone),
UKCOCO 37mm CPL filter with clip for my smartphone
Desktop computer: Mac M2 Studio, (upgraded graphics and SSD), Glyph external thunderbolt ssd's in multitudes, Samsung 2TB T7, LG 27UL650 monitor
Laptop: Dell XPS 13 7590 laptop
Davinci Resolve studio version for editing on my computers
Kinemaster for editing on my phone
I make my own music, or I reach out to friends from my former life in the music business.
Brooklyn Quartet mini series, winner of Best Filmed Theatre at the Lonely Wolf International Film Festival:
Episode 1:
• Brooklyn Quartet,...
Episode 2:
• Brooklyn Quartet,...
Episode 3:
• Brooklyn Quartet,...
Episode 4:
• Brooklyn Quartet,...
If you'd like to learn more about me and all my creative work, head over to: www.rockwilk.com (you can reach me there)
#Filmmaker #Theatre #SoloArtist #SoloTheater #TheCenterOfDistance #Adoption #FosterCare #LouiseWise #Activism #Artivism #BROKEWIDEOPEN #BrooklynQuartet #TheRedPlaidSuitcase #ThisIsTheEndForMe #PanasonicLumixS5 #LGV40 #LGV20 #LGV30 #Smartphonefilmmaking #Poetry #SpokenWord #SeanBell #Racism #Gentrification #Poughkeepsie #HudsonValleyNY #TheBronx #NYC #Peace #Empathy #MentalHealth #SuicideAwareness #StoriesIn4K #StoriesIn4kRock

[@nottinghamburgers5397]

Great day when the algorithm suggests an actual artist keep it coming brother

[@RockWILK]

Thanks for the kind words, I appreciate that.

[@Mamotreco]

This is a great point: “Who made you the arbiter?” Thank you for this video

[@RockWILK]

@@Aggyoko your comment is a perfect example of somebody just making a comment because they have nothing better to do.

[@RockWILK]

Thank you for that, I greatly appreciate it.

[@kneepayne]

Most of the YT camera "community" cares more about drama than actual creative projects.

[@RockWILK]

I think people get caught up sometimes and forget why they become an artist in the first place. I actually think that’s understandable, but at some point I think you have to find your way back to why you decided to do what you’re doing. I think everyone begins with the best of intentions, And so I think it’s good to move forward not taking anything for granted and appreciating the opportunity to do well on a platform like this, and not lose sight that you’re not smarter or better than anybody else. Just be a part of a community. And be kind to one another. That’s a good way to go in my opinion.

[@onison8533]

If there is one good thing that has come from the drama, it’s that the algorithm has helped me find this channel. Great video and thoughts

[@RockWILK]

Thanks for the kind words. Means a lot.

[@angeloplayforone]

As I said the positive of this whole discussion is that I see a lot of new You Tubers like you offering your insight.

[@RockWILK]

Ahh, thank you so much. I greatly appreciate that. And thanks so much for coming through, I don't take that for granted.

[@1kwords]

I like your channel. I like your calm, level-headed, adult and reasonable approach to stuff.

[@RockWILK]

Thank you. I really appreciate that.

[@santcain]

Great video. We are responsible for our own decisions. Buying a product because the person who you follow or like says it is a good buy is nothing more than blind faith, and that is the responsibility of the buyer and not the reviewer. Congratulations on your project. You are inspiring me to go out there and shoot with the gear I have now instead of waiting for the perfect camera.

[@RockWILK]

Ahh, thanks for this. I really appreciate it. I think there’s so much value in getting a camera and really learning it and then just making art. I don’t think there are many cameras made in the last decade that are going to keep you from doing what you wanna do. Like I say in the video, you just have to know what you need, and find the best tool for you. Thanks so much for the good energy, have an awesome day.

[@richcruz17]

Listening to you as a real filmmaker has reshaped the way I look at gear and the reviews. But most importantly you are a great human being. Thank you for creating and sharing the experience. +1 subscriber.

[@RockWILK]

Thanks so much for the kind words and the good energy, it's good nutrition for me and I really appreciate it. I don't take it for granted.

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

Great video Man !!! +1 subscriber

[@RockWILK]

Thank you so much!! Appreciate you. 😉🙏

[@JohnsClicks]

Good thoughts.

[@RockWILK]

Thanks so much

[@waveland]

A bit of old school New York common sense, much appreciated. And congrats on the Manhattan screening. That’s excellent! As for the tempest in an effing teapot over reviews, a bunch of people lost the thread as the saying goes and went off on a tangent talking about “reforming” a system that (as you say) works about as well as it ever will. I mean if they want to see bias in reviews, let’s go back to the magazine days when a handful of publishers were depending on ad dollars to keep printing! And of course I’m looking forward to (not) the whining a few months from now when these same cranky people realize they’ve been cut off by manufacturers because camera makers don’t want the negativity around their brands. I’ve seen the backtrack postings from Gerald and he knows now he should have never recorded that critique of the review system. But he’s not the first media figure to implode like this. Time to get back to creating. Congrats again.

[@RockWILK]

Thanks so much, and many good points here. Negativity never really helps anyone, at least in most cases. Certainly not for me. I like the community in the filmmaking space at KZbin, there’s some really talented people making interesting videos, but I take it all for what it’s worth. I would never buy something, completely based on some KZbin video, that’s for sure, although I might be interested in something because of one of these videos. But nobody is responsible to me for my decisions. Advertising is what it is. Trying to manipulate us to buy stuff, it’s always been that way, but that’s capitalism. I don’t understand why anybody is upset with that, everybody’s trying to make money. But personal responsibility is a good thing. :-) thanks for taking the time to leave all of this, I really appreciate it.

[@Bigcookfilms]

Great video

[@RockWILK]

Thank you, man, I appreciate that.

[@WasionKey]

I have no interest in filmmaking, I only know all the creatives that you know from watching their reviews and getting hooked on their personalities. that being said I have absolutely no idea what's going on with all this drama. but the s9 looks like a SICK piece of kit. (commenting to help your algo) cheers!

[@RockWILK]

I agree, I think the S9 is awesome, or at least it looks that way. I think for me, it might not work because sometimes I have long monologues in my narrative work, and I know you can’t record video for very long on the S9, but overall, I’m sure it’s an incredibly powerful camera.

[@cammackey]

Congrats on your projects! I’m subbed now and excited to see what you release! I know personally I came to KZbin to help build and be apart of community while also generating opportunities to fund my docs and narrative projects. I’ll admit, I’m too pretentious and wrapped up in my own stuff to make videos about stuff I don’t genuinely care about haha. I enjoy this community and I am beyond grateful for where it’s lead me! I appreciate your mature and balanced thoughts on all of this. I’m a down to earth guy so I respond like wise. Good and bad haha. But more people like you, standing up and speaking with wisdom is how the community with continue to push art and creativity over just tech enthusiasts. There is space for everyone, as long as everyone remembers who they are and stops trying to mislead people. Huge props to you brother.

[@UbiquitousBooks]

I'm pretty impressed that you are not only pumping out incredibly slick videos of your own, but also seemingly commenting on virtually every new photography/cinematography video uploaded to KZbin.

[@RockWILK]

Thanks for the good energy and the kind words, I greatly appreciate that. I love your channel, and actually I don’t find you pretentious at all. I just think what you’re like on your channel is probably what you’re like in real life. :-) And that’s a good thing. Being genuine resonates with me every time. Thanks again.

[@RockWILK]

@@Aggyoko this dude right here. SMH.

[@cammackey]

@@RockWILK right back at you brother! People don’t understand what community is, it’s everything. Can be the richest man in the world, but without a supportive community it doesn’t mean much. You got my support brother

[@RockWILK]

@@cammackey True story. I’m a solo performing artist, so I’m pretty solitary, but one thing I’ve learned over the years is that without a community, you’re just you, sitting there, all by yourself, with your own opinions, and your own thoughts, and missing out on what life really is about. Which is people and relationships. The rest of it is all just “whatever”. :-) Appreciate you.

[@CABRALCREATES]

Man! Finally I hear someone actually pointing out the real problem with the camera reviews community. I think that the camera reviews community are reactive to what gets views and they are willing to slander each other just to get views. Remember the early in the year the videos about "I quit KZbin"? A lot of big KZbinrs jumped on that train and lied for views, spoiler alert they're still posting on youtube and making money. Also thanks for pointing out the most people are actually trying to make a living from KZbin and that doesn't make you a fraud. Great channel btw!

[@RockWILK]

Thank you for this, Yo. I greatly appreciate it.

[@ryanstark2350]

I use vintage lenses. Some really old ones as well which are spectacularly good so autofocus is not critical. I looked at a Lumix S1 recently and I couldn't believe how good that camera was for the silly low price. Everyone is fighting over the latest gear when it’s been very good for several years. Once it’s all really great with superb autofocus for video, gimbal like IBIS etc. the obsession with the latest gear will die down. The content people are using it tor will become more important. These things seem to go in cycles with tech.

[@RockWILK]

Yes, the S1 is awesome and crazy cheap now. Just like the S5. I even saw an S1h sell for $1200 on EBay recently. Crazy. For me, the longer I have my camera, the more I use it, the more attached I am to it, the less I’m interested in the newest technology. But it’s all good, there’s room for all of it. Thanks so much for coming through.

[@CaseloadMoses]

I was against this sentiment at first but after watching this video, I agree. We as creatives should focus more on the art that the camera or tool is used to create. And most people, myself included, would never turn down a free trip to Japan. We've managed to trivialise camera reviews 😂😂😂 It's not even that deep.

[@RockWILK]

Exactly. It ain’t all that deep. Not enough to trash another person. No sense in that. Focus on actually making art with your tool instead of criticizing other people. And don’t think anybody’s actually buying a camera just because of you, and even if they do, it’s not your responsibility. Thanks so much for coming through, I really appreciate it.

[@nickalot]

all these people talking about cinematic looks and cameras. nobody talking about how to get that cinematic accent. ❤ i love your accent hahaha

[@RockWILK]

😉🙏

[@kyounokuma]

I'm trying to understand why gear reviewers receive so much more attention compared to photographers and videographers. I get it! It's easier to get excited about new gear and idolize the reviewers, but all the drama and accusations are a waste of time. In the end, this should be about growth and creating art. It just seems like gear and gear enthusiasts receive more recognition than the actual work created. Gerald got upset about not being invited to the S9 release, which caused a huge reaction on KZbin. On the other hand, Vuhlandes, a very talented photographer, filmmaker, content creator, and storyteller on KZbin, recently announced that he has cancer... crickets! Like you, he's focused on creating and continues producing short films and content with impact while seeking treatment. Anyway, thanks for being the voice of reason. You made some great points, and your comments about how you use older cameras and actually focus on creating just says it all.

[@RockWILK]

Thanks so much for this, and obviously I agree with you. And I actually made a video trying to send people to Vuhlandes' video where he was raising money for his cancer recovery. I'm not sure you saw that video, but it's interesting that you mention that, because I think the point that you're trying to make is that not only are we more interested in gear than art, but we are also way less interested in actual humanity and having any sense of empathy. I believe that sometimes people lose their way getting caught up in situations just like this one, and maybe this controversy with the S9 will sit people down and have them reflect for a moment. Like I said in the video, camera gear? It ain't all that deep. Making art? Using the gear for something meaningful? Now that's something. Thanks so much for coming through and for the comment, I greatly appreciate that.

[@matttheking1655]

You've just earned yourself a sub....great analysis...👌

[@RockWILK]

Thank you so much, I appreciate that. :-)

[@foglebr]

Yep, that Hollyland LARK M2 system has outperformed its budget price. I’ve seen that Marques Brownlee uses the LARK M2 for audio recording in his AutoFocus channel videos that are filmed handheld with a phone. Also, yes the vitriol and controversy in the KZbin camera space is more heated now than ever. Honestly it is why your video was suggested to me at the top of my KZbin homepage today. I’ve subscribed and look forward to more of your honestly and art.

[@RockWILK]

I like this Hollyland, although it keeps losing the pairing, but I like that I can record onto the microphone by itself, and I'll use a lavalier mic with it for real projects, because I kind of hate the way it looks. :-) but the sound is really good, and it's convenient, and I think it's more sturdy than what I've been using. And as far as the KZbin stuff, people sometimes lose their way, forget why they do what they do, and get caught up in being popular. But that's our culture, and hopefully people find their way back to what moved them in the first place. Thanks so much for coming through, I really appreciate that.

[@foglebr]

@@RockWILK Absolutely agree with the YT thoughts. Regarding the pairing issues, I’d recommend looking into a used charging case on eBay or the used section of B&H/Adorama. It may be that the system just likes to be paired via the charging case. It could also be that the chips have just aged such that they’re loosing their connection.

[@RockWILK]

@@foglebr mine is literally brand new, so I don't think anything is aged, but that's a great idea, maybe I'll look for a charging case online. Thanks for the tip, much appreciated.

[@foglebr]

@@RockWILK Oh dang, if yours is brand new then I’d reach out to Hollyland. I was assuming yours was upwards of a year old or more. An issue like that, loosing pairing, on a new device I’d say is either a bug that needs a firmware fix or a warrantied defect.

[@RockWILK]

@@foglebr I’ll definitely look deeper into this. Thank you, I appreciate it.

[@lumixS5M2]

yes good point

[@RockWILK]

Thank you!

[@mikeyhughessays]

We seem to be addicted to outrage; taking any opportunity to throw stones. I guess it’s just more fun than assuming good intentions

[@RockWILK]

Hurts me to say, but I think you’re right. But all the more reason to put as much good energy out there as possible. Thanks so much for coming through, I really appreciate that.

[@jamescaldwell5]

Great video! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and the camera setup that is making the video, it looks fantastic. I personally am very excited about the S9 because I already have an L-mount camera (sigma fpl) and a bunch of L-mount lenses. I love the sigma for photography but in order to capture video I really need to use a tripod or gimbal. It would be much easier to cary this tiny body with incredible image stabilization than trying to fit my gimbal or tripod into my backpack, for when I want to shoot some video. The reviews have been tainted by this feud, I am hearing them gripe about lack of view finder and mechanical shutter, while seeing great stuff they captured with the camera. I don't like seeing new photographers getting sucked into buying trendy fashionable fixed lens cameras when IMO they should be buying an interchangeable lens camera (full frame if they can afford it) and experimenting with different lenses. Full frame cameras really bring out the personality or character of vintage lenses, giving the end product a sense of flavor that make Film style filters redundant. Not to say the LUT features are not probably useful, but the demos I saw seemed too heavy handed. Instead of complain about LED banding on indoor shots, the reviewers could simply say "set your shutter speed to 1/60 and your ISO to auto and you wont have an issue."

[@RockWILK]

Yeah man, I agree with all of this. I think interchangeable lenses is the most creative part of filmmaking, at least with regards to the gear. I know that Sigma camera is a great video tool, but yes, there's no stabilization so I know that's difficult. The s9 sounds really cool to me, even though you have real short bursts of video, but it sounds like a great camera, like every camera out there. :-) thanks for all the good energy, and especially thank you for coming through, I greatly appreciate that and I never take it for granted. Thanks again. Good luck with your photography and filmmaking!

[@angeloplayforone]

It more a personal frustration of one or two You Tubers and I will mention their names Gerald Undone, Patrick Tomasso and Brandon Washington. The problem is that this guys are mostly making money or business from You Tube. Many does not have a full time job as Cinematographer, Videographer or Photographer. Their business are based on views and clicks so not being invited hurts their business. Also it hurts their ego. As Robin Wong, a photographer, former employee and Ambassodors of Olympus said in his blogspot that if you are not invited then you are not that important that you think. As you said it this persons thinks they are the gatekeepers and thinks others are taking money from manufacturers and make a good video from a bad product. As you said the need to look into the mirror.

[@RockWILK]

Amen. Great points.

[@adidabax6809]

Congrats on the film! Panasonic has gotten a lot of press lately, and as far as I'm concerned, all good.

[@RockWILK]

Thanks for the kind words, and I think all the controversy has very little to do with Panasonic as a company. And I agree, they make great cameras. And lenses. And every company is trying to make money, and every company is going to try to exploit people like KZbinr so we’re doing videos about camera gear. That’s just the way it is. as far as them picking and choosing who they want to work with, any company would do that. I still say do your own due diligence, and just enjoy the videos for what they are. And don’t be hating on people, if this is the worst thing in your life, you’re quite fortunate. This stuff ain’t all that deep. Thanks so much for coming through, I greatly appreciate that.

[@adidabax6809]

@@RockWILK I didn't mention it before, but I think you have an amazing way of saying what I say in less personal terms. What that other guy did was complain about people who got benefits he didn't, that he used to get, and that he wanted to stop people from getting. Those initial reviews have a place. Prior to them, we have a lot of rumors and misinfo. Those people got to go and show actual results and get info from Lumix about things that they can share more facts. And, I've got to say, I've watched dozens and I see none that are so off base that I don't get what they mean. In fact, most talk about the negatives openly. It's all about one guy who is protecting his business, and you said it to him better than I could have :) I didn't watch the drama. I can spot it when I see it, but it's clear a lot of people can't. Good news - it's a great camera that people want, so I don't think the market really cared.

[@yosuhanverdecia]

I will just say one thing, I subscribed

[@RockWILK]

Much appreciated. :-) Thanks for coming through.

[@Epictube100]

Your argument has a lot of good points but maaaan I personally think that you’re wrong in your perspective. You essentially said that you can be bought and sold in the pursuit of money. There is such a thing as ethics in any line of work you do. There is such a thing as a standard in the pursuit of objectivity and respect for your audience. Let’s not sugarcoat shit when we see what happens when there aren’t ethics in a line of work. That’s when Boeing planes start falling out of the sky. If advertising didn’t work, companies wouldn’t spend millions on it yearly. Yes there’s a personal responsibility but how about going to a person who’s supposed to be a professional in their field and them giving a biased review. Let’s have doctors, pilots, everyone just do what they want for making money

[@RockWILK]

I understand where you’re coming from, but I will never hold a camera reviewer to the same standards as a doctor or a pilot. I think you’re talking about a completely different universe, but I do understand your perspective. I just think you can’t really call a KZbinr a professional since anybody can put their face in front of a camera and upload a video. They don’t have any personal responsibility per se. That’s why I said never use a KZbinr as the basis of buying something. If the review resonates with you, keep doing research, but if it doesn’t, just know that it just might be some knucklehead who’s uploading and having some fun, who is not required to have ethics. It’s just like social media. You can believe whatever you wanna believe, but just know that anybody can say anything they want at any time. Pilots, doctors, what you’re referring to, those people cannot even be on their platform without understanding that they are held to a standard, not only ethically, but legally. So I think there’s a huge difference. And of course people are bought and sold all the time, that’s the American way. Lol in our culture, it’s all about the money. Sad but true. We live in a society that is one that celebrates celebrity and wealth and nothing else. If you really want to get real about it. But again, in an idealistic world, I totally agree with you and I actually wish the world was like that. But it’s not. Especially the world of KZbin. Thanks so much for coming through, I greatly appreciate that and I don’t take for granted that you actually took the time to leave this,. It adds to what is hopefully a constructive and healthy discussion. Thanks so much.

[@GideonNtxbeni]

You are speaking truth. + you have gained a subscriber.

[@RockWILK]

Thanks for the kind words. It is much appreciated.

[@benbutler2049]

100% correct

[@RockWILK]

Appreciate that.

[@PPLRRN]

For me, when I see reviewers publish all at the same time, I know they were given the product for review. I don't care if they disclose it. It's just common sense.

[@RockWILK]

Yup

[@dorfschmidt4833]

I have no problem with that, but it should say ‘ADVERTISING’ big and bold in the video.

[@RockWILK]

You mean for this video? You think this video is in some kind of way advertising for somebody?

[@dorfschmidt4833]

@@RockWILKI mean all those 'reviewers', who went to Japan for free and did promotion for a new product. Making the audience aware of a new product is advertisement.

[@RockWILK]

@@dorfschmidt4833 ahh. Yes. I totally agree. Maybe it would be better if you KZbin made it clear that it was a space that is somewhere in between advertising and unbiased review. That is somewhat biased because of the obvious conflict, but maybe a little bit more rounded than a straight up commercial.because some of the Youtz actually do point out some of the flaws, but I agree with you, it still would be good to let it be known that they are being supported by the company that makes the product that they are reviewing. Excellent point.

[@ivandj707]

If you give a critical review, they will no longer offer and pay you for a wonderful trip to Japan... But then how can we trust the review of those who went on that beautiful trip to Japan?

[@RockWILK]

I think you should trust whoever your gut tells you to trust, but like I said in the video, at the end of the day, do your own research, because anybody can get on KZbin or anywhere else on the Internet and pretty much say anything. I think that’s a good thing to keep in mind. Most of this is entertainment, and for sure a lot of it is educational, but still, do your own exploring. I think everybody is well intended, but once you start making money, I think your priority is to keep making money. Thanks so much for coming through, I really appreciate it.

[@eyeballbilly]

Thank you for being the voice I needed to hear. Love where you’re coming from. God bless.

[@RockWILK]

Thank you. I really appreciate that.

[@extrashot]

Love your sentiment... subb'd

[@RockWILK]

Thank you!! I appreciate that.

[@moneyboys2010]

The first 4 1/2 Minutes… said the quiet part out loud. All Truth !!

[@RockWILK]

Thank you, I appreciate that. ;)

[@JoATTech]

What if I make 10x doing what I'm doing and YT is just my hobby? I don't mind reviews, but come on, at least don't make cons a pros (as most of paid reviewers did). And yes I would prefer my lighting video makes more views than my rant about Panasonic S9 which is kinda irrelevant for me.

[@RockWILK]

Thanks for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate that.

[@WhoIsSerafin]

I have zero interest in filmmaking so that just became a video camera I can’t really use as a camera. Drives me nuts you video people call something clearly made for video a camera and not a video camera. As for environmental videos I’ve become jaded and find very little balance between sustaining the lives we have and keeping the earth happy. Let alone an obvious political bias and specially if it’s coming out of New York.

[@RockWILK]

Thanks for the comment.