The State of YouTube Camera Reviews & How-To Protect Yourself As a Buyer

[@sidneybakergreen]

At the end of the day, it's not about how we feel as creators about these situations, but what our audience members are trying to convey. And, to be quite honest, it does nothing but help everyone in the industry if we take some of the concerns to heart. To deduce the conversation right now simply down to brand trips would be a travesty of the crux of the issue. Right now is the opportunity to really take a good look at the industry. We all want to eat... we all deserve to eat. We all deserve to do fun things and have cool experiences. But we also have a responsibility to maintain self-awareness about what a situation really is and make sure we do our best to convey that to our audiences. Only then can we build and sustain the trust that is fundamental to our community and the broader industry.

[@AnthonyGugliotta]

The problem is understanding the creator-brand relationship. I've learned over the last couple of years that every creator does it differently. I may not agree with the way some creators are doing it, and vice versa, but that's okay. Some creators are comfortable with accepting free gear in exchange for a video, other's are not. Some creators dedicate their entire channel to technical spec-based reviews, while others make casual vlogs and feature products when they feel like it. Gerald has a very clear way of reviewing cameras in a format that his audience has come to expect (which is awesome), but that format might not work for every creator. As long as you are consistent, honest, and make the disclosures when you need to; that's far more important than whether or not you should be going on trips, accepting free gear, or making review videos.

[@sidneybakergreen]

The crux of the issue is far more complex than just the creator and brand relationship. As I said in the video, there's nothing wrong with getting paid for your work, going on brand trips, or doing things in exchange for gear. I actually said, "No one should work for free." I've made videos on this channel telling creative entrepreneurs and creators to know their worth and then add tax. That being said, I also stated in the description and the pinned comment that to denote the crux of the issue, and all of the conversations that viewers are having in the comments down to sponsored videos and brand trips, is a travesty, or gross misrepresentation of the issue as a whole. There's a little bit more that's required than just having disclosure, and that's self-awareness. The disclosure is actually required by law in most places, and it's the bare minimum of our due diligence. What has extremely disappointed me is watching some people stick their heads in the sand when people say, "Hey, don't you think the environment and the situation you're in may affect your perception just a little bit?", "Is the quick turnaround time really allowing you to give the best information possible to the viewers?" or "Does wanting to get invited back incentivize individuals to try to put the most positive spin on the shortcomings they have a very limited time to experience because of the embargo time frame?" These are very valid questions that audience members have every right to ask, and to be quite frank, we as creators should be asking ourselves these things too. There's tons of phycological studies such as "Fredrickson, B. L. (2001): The role of positive emotions in positive psychology," that show us there is a link between emotion and perception. And if creators are okay with those things, then that's 100% okay. The hope is that they personally do their best to mitigate the risks to the audience associated with those choices. What is not okay is to gaslight people for asking those questions or telling your audience that they can "kick rocks," to put it lightly in fewer words or less which I've been seeing. And that shows that perhaps they aren’t self aware enough to acknowledge the need to do your upmost best to mitigate factors that could be influencing your perspective. Not just on this trip, but any trip or deal for that matter. Honestly, there was a time when audiences were 100% happy to see their favorite creator shine. They were happy to see them get sponsorships and experience cool things. To extent some still are happy today. But what changed? Not just in our industry, but the industry as a whole? Dishonesty, misrepresentation, omission, and all of the other things people complain about crept in despite the legal disclosures.

[@sidneybakergreen]

All of this also could have just been solved by pushing the embargo back a couple of weeks since people have long term loaners to begin with, and so creators could have more time to get out content. That’s a win for everyone.

[@AnthonyGugliotta]

@@sidneybakergreen I think I'm largely on the same page. However, the thing I struggle with from the creator perspective is navigating what part of the audience is communicating authentically, vs what part of the audience is simply band-wagoning, or jumping from video to video leaving negative comments. As a consumer of content I'll admit there are times when I'm guilty of the later, where I find myself making snap judgements based on a headline or video title, as a form of confirmation bias, without doing my due diligence. In my attempt to filter though the comments, what I've heard from my regular audience, is that they largely enjoyed the type of video I put out and are okay if not thrilled that I got to attend one of these events for the first time. My regular audience also knows my regular video format and what to expect, and can calibrate any new video I put out against that. (That's what I meant by being consistent) If any of us says something in a video that is suspicious, dishonest, or misrepresenting; our regular viewers will be the first to know and call us out. So if we're going to listen to the audience, that's the portion we should listen to first.

[@sidneybakergreen]

I'm going to keep it real with you; you're really not one of the creators I had in mind. The reason is that you did quite a few things differently. 1) You explicitly made it clear that this is just a first impressions video. 2) You doubled down, saying this is an overview and that you're going to come back later with more thoughts. 3) You didn't just repeat the company talking points (we'll come back to this later). For example, you actually turned your Lightroom presets into LUTs and used them in the camera instead of just talking about the mixes you could create. You're the only one who did that. 4) You straight up said that the record limit should change. You didn't mince words. You didn't use company talking points as to why it should be there. You said it needs to change. So you really weren't who I had in mind, and it shows you had the awareness to express these are just impressions; I am not going to make any extreme statements." The only thing I would have done is called out the goofy price point with that record limitation. I still feel it's a $900 camera, but that's just me. And I would have saved the "should you buy this" for maybe the longer video, but you talk about who it's geared for. The thing is, I've watched a lot of these videos just to see what the issue was. And the only issue that really stood out to me is that once I watched one, I felt like I watched them all. With the exact same reasons and excuses for limitations. A lot of videos felt like a regurgitation of the company talking points, with very little effort to NOT make this feel like a full-fledged review. That's a symptom of the small time frame people are given, and giving more time would change that. The point is, the simple things you did in that video make a difference. You also haven't done anything to my knowledge that makes you seem tone-deaf. Going above and beyond also means speaking on the issue that we know exists, especially when you've said you want to in a previous video of mine. That said, don't be so quick to write off people who are upset and maybe going from video to video saying the same thing. A lot of people have felt burned and are upset, and it may not even be at you, but at the situation as a whole. The overall issue is really is how people are responding in the wake of all this criticism. It's not really about there being a problem with videos, it's a problem with the system as it currently functions, and the fact that there's a lot of room for improvement that's 100% possible and helps everyone. It's a culture problem.

[@AnthonyGugliotta]

@@sidneybakergreen I really appreciate you for responding and keeping it real! Sad we didn't get to meet up this year at NAB. Agree with everything you're saying. I hope we collectively can fix the culture together!.

[@ShellyBHollis]

right on brotha. I just posted about the S9 and I feel it's just a new tool, it's a new lane for content creators. Being paid is a must, before companies were using content creators they were paying models and actors to push their products with no problem. Time for KZbin and content creators to stand up, they need us.

[@sidneybakergreen]

I agree, it's a new tool. I think most people understand that too. I think the price is goof ah though. Thanks for the love brother!

[@joshkiddfilms1295]

I don't believe G would have even made the video if he hadn't not gotten an invite to Japan for one..so there's a bit of this selective outrage in that regard, that just makes his whole crusade feel a bit punitive to Panasonic, who realistically doesn't really owe him anything with their marketing decisions, even if they are a bit slimy feeling in regard to the s9 and the way they went about that. In the past, G has made comments about how valuable he is to the filmmaking community for his reviews, and how his videos are a great benefit to these companies "to get better", etc...they should be grateful or whatever. I think the point he touches on in his video where he "felt disposable..." I think it may be the first time he's really felt that way with a major camera company, and he clearly doesn't like it...hence burning down the ships and all that and his screw you Panasonic video...but that in itself seems a bit silly, as the system thats been in place has been the avenue to all the views and revenue he's generated over the last however many years....and now that its not serving him the way he wants it to, he wants to burn the whole thing down? Seems like a good way to just keep the focus on him and the views pouring into his channel. 🤷‍♂

[@sidneybakergreen]

We agree, and you already know how I feel about G. I do think a broken clock is right twice a day. The video should be made anyways, but the optics of when it was made and how he stands doesn't help. I focus more on his comment section than the person who created the video. I think that's the dialogue that matters. The well thought out comments on the matter from people in the viewer position.

[@quentin6233]

I dont think Panasonic was ever being slimy at all. This all started because he didn't get invited to Japan for the S5 ii after his video review of the GH6. In that review he said why buy it when you can get the S5 with a better image (thats his opinion so no big deal). I feel like that is fair but he finished the video off by saying that micro 4/3's is DEAD. He then reviewed a crop sensor camera from Sony and never said that the full frame Sony A7siii was a better camera in comparison. It was at that moment (which was months later) that Panasonic felt Gerald was being biased in his reviews for Sony (Gerald has since admitted his bias anyways so lumix's assumption were valid) vs others. Gerald doesn't seem to think that was a big deal but saying micro 4/3rds is dead steers new camera owners towards full frame right away which is a win for Sony since they completely dominate the market and they are a bigger company. Even after all of this, and their marketing team voicing concerns, they still kept in contact with him and offered cameras for review. They simply put him in a certain category and didn't invite him to events they felt he wouldn't fit which they have the right to do so now hes upsetbabout not being picked. In comparison, I saw Manny Ortiz and Julia Trotti at the S9 event (they are portrait photographers) but do you think they would get invites to an event for cinematography?

[@joshkiddfilms1295]

@@quentin6233 I think those are fair points.

[@POW.CREEPER]

The funny thing is that Brands have their own KZbin Channels, which contain their positive spin videos for their products, that NO-ONE watches. I rather watch a video showing me the good and the bad, and YOU KNOW WHAT, sometimes I go "OH WELL THATS NOT A BIGGIE FOR ME", and I still buy it. If a KZbinr is telling me that the camera is AMAZING in every way, I do not sub, because I had over 10 cameras, and they all had issues, and guess what? I still loved them and enjoyed them. Heck im a god creation, and Im not perfect, but my momma loves me lol

[@MarkLewis-l3f]

I consider all KZbin product reviews simply commercials. I'll watch them to access basic information that is not subjective, but I would never purchase anything promoted on a KZbin channel simply on the basis of what the paid content guys say. I do meticulous research on a level very few people have the patience for so I know exactly what I am buying & why. It's called being an educated consumer, but I get it...99% of people don't have the time or patience to do that.

[@sidneybakergreen]

As we all should. But I feel that if I am not doing my best to protect the 99% with my content, then I risk taking advantage of them. My gain from my opportunities shouldn't come at the cost to others.

[@RalphRaphaelPhotog]

wow! this spoke !!!!!!! I agree 1000

[@marqman05]

From my point of view there were a lot of influencers that. have bias towards certain camera companies and It "seems' that some of them are not open to what other companies brings to the table. I often felt that a particular company that just bought RED caught a lot of strays until I seen you rocking with them.

[@sidneybakergreen]

No this. It was so obvious this year compared to last just how many people flocked that company when their booth was empty in 2023. Yet their cameras have been the same and continued to win camera of the year since 2022. What changed?

[@sidneybakergreen]

And do not get me wrong. I am happy to see Nikon get their flowers. It's not even the fact that people want to notice, better late than never. The problem is people saying they didn't know. Did you miss both camera of the year announcements, the lawsuits, the articles on the firmware updates? Like honestly? As someone in the space? Weird flex but okay

[@marqman05]

@@sidneybakergreen Agreed but I can also see why some influencers only talk about popular brands, popular brands have more followers which means more possible traffic to their KZbin channel. Like you said unfortunately it is a state in which we are in, not only in photography but in many other arts.

[@sidneybakergreen]

@@marqman05 Oh 100%. It's a complex dynamic. I do understand to some extent, I think words matter when making a switch up, but that's just me. A lot of viewers even brought up would Sony catch the same heat? And that's a very valid question.

[@marqman05]

@@sidneybakergreen btw thank you for your videos and honesty. You’ve motivated me into learning videography and wanting to dive deep in wha the Nikon z8 can do.

[@visionz_n_media]

This is the best response

[@sidneybakergreen]

At the end of the day, It's not about how we feel. It's how we can best serve others.

[@MonteWeaverofficial]

Great perspective !

[@sidneybakergreen]

Thank you for the love man

[@JaymesMedia]

I agree

[@DavidGriffin]

#2024TheYearOfTruth

[@RalphRaphaelPhotog]

YEAH thanks yo Katt Williams lol HE IS THE GOAT lol

[@GarCorStudio]

Nicely said.👍🏾

[@sidneybakergreen]

Thank you my friend

[@gnkstudios6138]

And you know who the winner of this debacle is, Panasonic. 😂

[@sidneybakergreen]

No publicity is bad publicity.

[@gnkstudios6138]

@@sidneybakergreenexactly 😂😂😂

[@DavidGriffin]

#KattWilliamsEffect

[@sidneybakergreen]

SPEAK ON IT 🗣️

[@Brookssmedia]

Big facts lol

[@thebarbermosaic]

So you’re saying your opinion should be paid for not bought?? Wow that’s a bar right there..

[@sidneybakergreen]

Yes! And I think ima put that on a shirt 😂 something like “Paid Not Bought”

[@locksleylennoxvfx]

Bro you jumped into the drama… 😮

[@sidneybakergreen]

I called out no one specifically, I simply said as creators we should put our listening ears on, and do our best to protect the people that gave us these platforms. If the shoe fits they can strap it up and wear it 🙂

[@Brookssmedia]

You talking some shit big dog

[@sidneybakergreen]

My one goal for my personal brand has always been to keep it real. I really enjoy your conversations with a DP and how balanced it is as well.

[@Brookssmedia]

@@sidneybakergreen my man 👏🏾👏🏾🤜🏾 appreciate you checking me out brother. Been a supporter of your channel for a while and love what you doing man. I’d love to just chop it up with you one day

[@sidneybakergreen]

100%, I am in Chicago all the time. Generally stay in McCormick Place near China town, and I only live 2.5 hours away from Chicago so this is doable!

[@chrisbyrddirector]

the abyss really

[@sidneybakergreen]

Yes. It's a special feature called hide from channel. You can comment all you want, but I wont see it and no one else will either. I am glad you made it to the end though lol

[@chrisbyrddirector]

@@sidneybakergreen put the spring in back in your wrist Sir you sound feminine

[@cyb]

Once you get into a system then thats it for people like me(3rd world country crap, no returns no exchange) 😭😭😭

[@sidneybakergreen]

And that’s we have responsibility to do extra due diligence