Filmmaking Gear that made me MORE MONEY in 2022

[@jordanettinger]

Great video, The only area I don't agree with you is on the RED vs Sony setup. You say that the Sony cam doesn't look professional to the client, then a few minutes later you are rigging out that same camera to look indistinguishable to the RED (from a client's perspective). To those reading this who are trying to get into the industry: Don't buy a RED. Start with something like the A7Siii and rig it out. You will have an amazing camera at a reasonable price. If you manage to land a really big client, then rent a RED for the production days.

[@RasKalevthesouljourner]

Or bmpc 6k

[@jordanettinger]

@@RasKalevthesouljourner Also a great camera. I only recommend the A7Siii because that is what I use and am familiar with, and I've been really happy with it :)

[@shadi5885]

I think one important thing worth mentioning is that if your goal is to get income from renting your gear you’re better off buying lenses than camera bodies due to how quick bodies become obsolete. Lenses don’t lose value and occasionally even increase in value if you’re holding a discontinued gem whereas you’re gonna need a new camera body in 2-4 years max

[@hunter2014100]

Couldn't agree more!

[@PeterCrosbyIII]

Strange thing to say that Sony doesn't look professional.

[@KarthiksPictures]

At 9:45 that point that you mentioned, is bang on target. It feels nice to say "oh its not the gear that matters, its the person behind it that matters", " The best camera is the one in your hand" etc, all these feel good to hear, but in the real world if you want to get paid at a certain price point or need to scale up, you have to not only impress with your work but also what you bring to the shoot and the impression you make, gear matters in that. I have seen this happen so many times in my career, I have lost shoots to other people because of gear, appearance, these things that we feel shouldn't matter but they do. Really happy that you brought this point forward.

[@stopthefomo]

YES to tool pouch, good heavens, from spare CFX storage to various cables to mounts/adapters/rails, tape, etc. and of course YES to the smallrig v-mount mini batteries - I have 2 of them too

[@dennis_menace_aus]

I've worked in video production for 17 years. Clients have always hired me based on my work. The camera was irrelevant and the client didn't get to see it until after I have been hired and turned up to the gig. 99% of clients don't even know what a RED is or how 'impressed' they should be. I think this is more about your insecurities than an actual issue in the industry.

[@hunter2014100]

Couldn't agree more!

[@zaccruz_]

I disagree. I think to the point that 99% of clients don’t even know what a RED is, are also clients who don’t know that small mirror less cameras are also capable of professional high grade work. I think what ryan was suggesting was that appearances of yourself as a creator (portfolio, how you dress, etc.) and gear can determine how seriously clients take you. At the end of the day, cool looking gear doesn’t make a good film, we do, but definitely helps.

[@dennis_menace_aus]

@@zaccruz_ Are you a KZbinr or do you earn a living through video production? I've never been asked the question what gear I use. It's always been referrals or my portfolio. Literally ZERO to do with what gear I use.

[@ywmedia]

​@@dennis_menace_aus I understand what you're saying. There are markets where you can use what you want, especially if you're in charge of the video end to end (shooting, editing, delivery). Most corporate clients and small businesses don't really care as long as the footage and video are good. That's the space that I'm in, and it sounds like that's potentially what you do as well. However, if you're working in a competitive production-heavy market, or if you're sending footage to certain production houses for finishing, then those types of "clients" will often have certain gear requirements (e.g., "RED needed, Sony, etc). That may not necessarily be what Ryan said in the video, but at certain levels, the gear package does matter because the market and client demand it. That may be more for owner/operators in the broadcast. What Ryan is saying may not apply to you (or me), but in certain markets that definitely is the case.

[@jmackultra]

Man, I was just about to say something similar. By the time they find out what camera you use, you've already gotten the job. So I'm not sure how having a certain camera would land you better gigs.

[@lyndonlabayan]

Commenting before finishing the video but Caleb's vids are so good... His 'kit' videos are perfect for everyone, of all skill levels. As an amateur, I really appreciate his stuff.

[@RyanKao]

He’s a legend!!!

[@aqibx]

I have to disagree with the camera part, we shouldn't care what the client thinks of our equipment nor does the client really bother that much, as long as we can deliver and have an impressive portfolio then the client knows what they are getting regardless and will trust you to do that. I know dudes with some big ass cameras and they have no idea how to use them properly. Some of the bigger cameras these days can look quite dated for a client too, so that argument will always exist regardless of what you shoot with, focus should be on the end product and keeping clients satisfied. If you have a higher budget shoot that requires a bigger camera spec then by all means, but don't just get a bigger camera because it looks cooler to clients, its the recipe for disaster! I use the A7SIII and I can shoot whatever I want, how I want with lots of flexibility, what a client thinks of my gear is the last thing on my mind as they know my portfolio and what they are getting for their money!

[@celluloidmountains316]

Totally agree with that specially when DOP doesn’t know how to handle the camera. Have seen so many productions with big bad as cams which looked like sh** and totally cheap at the end.

[@Mrcheesydancer]

Agree, chances are everything your portfolio was created on your "little" camera. So clearly if they like your portfolio, they like whatever comes out of it. Dismissing you because your camera is "not good enough" would be very hypocritical of them. Also, by the time you get your 30-60k camera paid off... good luck with that, especially as a freelancer.

[@xrobbond]

Dude I love the way you break down the explanation of client perception as it relates to dslr/mirrorless vs. RED. As an example to reinforce your point...my buddy is a die hard Sony shooter and we shoot events together all the time using his arsenal of Sony cameras (Mostly A7S3's which are incredible). I was hired to shoot photography for a client and they expressed needing video so I got us the opportunity to bid for a job as videographers as well. Our bid was very reasonable but we did not get the job. However, I was still shooting photography for them, saw the video team they hired, and even spoke to the head of their team. He didn't know that my friend and I had pitched for video too so he was candid with me. His words were, literally, "I sold them on RED cameras and how they're used on movies, commercials, etc, and how his team will bring a cinematic commercial element."

[@BrandonHinojosa]

Ryan's balling now! Keep up the good work, I'm rooting for you!

[@brandonpetersen10]

Thanks for your kind words about Kondor Blue 🙏🙏🙏 Can't wait to show you what we have up our sleeves at KB over the next couple months. I think you'll be stoked on it as well! Keep up the great work!

[@photowert]

i agree with most of the parts, especially that its needed to impress clients, but that can also be done by rigging your lumix GH5 up, you dont even need an a7siii. its about working well with what you have. great video mostly. cheers

[@anthonypc1]

Your video edit flows so nicely. Unnecessarily well polished for what I thought would just be a simple list video !

[@M.A.D.C.J]

We’re getting the lowdown! I love videos like this brother! Thanks for being so awesome and I hope you’re doing well my friend!

[@RyanKao]

Thank you as always my bro. I hope you’re doing well too!

[@bandwagonbull]

Love this vid! So helpful to know where to allocate budgets to rather than splurging on the newest 'hottest' product another youtuber has been paid to big up, especially as a film maker in a very similar position to yourself where every 'next step' I make is a very expensive and potentially risky move. Keep making awesome stuff man!

[@MrMolotov69]

Really good ideas and products thank you for highlighting them. I kinda agree about the big cinema camera rig for higher budget productions just for the sake of appearances but unless I was constantly shooting for such clients regularly I don’t think it’s a smart investment. It’s better to own and hone your craft on something like a mirrorless camera and then if you land a big client just rent a cinema camera. Camera lose value pretty quickly so it’s something to consider.

[@Corruptlol187]

I ve seen my previous companies spend an easy 20k for a half day shoot just because there was a full crew standing with gear worth of 100k+ while literally every decent videographer would ve been able to solo shot. all these people were doing useless stuff and standing around eating food ( that we cooked for the video shot ) all day.

[@PeterV]

Love ur content man! Seeing ur channel and content grow has been amazing!

[@RubenMaciel]

This is great! The info on this is priceless. Cheers

[@BrianTheCameraGuy]

Awesome video Ryan. Really love that monitor. Has to be a game changer on set!

[@manugentoodrums]

Will def go into this kind of setup if I land big clients. Dope rig Ryan!

[@BenjiSelby]

The wireless audio setup is nice! Thanks for breaking down your gear kit, passing the eye test makes a difference in what that check looks like these days!

[@lessemo]

I just found your channel, nice quality QUEST CREEWW!!!

[@itsthedailybrad]

How are you able to afford all of this? Where do you make the most money as a videographer??? Would love to see a video on that, also this was fantastic thank you!!

[@RasKalevthesouljourner]

This! Bc the gear is like impossible to afford

[@Mrcheesydancer]

(Business)loans 🤣

[@2011troya]

@A4 Films really good wedding videographers are absolutely amazing!!!!

[@CandaceWilliamsVideo]

Same thing I want to know no lie I would love to upgrade my gear I’m starting out as a sports photographer and I need better gear

[@BryanMariani]

Change your mindset brother. Focus on abundance. Work some small gigs, throw EVERYTHING plus some of your W2 income into the piece you really want next. Bump your prices a little bit, rinse and repeat. Right now I’m torn between a $2200 FX30 setup and a $4200 FX3 setup, but I’m working relentlessly to make it happen. Look for Solutions > Problems and you’ll get there yourself.

[@piusgyagenda]

I love the production value put into your videos, its amazing and humbling at the same time Glad I am learning alot thus enabling me transfer the knowledge at time to my channel. Great JOB Ryan

[@daniellrodriguezs]

When you are talking about the Komodo. If you are able to have a superb customer experience and also you can think out of the box, your clients will come and remember you for that, not for the gear you have. This is also a self reminder as I have also fallen in this trap before.

[@parkercreative_au]

Yes and no. It’s dumb as hell but it definitely helps on bigger budget stuff.

[@marcopervo]

I"m holding firm with 4K cameras from 3-4 years ago and limit investment to batteries, screen cages, cables, NATO-railing, lighting and media/storage when deals pop up, things that will add useful life to my existing gear.

[@chrisfowler92]

Comprehensive video Ryan! Looking forward to more. Really enjoyed watching the whole thing

[@JonasBecker]

This was amazing! Thanks for the business / production focused content! Would love to see a vid on lighting and backdrops / set design. Your thought process behind the vid you used as an example for the monitor e.g. Thank you for your vids, Ryan! They really helped me build my fulltime video production career and now they help me to scale it up :)

[@chipcurry]

Thanks a lot for taking the time to do it. Very well spoken and clearly explain.

[@ActionFredo]

That's dope your sponsored by envato elements. I've used them for two years! Keep this insightful content coming

[@DanielMogg]

Great business breakdown of Mirrorless vs RED!

[@petersarellas]

Awesome video! Definitely have some stuff to invest in now

[@ByDanielJames]

This videos so good! I’ll definitely replay it to properly to really pick out what I can invest in!🙏🏾 Thanks Ryan

[@TylerHansenVideo]

Need that OSEE... You should do a video showing what your travel production setup looks like 👀

[@RyanKao]

Hmm that sounds like a really good idea 🫣

[@SLAUGHTERRAW]

Dude amazing as usual , everything is always on point with you , I’m glad I came across your channel 2 years ago now , every time I watch you I feel more inspired to create

[@RyanKao]

Thank you so much bro. Appreciate you

[@BryonBlack1]

What size/model Pelican case does that Osee monitor fit into?

[@RasKalevthesouljourner]

Holy moly just your audio gear is worth more than everything I own.

[@infiniteproject5894]

We use a very similar sound kit in filmschool

[@mariapelzer8005]

What would you recommend for wireless video transmitters?

[@RyanKao]

I personally have been using Accsoon Cineview SE system, but have been hearing great things about the new DJI transmission system if you have a bit more money to spend

[@northtosouthmedia]

So good dude! Cheers!!!

[@checkeredflagfilms]

A great orientable eyepiece with eliminate all that monitor BS. Hate composing with monitors. Eyepiece is immersive and creatively more valuable.

[@HighlyAkicktive]

How's that Nitze Mini Follow Focus working for you, did you have a chance to compare it to the Smallrig?

[@andrei_cinema_barbu]

Well done bro!

[@MaikHansen]

These insights are so helpful! Thank you so much for taking us with you on your journey! 🙏🏻

[@strangebirdfilms]

cool vid. Youre whole point abt the look of the camera can be achieved by throwing a monitor and a matte box on any other cam. the same hypothetical "ad" person who is gonna be wowed by the look of your tricked out rig will be just as impressed with anything with a matte box & a cage.

[@Fujiboy.mp4]

great video, next one needs to be the process of traveling with that much gear. after seeing the shot of yall in the airport I got instant anxiety for yall lol.

[@ProjectifiAU]

Thank you for the detailed explanation! Do you think the new Ronin 4D could replace your current camera setup?

[@Saahib_K]

Some very solid points you hit spot on. There is more in this vlog than just the gear. Really liked this episode. 👌 For giggles, I don't think you need to join a gym, this gear alone is more than enough 😀

[@conradpk_]

Great insight! Thank you

[@timpanic]

The guy doing everything on set gets the lowest paycheck.

[@renaissancedigital5730]

Gotta get that shoulder rig balanced

[@tayfilmes]

Great content! Which app do you use to organize your shootings?

[@DavidUmbertoZappaStricker]

Hi, I'm really enjoying your videos. I come from still photography and your tips and suggestions are just outstanding! So, thank you. I have a tiny request: why is the name of the envato template used at 17:36" of the video. I'm going crazy not finding it but would need for a gig. Thank you so much in advance.

[@leighmosley7873]

I like your videos. Informative. I’d like to know what monitor(s) you use.

[@Oh-Joe-You-Didnt]

Your pre-production note organization app looks like it might be Trello. Is that right? It looks perfect for what I need.

[@kristopherquinn8753]

What camera are you using ?

[@deroux]

Shape Cages are great. My fav out of Kondor (#2) or Tilta, SmallRig.

[@Oh-Joe-You-Didnt]

Hi Ryan! I would LOVE to know more about the organization software you're using at 0:48. A video on how you organize production notes would be really cool!

[@DustinHarrelson]

Yooo those batteries are amazing

[@FILMSCHOOLCINEMATOGRAPHY]

god how useful this video is!!! thanks man, i watched whole video and i found that I knew about camera. please make more useful contents like this about alphabetic expressions of photography and Video camera. thanks a lot, subscribed

[@VincentPowell]

Loved this. Best tip was the arca smallrig plate between the KB gear. Its the missing link in my gear.

[@SebastianFriedrichVisuals]

Ryan - I was looking for the written film overlays pack from envato, could you tell me which one it is? Seems to look super good! Thanks in advance man!

[@Slipsch]

Man, I shoot a V Raptor but I think my skills are not even half as yours, I'm not even a production company. I'm a realtor and either myself or my team will video each other for a real estate walkthrough. But I agree, it makes our team look more "pro" and clients always choose us. Our V Raptor is a fairly simple setup.

[@anarabicdp]

I don't like that the Rhodes are glossy so I jumped on the DJI mics and then they went and made the 2 glossy! I guess I'm sticking with the ones for a while.

[@Cerith12]

Any upcoming filmmaker trying to get into the film industry watching this, please disregard everything said here regarding sound, camera, and business acumen, hire a mixer that doesn't call the mix pre 6 line "industry standard" Convincing clients to not hire a sound mixer to pocket more cash (while using cheap pro-sumer gear) and cut someone out of a job is disgusting, and deeply harmful to the workers below the line(who took massive pay cuts during covid), gross. I don't even know where to start with a "DP", who is supposed to be a leader, advocating that ACs are not needed, truly parasitic, Referring fellow Operators and Crew and bringing them in on your gig will pay way more in networking than being a greedy ass clown working bottom of the barrel agency/new media gigs like this, I promise, believe in yourself, your skills, and uplift your fellow crewmembers and they will uplift you.

[@billimono4480]

Hi Ryan, can you do a video on video tripods you have been using

[@mata4185]

Great video really liked your explanation of the business side and how you use the items you have really pointed out the benefit you get out of investing in certain equipment such as efficiency, ergonomics and also the art thanks heaps

[@napatsaeng]

Thank you, Do You think a shoulder rig better easy rig? I think to buy one

[@shotbyarian]

great video thanks! really wish kondor blue gear was available in europe ..

[@Elvira-ex8kv]

Thank you for this video !

[@shadaiperez]

When it comes to the camera stuff, I completely agree with you. I own two Komodo‘s, and a dragon. But I have had clients that don’t care what I shoot it on, just as long as it looks good. One example, Guinness world records. in fact they asked me to shoot it on a Sony in 1080. Because of the nature of the shoot. I shot it on red and down res the files to 1080 ProRes. I didn’t get paid to shoot Red (red tax) but I know I would be able to move fast and have more flexibility. They were very happy and it was worth it the video now it’s sitting at 4.4 million views.

[@RasKalevthesouljourner]

What are you a millionaire? How?

[@ywmedia]

@@RasKalevthesouljourner The business pays for the gear. If it pulls in more than it costs monthly, that's profit. That's how business works for anything, same with real estate.

[@ywmedia]

You're right on with both assessments. Different clients have different requirements. So do different markets. If you're in a market where most clients demand RED or higher, then that's what you need to show up with. I've seen a ton of comments saying, "well, i can get similar results with X, Y, Z camera". That may be true, but it's all about what the client demands. If a production house or agency has their workflow optimized a certain way, they don't want to deal with my Panny's VLOG. They'll just hire someone with a Sony. Likewise, similar to your Guinness example. When I'm covering corporate events. For things like that, they just want it to look good enough. They just want the actual content of the lecture or meeting. So, I'm prioritizing storage and turnaround time for hours-long, multiple-day conferences.

[@AaronCabreroJr]

What are your thoughts on the red Komodo X? Is it worth the extra $ over the previous red Komodo ?

[@Aaron_Smith_OM]

Appreciate the video Ryan! Question. What case is that at 11:16? It's the case that two people are unloading from the cart to the ground.

[@RyanKao]

That’s the Nanuk 975! Giant case I custom fit to carry a few lights for travel production work.

[@Aaron_Smith_OM]

@@RyanKao Thanks cap'n. You're the man Ryan!

[@olamoen721]

0:47 What program do you use?

[@leokeller]

that's milanote

[@KipJackson]

Hey man I’ve been following for a while and upgraded my set up but can’t seem to find the 99volt version of the v mounts ? It’s says unavailable on your link

[@CandaceWilliamsVideo]

I’m starting out as a sports photographer how do you find the money for more gear my 9-5 is just not enough

[@raildude270]

Where can I buy a small roll of gaff tape like that?

[@jeremyirwin]

Amazon

[@XavierPil]

Great video. Question: how do you calibrate the monitor so you know that what you are looking at is what you’ll see in the edit bay?

[@LOMISFILM]

No ND filters? Would love to hear what you recommend in that arena with that Komodo.

[@crystalpulseTV]

Great vid!

[@iamowenpye]

I gotta give you a huge thumbs when you got to the line about 'it's not the brush, it's the artist' remark. I was onboard with this at first and certainly start here. But you really cannot be taken professionally seriously from untrained clients.

[@saschafirst]

Wow thats so cool! Does it mean, that you can also charge the SmallRig V-Mount Batteries with an Apple USB-C Charger?

[@AaronCabreroJr]

Out of curiosity how much money did you bring in 2023 as a videographer? 🎥 I love your videos btw 👏

[@mattliller]

Truly great and valuable video. Thanks for making and helping everyone else know some great gear that can actually yield a return on investment.

[@KieferYager]

Damn that is some quick auto focus 😮

[@theseventh2609]

Thank you man

[@numfade7045]

Was that quest crew?

[@robsquad_films]

With the kondor blue shoulder rig how are you focusing? I know you had the tilta focus handle, which works better for you?

[@RyanKao]

I go between either a wireless setup with the tilta gear, or just sometimes using my hand on the lens. Depends how much pulling I’m really doing when I solo operate!

[@asp5993]

TSA be like....... Did you say scissors and knife in the same sentence!?!?!?

[@slambk]

thanks for sharing

[@jennifermedia6288]

Hi Ryan, loving your videos. Can you help? I’d like the same rig for my A7s3. So you have a list so I can just go and get it. I’m desperate to sort my rig out and this looks the best so far. Thanks

[@RyanKao]

Hey Jennifer, send me a message directly on Instagram and we can chat through the rig parts!

[@Jadesfishing]

That was a cool video I hope to own some gear like that one day! When you turn your small rig monitor upside down does it automatically adjust the picture to be upright? Or were you looking at an upside down image on your shoulder rig?

[@ferrygelluny9093]

bro, if you are on a production industry. you just rent all of them. you hirdd sound man with the gear. you doesnt need to have all of this. you even save more money buy renting compared to buy them with additional cost in mind such as upgrading them, storage, and taking care of them.

[@HusseinMarey]

Great video

[@ricardophotofilms]

The scissors lol

[@stevewingo3ID]

Currently, I own a Sony A7sIII and I absolutely love it! However, I would like to have more capabilities. The majority of these comments seem to be grounded in your vision and self-confidence. Getting local clients and barely getting by on my portfolio isn't enough for me. Most people become comfortable with their work and are afraid to take it to the next level. You have to decide where you want to be. Using just a mirrorless camera for your entire career may make sense if you do local interviews, KZbin videos, and short documentaries. Want to get your film mainstream? Don't try Netflix with a Sony A7. They have a minimum camera standard. I want short films. Hone my skills and move on to regular features. Someone mentioned renting a high-end camera. Great idea until you can afford your own. If the Red or Arri was only $500.00 more than what you currently own, what would you do? I truly feel price and choice of content is what the main issue is with most.

[@nikogindler7422]

at 10:45 you talk about making a better feel for a client with a better camera. on what size of budgets are talking? the komodo with all the extras it needs and the lenses will be like 20k+ so the budget for the shoot should at least be around 8k. what do you think?

[@delux1101]

I really don’t like the smallrig tool so finicky gets loose too fast

[@BeFreVa]

You're like the lofi girl but with a focus on film 👌

[@darkphotographer]

you can always rent gear , and charge it extra is much cheaper than spending 10k on camera that will be oselite in few years ask for example 1500 for project ,with cine cam if they want it cheaper , 1200 with my dslr just like you dont need to have a car you can always get a taxi ,

[@angyuexiangaaron]

I will prefer zoom f6 mainly because of size and price.