The Blazar Cato Lenses Are Causing Drama in the Youtube Filmmaking Space... Let's talk about it?

[@RayRay-uw6ms]

I don't know any of the people you mentioned, and I don't know you. Why am I even here?

[@EricShaquille]

Probably my animal magnetism * winks seductively *

[@RayRay-uw6ms]

@@EricShaquille I subscribed, what are you going to do for 1000 subs milestone?

[@EricShaquille]

@@RayRay-uw6ms Start an onlyfans

[@cammackey]

I appreciate your take. I think people are confused with creatives on KZbin VS salesmen. I only review stuff I care about and like. It tends to be a lot of these newer creators who come out attacking people character. Newer, smaller. However you want to say it. I didn’t learn how this business works till I was about 60k subs in. I have never once been told by a brand what to say or not to say. If I don’t like a product, I don’t have the time or energy to talk about it. My channel is not a review channel. My channel is my channel. I think there’s a bigger discussion here around self awareness and mental health. Just like in the anamorphic group, I deleted my comments because it started to become a gang up on m purely because I don’t subscribe to the idea that lenses need to be perfect. We have perfect lenses; they’re expensive af.. people forget that while in the film days they were chasing cleaner glass.. THEY WERE SHOOTING ON FILM. And now getting to talk to DPs from the some of the largest films and series.. they chose according to the project.. not the glass. Next year people are going to be eating crow when one of the most iconic anamorphic worlds use something people have been hating on. Thats all I can say. I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned from this community, there’s tech heads and filmmakers who love the idea of filmmaking.. and then there’s actual story tellers and filmmakers who don’t care to have this conversation cause it’s an epic waste of time. I’ve learned my lesson. People don’t want to be responded to like I would in real life. If I was a salesman I wouldn’t be so crass. I don’t plan on changing soon. But I do plan on distancing myself more from the communities because it’s too draining for the real projects and opportunities that are to come. Again I appreciate your take, no harm no foul. No hate. Too much of that going around already. I think it’s going to take something very depressing to happen for people to learn to mind their own business online the same way they would in real life.

[@theclayj]

For the record, I enjoy your review videos cammackey, you help paint a good picture for me of these lenses and I actually picked up a set of Remus for some particular work I have where the characteristics and price of the Remus work for it. And it was in part thanks to your videos that I was able to make that determination. Now I’m still shooting Orion series for most of my stuff. But I understand the differences and I can’t believe there’s a Facebook group where adults are such filmmaking babies. Okay I’m out now. Back to crushing it.

[@MoeGunz]

I love your videos because you talk about how the gear can aid your filmmaking. You don't spout off nonsense to sell a product. I don't know how anyone can get Cams intentions wrong. In every video Cam did on Blazar anamorphics he literally says if you don't like the character they give and want something perfect or clean shoot spherical it's not a big deal. Funny how the guys that really make content like Cam and Brady have a love for the Catos but still say shoot with whatever you feel is best. Then you have channels that seem to just review things and focus on the specs on paper that will tell you things aren't good or whatever and critize people for what they pick. All of these things are tools at the end of the day. It's not that deep. Use what you feel is best for you and check out the channels that showcase them but are fair in telling you that it's what you can do with them if they fit your taste rather than telling you something is better than the Other or isn't viable.

[@thedronetravelers]

I'm a huge fan of the work of @cammackey, and I stumbled on this video by chance. I think everyone has an opinion, and all small channels (like my own) have varying stances, I'm sure, but I'd more than welcome gear to test--but I know with that will come with "shill" comments and all of that fun stuff. At any rate, it is kind of a waste of energy (the negativity and such), and it stinks that it's so rampant in all of these areas like camera gear, tech, etc. (I suppose every field). Peace to all--and as noted in this video, shouldn't we all just get along...? :) No fights! ;)

[@CartyCantDance]

I’m pretty sure most people know that you are just really into all this gear stuff. Your videos on converting spherical to anamorphic with oval bokeh inserts for like $15 just prove that you don’t care about selling things as much as it seems. But since you post so many videos, I see how people can misinterpret it.

[@buddyfx7026]

Just gotta say you weave together some great imagery regardless what set of lenses you're rockin', fvk the noise!

[@EdProsser]

Companies will align with people who enjoy using their kit - and those people will often go out and showcase how they'd use it and share their experiences with it - that doesn't mean the person is lying to you. It doesn't mean they are being paid to make all this stuff up and put on an act. People who don't like something can also be biased, it works both ways. Obviously there's a positivity bias in that people tend to make videos about stuff they like - but this is true whether you purchase the kit yourself, rent it or get sent it. You're still choosing to make a video for a certain reason, which involves some form of bias. The very act of making a video about anything involves some form of bias. Bias is inescapable - if you're optimising your video to perform well on KZbin there's bias, if you have an outside sponsor - there's bias. If you're rich and wealthy and self fund everything - still bias. If you have a personal KZbin channel - 9/10 you're gonna be sharing your own personal tastes and preferences, which shockingly yes, will be biased. There is nothing wrong with that. People are allowed to make videos about the things they like. No one has been forced to buy anything. There's responsibility on all sides. There's a space for cold technical reviews (which are still biased) but there's also space for creators to showcase the gear and share their excitement in using it. We have space for people to like something and not like it. I think if you don't like something - make a video about why YOU don't like it, explain your reasoning and contribute to the discussion and provide your audience with actual useful information as to why you don't think it's a good product, but don't forget that that's your opinion(!) There's just a toxic culture thats developed around this whole industry and at the end of the day it's just cameras. You can't say anything on KZbin now without be attacked by which ever group disagrees with you - if you like a camera you're a shill! If you don't like a camera you're clearly in the pocket of a rival brand or you're not a professional or a enough of an expert... or don't know what you're talking about etc. etc.

[@marklholloway]

The minute someone goes from being an decade+ long interesting artistic creator with a fan base to going “full time KZbin” where they lure in all the companies and choose which ones they want to get payment from to review and praise their product, the trust and credibility diminishes with their audience. You can’t get around it. If your life becomes centered around getting ~$25,000 (yes, this is the real number) to make a product review with a story tied to it, it’s just a matter of time before your shelf life as a KZbinr expires. Most long time fans see through it and will start to drop off and transition away while the new fan base are people who aspire to be what you once were and will buy the thing you’re promoting. I hate this is where we’re at. No matter what a ‘Tuber says to justify what they do with these companies, at the end of the day they are getting paid tens of thousands of dollars per product launch video and they feel like they’ve finally made it as a full time KZbinr. Very few can pull this off with credibility. Most will fall off eventually.

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Thanks for the “raw”ness! As I was mentioned in this video, I do want to go out and say that I was by no means calling out Cam. There’s no reason for me to. He’s a solid guy and comes off as really genuine from actually meeting at NAB and not just “watching his videos” I don’t think it was intentional, but you did put words in my mouth… well a name 😂 My gripe is with alot of other cultural aspects in the KZbin space and brand/creator relationships that I won’t go over because I did already make a whole video on it. Yes, inevitably people will not like each other for whatever reason, just like I’m not fond of every creator for whatever reason BUT we can all still get along and have fun. I learned this even more so at NAB when everybody was laughing, dancing and drinking together at the after parties. Twas an absolute blast Opinions are fine. Preferences are fine. Talent is great. Brand deals are cool. I just enjoy all the candid stuff. I like seeing creators disagree and still collaborate. Idk… just feel more real to me. No hard feelings at all!

[@AllThingsFilm1]

I think corner sharpness in a lens is the dumbest obsession I've heard about. Whenever it comes up in a lens review, I cringe. But, that's just me. If the characteristics of a lens serves your story, then run with it. Who cares what anyone else thinks? Visuals are very subjective. If you don't like what a lens does to your image, then don't use it.

[@KofiYeboah]

Watched this all the way! I can totally get behind having one’s own opinion, I think where the animosity kinda starts is when instead of potentially hashing out a problem (respectfully) in the comments, it’s either insults or someone making a video about them (direct or indirect) most of us are adults, were perfectly capable of just TALKING to each other , at the least before pressing record, end of the day it’s just camera stuff, we’re spoiled and we’ll live Good take 👍🏾

[@EricShaquille]

I think the indirectness is my least favorite part of this, to be honest. I'm sure I'm going to say things that people have a problem with(I'm obnoxiously opinionated) BUT if you have an issue with me SAY IT WITH YOUR CHEST. I can defend myself, or NOT if it's valid, but the wishy washy "Is he talking about me? I think he's talking about me..." thing is incredibly off-putting. Then if you attempt to defend yourself it seems like you're being overly defensive. Not to mention the anonymous trolls who tend to follow with the most inane shit you've ever heard. Like you said, at the end of the day, if we're in a position to drop a couple grand on gear in the first place, we're doing pretty good. Thanks for the love.

[@KofiYeboah]

I think there’s a GIGANTIC disconnect on how KZbin actually works for people like Cam (and on a much smaller scale, myself), and despite putting up content to offer clarity (that nobody watches lol) it’s sometimes more convenient to not try to find that. I’m sure you get dms asking “what cameras/lenses” should I buy all the time, it’s not unreasonable for one of these messages to say “hey how does this KZbin thing work for you because I have questions” Either way, it’s unfortunate that this is the way online discourse is conducted Speaking of, apologies on the Pyxis video,that was the maybe 8th one i saw with myself or video in it and also directly after a death threat on the same topic ( commenters are nuts) not an excuse and hopefully no harm done ✌🏾 realized I didn’t reply to that after

[@EricShaquille]

​@@KofiYeboah As someone who uses youtube as a dumping ground for whatever I feel like making and isn't attempting to make this a career, atm.. Gear is absolutely what is prioritized on this platform. It's the ONLY thing I get messages on lol.(that and color grading) Dude, don't sweat it. I mean I DID call your thumbnail silly. I don't take this place that seriously. Plus, you were right in choosing it, cause those are the thumbnails that actually get views(plus it IS true contextually). I'm gonna start going all in with ridiculous click-bait thumbnail/titles, just to see where it takes me.

[@KofiYeboah]

Gear absolutely is ! I think it’s human nature and path of least resistance, it takes zero brain power to buy an fx3, it takes a lot of thinking to block a scene, that and as long as we’re asked all the time, it’s clearly what the people want 😅 From one creator to the other, don’t make the clickbait title and thumb unless it’s contextual to the video, or you’ll end up finding a video talking about you in the near future That’s a joke

[@EricShaquille]

@@KofiYeboah Bring it, baby! Call me a shill too! I wanna know what it feels like!

[@timekeepermedia5142]

To be fair, the Catos clean up pretty good at f4 - f5.6.. If you watch Cams test it clearly shows this. Wide open there's definitely some funky stuff going on but wtf are peoples expectations for something at that price point and 2x lol

[@EricShaquille]

But if we stop down how are we supposed to hide our shitty production design? The size is also a huge limiting factor in their performance. You can't correct for the flaws with that little space to work with. That's the trade off.

[@timekeepermedia5142]

@@EricShaquille LOL. I mean they could have made them bigger and pricier but then that would defeat the whole purpose of what these were intended for

[@phoenixfunny4517]

​@timekeepermedia5142 honestly I think people wouldn't beg okay if they were 15/1600 with slightly better optics to eliminate the fishbowl effect or at least have those ones at those price to cover the cost. You can still have them around that size or slightly bigger like how the 40mm has a 95mm O.D. but the rest have 85. Make them all 95 so there's room for better optics to have less issues but still incredible lenses

[@BadMantraFilms]

@@phoenixfunny4517even super pricey anamorphics have a swimming effect. Do you see DPs doing panning shots on 2x glass in Hollywood? There’s a reason for that lol

[@dukecha]

I didn't really care about this topic, but now I care about you as a creator after checking out your channel. *SUBBED*

[@EricShaquille]

I appreciate it man! If conversation didn't revolve around anamorphic lenses, I wouldn't have chimed in either.

[@Imhotep397]

“Swimming” is an odd term considering extreme barrel distortion in any anamorphic lens will do this, which eliminates panning from the menu of camera moves available…I mean this is a huge chunk of what necessitated the proliferation of the original steadicam. Look again at the films you loved from the 90’s to the early 2000’s, unless it was shot spherical there’s no panning and a lot of that has carried through until today, because it’s an established part of the visual language of cinema at this point. This is the reason so many lens manufacturers moved to sub 2x anamorphic lens design and even anamorfaking. The restrictions to movement, and distortion are huge reasons directors and actors hated shooting anamorphic and it’s a big reason why until the recent Indie anamorphic boom everything shifted to and still is shot spherical. Anamorphic lenses don’t lend themselves to on the shoulder run and gun shooting in the traditional sense. IBIS and small nimble gimbals help, but they are not a silver bullet for the innate “weaknesses” of the format. Also, I love the Pavos!

[@EricShaquille]

Admit it, you just like the Pavos because they don't have green secondary flares(because they barely flare at all)

[@BadMantraFilms]

this was well said.

[@Imhotep397]

@@EricShaquille I don’t love the Pavos all the time for everything, but the more controlled flaring is helpful to not introduce distraction in a lot of shooting scenarios. I also have a pair of rehoused Sankor 5E projection lenses I use from time to time and the flares that are all green.

[@Imhotep397]

@@BadMantraFilms Thank you.

[@buddyfx7026]

the only thing I would add is maybe anamorphics started as a gimmick, but they stuck around. They’ve been part of cinema for so long now that they’re embedded in what we consider 'cinematic.' In the end, it’s all subjective-shoot with what makes you happy. Whether you love to pixel peep, obsess over gear, or focus more on storytelling (or both), it’s all valid.

[@EricShaquille]

Oh, absolutely. I shoot Anamorphic at any opportunity it makes sense to(and sometimes even when it doesn't).

[@harrylee8387]

its called access jounalisim, most companies wont tell you to not include something but they will hint at it and they wont send stuff to you if you criticize.

[@EricShaquille]

This can be true but the inverse that reviewers won't review products they don't think are worth reviewing can be true at the same time. The power-dynamic doesn't only lean one-way.

[@NEVERAGAIN007]

I love the smaller channels. Speak the real and are not swayed by the 🐂. Love the video my friend. Agree with you. KZbin has become like a small Hollywood. Once you’re initiated. They gotcha🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@NYCMDP]

Rly loved this video. Will the follow up video be you fighting all the silver flare and pavo users? I just subscribed hoping for this future episode

[@EricShaquille]

I'll throw out the invitation, but they don't want that smoke. Thanks for the love!

[@adebowaleadesuyi1347]

which adapter set up are you using using for this video? I like it

[@EricShaquille]

A Cinelux ES Black with a ttartisan 50mm f2 taking lens.

[@Giovanni-Giorgio]

Blazar will likely cause drama if they release a fully autofocus Blazar Apex for FF instead of crop factor and especially if they do 1.5x at least.

[@James-Tanner]

I love how I disagreed with you completely on every artistic aspect of this yet completely agreed with your balanced and well spoken perspective! Glad I found this channel through researching these lenses. I’m very new to anamorphic but genuinely love the pavo’s though they don’t seem to fit on my camera. Thanks very much for sharing your views and being authentic it’s refreshing as hell!

[@EricShaquille]

@James-Tanner I appreciate it man! What camera do you have? Pretty much any modern camera should be able to adapt the Pavos ef/pl mount

[@James-Tanner]

@@EricShaquille I run the ronin 4D, I'm planning on getting the NISI adapter for E to PL mounts but just looking at weights it seems like it's too heavy of a lens. I'm bumping up to some of the limitations of my set up.

[@videographerstuff539]

Great stuff! A company asked me to take down a video that showed a minor issue I had with their product. I laughed because the video is mostly positive but they get scared of people seeing fact based issues. Safe to say the video is still up. If we don’t show each other the real world, we will all buy the wrong stuff.

[@EricShaquille]

I honestly didn't know that was so prevalent until I made this video. It's crazy that these companies think a couple hundred dollar light is going to buy our integrity. I commend you, sir!

[@nyambe]

What about the samsang v-af anamorphic adapter

[@EricShaquille]

I think outside of the fact that its synchro focus, its pretty goddamn amazing. That and the Aivascope have the best flares under $5k IMO(if you're into flares)

[@RaphBiss]

What's your lens set-up?

[@Tusa_Mamba]

Great summary and even better delivery but most importantly; message !

[@M2008tw]

It is a wild time we live in, and there are many possibilities regarding expression. I like Mackey's relaxed cowboy style, which is so far from what I am surrounded by (I live in northern Europe). When the presentation came on Cato, it was more the dream of owning anamorphic with 2x, and I thought, "I have to have them." I helped along the way with Mackey's take, but it was also a process of realizing that we all have to ask ourselves, what do you want with that purchase? Your sensor is not an open gate. There was something about the character in Cato that I didn't find so great. Having said that, I love the opportunities we face today. Thanks for uploading.

[@EricShaquille]

Yeah man. We all get that rush when something new comes out, plus everyone comes out with those videos at the same time causing you to feel like you're "missing out". Often times It's better to just wait it out and see if it's something that you genuinely want or if the shiny new thing is causing Gear-Aquisition-Syndrome. I appreciate the love!

[@avx111]

There's always tension between industry professionals that do KZbin on the side and full-time creators on KZbin, both sides love to look down on the other and it's never gonna end I think. And it gets much worse on other sites than on KZbin's comments section. They just gotta learn to ignore each other I guess, live and let live. Personally I've learned to steer clear of creators opinions' on basically anything technical, not just because of the obvious implications of getting free gear affecting their objectivity, but because a lot of them are just plain wrong and spreading wrong information a lot of the time. When I listen to them, I care about their experience with the gear and how it works for them, focusing on the "feel" and creative possibilities rather than technicals, and that's what Cam is mostly about. More than anyone else maybe, I don't think I've ever seen him pull an SSI chart. And his videos are really well made, I admire the work ethic. That said I do think calling out a creator for being too "shilly" is a good thing, and should be done more often, I've seen this too much, especially on videos targetted at beginners; but that just isn't the case here imho.

[@EricShaquille]

I agree with most of this however... I love the technical reviews. It helps so much when considering budget/cost to performance ratios. CineD, CVP, Gerald Undone do such a service to the gear space in terms of helping you understand EXACTLY what you're paying for. You can give a talented artist anything and as long as it works, they're going to make it look good.

[@avx111]

​@@EricShaquille Yeah, I always watch them because they're basically the only ones doing in-depth testing, love ProAV too. But they're not hypemen trying to get you excited for the newest camera, those are the ones I take issue with. There's one serious offender that just last week was telling people in the comments that it's totally safe to leave your SDI 12G cables plugged, and he regularly says similarly stupid shit.

[@robertm3951]

IMHO the professional shills and professional reviewers put out their preorder videos at the same time. Not that the professional reviewers never shill, but the shills do not do long-term reviews.

[@robertm3951]

@@EricShaquille I kind of disagree. CineD and Gerald Undone are not very scientific. Their tests are kind of arbitrary. They do not always even understand the recommended settings on each camera that they test. I do think Gerald does a better job than CineD even though he is so biased for Sony.

[@EricShaquille]

@@robertm3951 As far as I know, they run their dynamic range tests at the native iso, and CineD especially attempt to run the tests as RAW as the camera allows to bypass noise reduction to give a more accurate reading of the sensor. I agree that the Xyla 21 test isn't PERFECT(I much prefer a camera with fantastic highlight retention than a camera that has cleaner shadows) but it's still useful information to know. Rolling shutter and latitude tests don't seem particularly arbitrary either... do you have any specific examples of them being unscientific or sabotaging a test in some way? Not arguing, just genuinely curious..

[@PixelThief69]

Dude what camera and lens did you shoot this video with? It looks great, like I could shoot an indie movie with this setup.

[@EricShaquille]

It's a DIY Anamorphic. The spherical lens is a 7artisans 50mm f2, the Anamorphic is a cinelux es black, and the focuser is a 3d printed diopter with a wide angle adapter as part of the elements... its essentially my child. Camera was an S5iix

[@PixelThief69]

@@EricShaquille Interesting! Thanks for the breakdown. I guess I can just hope to get the camera cuz there's no way I'm gonna be able to put that DIY lens together. Thanks for the info dude!

[@EricShaquille]

No problem, man! Honestly, the camera and lens are part of why it looks good, but you can get similar results with any number of lenses and cameras. For cheaper and less hassle than what I did here, too. Honestly, lighting and color correction/grading are the might aspects of the look here

[@PixelThief69]

@@EricShaquille Thanks dude! Any lens you can recommend that gets in the ballpark of this (that isn't crazy expensive)? Also, can you do a tutorial on your color correction/grading? You're getting a great film look (at least it seems to me).

[@EricShaquille]

I appreciate it! I have my next like 5 videos already planned, but I'll probably do one on color grading at some point. It's hard to give a recommendation without knowing what camera you have, but lets just go with the S5ii... It's something of a cliche, but I'm super partial to vintage lenses. I think the Canon fd lenses are super versatile because they're sharp/clean enough to use in a modern context but have enough vintage characteristics to also feel "organic" or "filmic". You can pick up a 24mm 2.8 and 50mm 1.4 for under $300 combined and be able to get a decent amount of coverage out of just those 2 lenses. If I had $2000 to spend on a camera/lens combo, that's what I'd go with.

[@scottievee330]

This is great. Props. Viewer beware in all directions. Be careful on "the Push" because some will hold you responsible. This isn't an opinion on a record to buy. Some people love the music I hate. Opinion. But camera gear is a BIG purchase and some more than others. They trust you as an authority. Some have no business in this capacity. If someone drops thousands of dollars on an item that was "highly" recommended... and a creator raved about... viewer beware.

[@TheAnjow]

Came for the likely clickbait title... subbed for the authentic, well balanced view. Also, neutral flares FTW. ;)

[@EricShaquille]

I appreciate it sir! If you think this title is clickbait, you ain't seen nothin' yet!

[@natrix]

I think the biggest point of contention and the through line for every major critique on any of the so called "shills" is the simple/obvious difference between an honest critical review vs a straight up ad. A couple of Cams videos really seem to blur that line and it feels very much like we're being sold something, which would be fine if it weren't being packaged as a simple Pros vs Cons list from a working pro lookin to help others cut through the wave of inflated/inaccurate marketing content. He's clearly adding to the hype and to say Cam's channel isn't a "review channel" seems like a stretch cuz that's exactly what the guy is known for. I mean he's literally a famous youtuber with tons of subscribers and while those things aren't mutually exclusive he's just not really known for his filmmaking. Which is fine and if he wants to make a name in the filmmaking or even just the ad space, I genuinely hope he has just as much success as he's had with his YT tutorials & reviews.

[@robertm3951]

With all due respect, I do not think it is always so simple or obvious to distinguish between an ad and a review.

[@natrix]

@@robertm3951 "A couple of Cams videos really seem to blur that line", so we agree then?

[@rayhungria1]

Those lenses are for independent filmmakers those who don't have money to buy expensive lenses .

[@RandomMotoThings]

What anamorphic are you using for this video?

[@EricShaquille]

It's a DIY Anamorphic. The spherical lens is a 7artisans 50mm f2, the Anamorphic is a cinelux es black, and the focuser is a 3d printed diopter with a wide angle adapter as part of the elements... its my child. I'll definitely end up making a video on it at some point in the future

[@dominicpclarke]

Ohhh which wide adapter? A 0.7x? Image looks nice.

[@EricShaquille]

You're right on the money. 0.7x century optics WA It is prone to CA, but the close focus capabilities are INSANE. Around 1ft!

[@dominicpclarke]

@@EricShaquille Thanks so its a DIY 3d printed variable diopter with the century inside? or it's fixed? Would be cool to see a video of this setup.

[@EricShaquille]

It's not fixed, but the section with the century is what allows the variable diopter to attach to the scope. So the focuser can't really function without it. For the record, I didn't machine it, I bought it from a fellow DIY enthusiast. But I'm definitely going to do a video on both my Anamorphic setups in the future! (The other one is just a boring 'ol aivascope)

[@TheFilmGuyOfficial]

I’ve been sent this video by a few people! Couple points I’ll make. Access journalism is real. A lot of people do it and it’s usually pretty easy to tell the ones who are in that boat, Just wait a couple months after their video and see what the non sponsored video say! If it doesn’t lineup with consensus time and time again, you know! They also shouldn’t be calling anything a review when they have been paid to make a video about it or they have talking points as part of their agreement! That is by nature preview and order review! I can’t speak for everyone else but for us if we don’t like something we will often talk to the brand and ask them if they want to continue with the video! We are not going to lie to our audience and we are not big enough at this point where we are doing it full-time and we don’t have sponsors for each video so we don’t necessarily want to make a video about we don’t like we don’t really want to make a video crapping on a company or product! We have also had companies react very negatively to our criticisms, . A lighting company asked me to take down my review because they said their sales had dropped since I posted it. They were expecting a promotional piece, not a review! In a video where we recommended the lights, they said we were too negative 🤣 We have also had lens companies use our footage to promote their lenses but they’re not include us in the next round of reviews for new products. Because they don’t want reviews, they want promotional pieces. Generally, I’m okay with that as long as we’re not going to lie to our audience and the brand is clear that’s what they want from the start! in which case we will try to get some kind of funding for the video and we will fully disclose that it sponsored and not a Review! An issue with KZbin versus actual news organisations is the news organisations generally have funding when a lot of these KZbinrs rely on to be able to get their hands on products to make videos so there is an incentive for them to try to keep that positive! Most companies weren’t ever tell you can’t criticise. We have definitely been blacklisted by a couple of companies because we didn’t give them glowing reviews without criticism

[@EricShaquille]

I'm a huge fan your channel and how you guys actually break down the flaws and limitations of the gear you review! Your video on the DJI focus pro in particular helped in my decision to hold out for a future release(something that DJI definitely does NOT want to hear) There are some channels people go to because there's a piece of kit out there that they know they want but enjoy seeing it utilized and what it's capable of.. And then there's the more classic technical style reviews for people who are on the fence and want to get the full story on if it's right for them. Sometimes people criticize one for not being like the other... You're right though. If you're unsure about making a purchase decision, it's best to wait a few months until the gear trickles down to the reviewers who are more likely to help you make a decision, rather than excited to purchase it. Dealing with companies like that have got to be frustrating but for whatever it's worth, I think the value reviewers like you and Gerald Undone have is indispensable. Keep it up bro.

[@TheFilmGuyOfficial]

@@EricShaquille thanks Eric!

[@PeterDiBussolo]

im here because of the cat. Side note... you cant trust reviews

[@EricShaquille]

He was the only interesting part of this boring ass video

[@PeterDiBussolo]

@@EricShaquille lolllllll

[@earnieboy54]

Filmmaking KZbin feels like the drama between Fresh and Fit and… everyone. There’s so much drama. But if you NEVER mentioned what you shot on and just made it awesome I bet you with every dollar I have that people wouldn’t have anything to call others out on because they wouldn’t have the knowledge of if their favorite brand that they swear to god by was even used. I miss the Film Riot era of make it, break down, now you try.

[@rawcam16mm57]

i bought the cato lens looks fine to me i love distortion thats what im looking for. just the fact that is a pl lens thats 2x anamorphic is amazing but let see once i get them. altho it looks those lenses seem to be s35 that happen to have large coverage.

[@EricShaquille]

That's a really good point that I heard mentioned for the Atlas Mercury's but haven't really been talked about for the Cato! I'm planning on getting my hands on them in the future just to test them against a conventional 2x s35 and see how they hold up.

[@hhankx]

Why would you trust these reviewers when they get on the free gear gravy train. All of the usual suspects get thousands of dollars in gear and flagship cameras all to tell everyone it’s “game-changing”. Tired of it

[@CabralCreates]

Great video! It’s annoying that in the filmmaking community with got people like the two creators you mentioned throwing dirt on others as if they’re the only ones who people should trust. If you go to the photography community they don’t do this, I think some of this videos come from jealousy. Specially when you go through their videos and you see that they’ve done videos with products that were sent for free and they praise the product just like anyone who praises good products.

[@EricShaquille]

EY! I like your videos bro! I came across your KZbin Filmmaking Trap video a couple months ago and it really resonated with me. Keep it up! I can't speak to whether it's coming from jealousy or not but if I had to GUESS I think it's coming from a myopic perspective of "I don't like this, so I feel like the people who said they do may have ulterior motives". But Idk, I'm not one to ascribe intent onto others.

[@CabralCreates]

@@EricShaquille Man no way bro, small world. Great answer dude, I guess you can never really know their true intentions but it sucks that after Gerald’s video we’re seen more toxicity in our community. At the end of the day we want to do this full time so working for brands we already love is not equal to disingenuous. I had the subscribe right away when I saw this video. I had the same thoughts you had about this subject. I also love the way you kept it very respectful and still gave them the benefit of the doubt even though if you know you know 🤣

[@EricShaquille]

Yeah man, I'm at a point where I'm trying to keep things positive, in all aspects of life. Priding myself on being confrontational just left me being angry and miserable all the time, I see it in others too. I mean, I'll still talk shit, but when I do it's all in good fun. 😁

[@sethp3d]

I’m new to the world of anamorphics so I stumbled into this conflict. Gorgeous video.

[@EricShaquille]

Thank you, sir!

[@KamranJawaid]

Loved the video...and because of that, subscribed. Oh, btw, I don't like the Catos...

[@cameron_cushman]

What’s so funny about the anamorphic world, specifically the Facebook group, is the people who criticize these newer options the most, produce the worst work. Now I’m not trying to be that guy that puts down other creatives, but when you criticize everyone’s work who’s using the product you “hate” but you couldn’t deliver something on a level even remotely close, it’s hilarious.

[@EricShaquille]

There are definitely people on there who who absolutely shit on everything cheaper than an Atlas lens who only seem to ever post lens tests of whatever is in their backyard. I think the majority of them love the technical aspect of Anamorphic moreso than actually using them to create something. Still, though, I learned a ton from Tito and a lot of the regulars who frequent that page, so im not gonna hate on it. As batshit insane as some of the members are 😄

[@cameron_cushman]

@@EricShaquille yeah I am definitely not going to say the group is all bad, I post in there a good bit and it's mostly good stuff. However there are some strange people in there that will slam some products and then love the actual bad products.

[@EricShaquille]

There are a few who immediately come to mind😂

[@rumenalexandrov]

You either like the character or don’t! There are anamorphic out there which are also affordable and more clean, so people should stop complaining and just enjoy the art.

[@ETRayBeam]

When I see objectively bad products being positively reviewed, I'll no longer check out the youtubers and assume they're just selling stuffs.

[@colemowery]

I love the look of the Pavo's. my buddy was just on a movie that used them, and the limited frames I was able to see (mostly just trees lol, everything else was NDA'd) but they looked gorgeous. Definitely an intense look, but would be great for a specific project.

[@EricShaquille]

That's the thing about ALL of these lenses, if you avoid minimum focus and stop down a bit, they're all gonna look good in the hands of those who have an idea of what they're doing. It's the anamorphic "glamour shots" where I don't like the character. Then when you factor that they're $5,000 a lens, that's when I have to Nope out. I have to credit them for being interesting and doing something different though!

[@hellohogo]

i was on the fence about you...until i saw the cat. I always lean cat.

[@EricShaquille]

Fuck this dude with the silly hat, we need more cat.

[@petero1068]

Stay pro, kings/queens.

[@jul-ainahamajad5567]

I think Nick Salazar would win

[@EricShaquille]

Going with the underdog... I like it!

[@peldendorji1966]

Eric Talk more about Cato auto focus lens

[@EricShaquille]

I don't know much about the blazar apex. First impression, It looks kinda like a spherical lens with barrell distortion. It's a 1.33x, aps-c lens, so you're not gonna get a ton of Anamorphic characteristics regardless. It's a good first step, but I'm not particularly interested in it.

[@HayaoHuang]

I thought of what I encountered in September last year : (

[@CartyCantDance]

Aw come on, you don’t like the DZO Pavo’s??? I like this video. I completely agree that people can argue in circles about what anamorphic is “supposed to be.” Personally, I’m trying to find as much swirly bokeh and character spherical glass as I can so I don’t have to desqueeze my image. I really don’t like anamorphic flares.

[@EricShaquille]

You check out the new ttartisan 75mm f1.5? It's a modern take on the old zeiss biotar. Swirls for days!

[@CartyCantDance]

@@EricShaquille oh don’t worry, I have it preordered! My modded Helios has started my search for swirls and interesting bokeh

[@redumbrella4218]

Great job! Thank you!

[@ZvilgantisKailis]

Ha-hah! For me it is "natural motivated lighting" :D Cinema is a dream, cinema is magic. And natural look of the image is not a dream. And I love those barrel distortions, swimming, vignette in anamorphic look. Because it is a cinema magic! Anamorphic lens MUST BE crippled to give nice, dreamy look. If you like sharp lens why don'tyou use those sharp lens to peel potatoes?

[@petero1068]

4:21 cam is self absorbed

[@empiricusdremomys7210]

Who gives a shit about a few guys fighting over their take on some cheap lenses? Oh yes, bickering is fun after all.

[@WolfMediaImaging]

Cam wears his heart on his sleeve because the dude was going in on me and a friend about the s9. this dude loves to argue.lol

[@EricShaquille]

The Lumix S9 only makes sense if you're completely frivolous with your money. It's almost the price of an S5ii but is a ton more limited.

[@hellohogo]

most of us never cared

[@Jul-aina-r6m]

Bro I’m your number 1 fan!

[@EricShaquille]

I truly believe you are😍

[@Miniaminism]

Dat DIY looks neat man. As shill vs not shill... if you are 100% funded through youtube... you know what that means.

[@EricShaquille]

Thanks bro! My lens and my cat are my favorite parts of this video.

[@nick_salazar]

Haha nice video Eric. Thanks for letting me know you’d posted this, and for the good humor. My only addendum is that I really was not trying to pick on anyone in particular, although I can see that no one believes me about that. I try to speak in plain language, without hidden messages. If I have a problem with someone, I’ll say so.

[@EricShaquille]

But if that was the case, wouldn't you have mentioned the Catos by name? I get that the point of your video was about the inherent bias in gear reviews IN GENERAL, but it's pretty obvious you were singling out the Catos in particular, so naturally they're also going to assume one of the reviewers in question is going to be the guy who's been the face of their marketing campaign.

[@nick_salazar]

@@EricShaquille I have no interest in bashing any company, any product, or any person. My message is to content consumers, to help them be a little more aware of what goes on with these things. While I personally don't have interest in any current budget anamorphic lenses, I don't have a problem with others that do love them. The issue I'm trying to highlight isn't whether lens X or Y is good or bad, it's simply that reviews are not as objective as people think. The only objections I got to that were either "this is irrelevant because people already know about bias" or alternatively "this is irrelevant because there IS no bias." If someone was asking for MY opinion on anamorphic lens purchases, I'd suggest that in most cases, they should save their money and either wait for either better budget anamorphics to be developed, or use that money on fewer but better lenses. For example, I'd much rather have 1x Laowa Proteus than 3x Laowa Nanomorph. Or if you can't deal with the weight of the Proteus and need something lighter ... then just go spherical, or Helios if you want "cheap character." That's just MY opinion, so it's not altogether valuable to the masses. But my point is that I don't hear ANYONE else voicing something similar. NO ONE says "these are cool, but you might be better off with something else." The entire review space just goes "wow, new budget lens, let's throw the confetti!!!" I would advise folks to be a little more discerning.

[@EricShaquille]

I think there's a distinction to be made between “reviews are not as objective as people think” and “Reviewers are being disingenuous to gain favor with companies”. Because one tends to imply the other. Even if that wasn't your intent, I guarantee you that was what most people took away from it. As for “Budget Anamorphics” The Viltrox Epic Anamorphics are really fantastic, most people scoff at them for being 1.33x but the IQ is seriously good. I don't LOVE the Remus set but they do look distinctly Anamorphic and if I hadn't gotten on board with DIY Anamorphic adapters years ago, I'd probably have gone for them. While on the topic… did the Arles set deter you from picking up a Xelmus Apollo? I was preparing to live vicariously through you once you snagged one.

[@nick_salazar]

Doesn’t mean they’re disingenuous. It means they’re part of a marketing strategy, wittingly or not. That’s what people don’t understand. You’re right, the Viltrox lenses are very good and I’ve used the main set. I considered buying them but the close focus was too long for my everyday use cases and I hate diopters. As for Xelmus … time will tell :-)

[@TheSpecterRanger]

@@nick_salazar "Doesn’t mean they’re disingenuous. It means they’re part of a marketing strategy, wittingly or not. That’s what people don’t understand." -- I agree wholeheartedly. They simply act as ignorant but enthusiastic salesmen, who cosign the products in an attempt to legitimize themselves and secure future opportunities. The one who has to eat the cost is the audience--who is left with a lackluster and narrow, but raving, view of the product. This KZbin "filmmaking gear" community is seemingly RUN by these companies now, who function as career-makers for the no-name KZbinr filmmaking wannabes who simply make endless videos based AROUND the provided products. Claiming "I'm not being paid by them to say this" while simultaneously being given thousands worth in gear, is disingenuous--especially when the "gift" is likely worth more than literally any payout they've received from an actual filmmaking job. It's even more brazen when they get paid by KZbin and their channel's content is based around the gifted gear. It's clear that this space is simply a consumerist feeding frenzy, with amateurs being propped up on KZbin as cheap chum liaisons. I'm hoping that the lens and tech boom of the last decade hits a limit and burns itself out, but with how easy and cheap it is for companies to use KZbinrs to shill their products, it's not looking good. There's no way this product-shilling garbage can go on indefinitely, is there? Sigh

[@snarkyalyx]

There's random white flashes on the screen, maybe that's your film effect, idk. I would love to watch your video and support a small creator, but I'm sensitive to flashing lights like that

[@EricShaquille]

Sorry about that. I was trying out a new film emulation demo that has the "dust" built in. I'll be cognizant of that in the future.

[@Samvisualarts]

What emulation tool is that? ​@@EricShaquille

[@EricShaquille]

Filmbox

[@colemowery]

@@EricShaquille oooooo fancy 👀

[@EricShaquille]

@@colemowery filmbox lite! It's the free deomo available on their site. It's got the film dust effect built in. There's no way I can justify the purchase price of $1,000 on a film emulation plug-in 😂

[@CooperGabriel]

Good

[@Vitaphone]

Scam Mackay not just does the most to sell products, but he actively goes after commenters that have balanced questions or potential criticisms about set products… used to be a fan of the guy, but saw way too much of that stuff, after about the 10th or 15th time I saw that unsubscribed stopped following him.

[@mtscott44]

Nice one dude. Your nonsense is good.

[@EricShaquille]

Appreciate it, my guy!

[@samuelmartinworkingportfol97]

All are shills for the algorithm.

[@EricShaquille]

All glory to the mighty algorithm!

[@robertm3951]

Even if they do not get gear for free, they still make money whenever people buy from their affiliate links. Every single review with affiliate links has a conflict of interest

[@BRobin2023]

The blazer Remus and Cato suck for professional film.. they are only good for KZbin videos

[@robertm3951]

I really do not understand anamorphic for KZbin even though I am a big fan of Anamorphics on a Budget. I watch their videos because they are about anamorphics, not because they use anamorphics.

[@Samvisualarts]

What lens/setup was this shot on?

[@EricShaquille]

It's a DIY Anamorphic. The spherical lens is a 7artisans 50mm f2, the Anamorphic is a cinelux es black, and the focuser is a 3d printed diopter with a wide angle adapter as part of the elements... its my child. Camera was an S5iix

[@Samvisualarts]

@@EricShaquille It looks amazing!!

[@AlpacoFilms]

honestly all anamorphic is pretty overrated. But to each their own and I love @cammackey. Subbed my dude!

[@EricShaquille]

I disagree! But welcome, my guy.