When Should You Upgrade Your Camera?

Рет қаралды 3,293

3 жыл бұрын

How do you know when it's time to upgrade your camera gear? Gear lust is real. The desire to buy the best and newest cameras when they come out is something that all filmmakers struggle with, including me. But there are too many new cameras to keep up with and chasing them can leave you with no money left to actually make your documentary. In this video, I draw on my experience as a documentary DP and filmmaker to give some advice on when to upgrade - and when to stick with what you have.
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Пікірлер: 32

@0304saurav 2 жыл бұрын

The quality of content is insane. The production, the editing and the script. I wonder how you dont have a million subs already?!

@LucForsyth 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Maybe in time…

@filmmakeranto 2 жыл бұрын

This video was so helpful.. I did not have a camera for 10 years and I was obsessed over it every day, finally when I got my Gh5 I feel like I need a 2nd camera for shooting multiple person interviews and just overall a backup because my gh5 is now 3 years old. This video helps me keep things in perspective so much.

@LucForsyth 2 жыл бұрын

It's never ending! But always good to hesitate and ask some questions before you spend!

@filmmakeranto 2 жыл бұрын

@@LucForsyth definitely a rule that applies to GEAR ACQUISITION SYNDROME.

@RWAquariumPages 5 ай бұрын

great perspectives, i was looking for advice on if i should upgrade my camera gear, heck, i just just take photos of my children and rarely take videos but the tips and advice you've provided really puts things into perspective. thanks for this great video!

@ZachShurtz 2 жыл бұрын

This was really helpful. I bought a Sigma 18-35mm lens and that was the smartest move I ever made. I had a Canon Rebel SL2 and felt that the nifty 50mm lens was great but it lacked the range and quality that I lusted after. I really want to upgrade to a Sony (like the A7C) but then I would need at least a lens that would have cost around 2 or 3 times as much as my $700 sigma lens. I started doing wedding films this year and the lens has blurred that line between the high quality images from those shooting on like a Canon R5 and my work looks amazing despite the rebel camera body. I learned lenses were more important and that with the right skill, you can get low budget to pay high budget prices. I have so much gear envy but I'm glad I stopped myself like you did and slept on it!

@LucForsyth 2 жыл бұрын

Yes! That lens was my favourite for a long time. Not being able to use it is the biggest drawback of full frame sensors! Good for you for holding back though, good decision!

@ZachShurtz 2 жыл бұрын

@@LucForsyth definitely! Yeah the lens is just straight gold!

@mauhimauhi2063 Жыл бұрын

I really needed this thank you. Your channel is great

@WhenWillILearn 2 жыл бұрын

Really enjoyed this video, man. Great philosophy

@LucForsyth 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Sean, glad you liked it!

@danielkeegan7238 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Luc, Really great video! I'm currently studying in film school but doing regular freelance camera operator jobs. I ended up getting a used Fx9 for a great deal online. I thought when you said about agencies asking for the camera over three times is a great way of knowing when to buy. I hadn't been specifically asked for the Fx9 but I had been using them on shoots regularly and noticed alot of the production companies in my city ( Dublin ) only had one or two fx9s and frequency hired camera operators who owned them. I knew by getting a known brand like Sony and the fx series that I'd get work. Already after one day I'm getting interest which is amazing! I think the brand recognition idea is overlooked and people are always hunting for the best image on the tightest budget but I'm sure the Fx9 will pay itself off quicker than a knock off would. Thanks for all your great videos, really good insight in doc filming, which is ideally where I'd love to be in a few years ( stuck in corporate land at the moment ). Look forward to your next upload!

@LucForsyth 2 жыл бұрын

Nice one, that’s great to hear. Once the gear starts making money for you it’s a whole new game! Keep it up, and congrats.

@joaocordeiroscr Жыл бұрын

Hi Luc, Recently I've been really obsessed with the Sony FX3, it is a huge upgrade from shooting on a Canon 77D. For me it's shooting RAW, 4k and having a Full-Frame camera that makes me want to upgrade, but since I could rent it I gave it a shot.... and as you said, I felt that the image i got from the FX3 wasn't really that different from my DSLR, so I decided not to buy the camera and focus more on getting the right compositing and the right stories. After watching this video I decided if I get asked to used a specific camera/higher quality I probably will upgrade but for now I need to focus on my skills first. Thanks for the reminder and the 10% confirmation I needed to feel 100% certain not to pull the trigger.

@CreativeFlowExplorer 2 жыл бұрын

Great advice! Thanks

@LucForsyth 2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome!

@pizzomedia7261 Жыл бұрын

I didn’t spend all my money on a camera. I spent it all on lighting and grip. Over spent and in the process of getting rid of some. However, there is a lot of value imo having some gear to practice lighting, exposure, etc. Renting it to practice for daily would get expensive. I’ve heard people say just get on set and learn there but for a newbie, they’re most likely not going to let you light the scene and there is nothing like getting your hands dirty and making something on your own. I think it’s a balance though for sure.

@harlemwoodstudios Жыл бұрын

Insightful reflections for video production companies.

@LucForsyth Жыл бұрын

👊🏻

@twotwofresh 11 ай бұрын

You dropped some great nuggets LUC, three-time rule is something that I apply to life in general lol. I may have missed your video on this topic, can you make a video about creating and editing a showreel, please? Thak you for making such informative and quality content with sincerity #Londonlovesyou (V) (V) (V)

@Ryan-Payne Жыл бұрын

I'd love an update to this video with this question. If you were starting out in 2023, what would be your camera of choice, light of choice etc? It's always interesting to see the perspectives of what others feel are must haves and which of last years models are the cream of the crop and which are a trap for a waste of money.

@richardgmisoles Жыл бұрын

You have a good productive content. Keep posting, I watched all your videos, you deserve to have more subscribers. I Subscribed! New follower here..

@LucForsyth Жыл бұрын

Awesome! Glad to have you

@CedarSpringWolf Жыл бұрын

Now that you have the FX9 I'm curious why you prefer that over other cameras? I've read a lot about the FX6 and FX9 and there doesn't seem to be a clear consensus over which is better for a travel run-and-gun doc setup. For example, Mark Bone did a video on why he prefers the FX6 (another AOD student here). I'm in a unique situation in that I have to buy a full documentary setup from scratch. I'll be working full time for a single organization where budget isn't an issue, so it really comes down to what can I effectively use as a one-person crew for filming and post-production in a variety of situations. I'm resisting the temptation to buy things just because they're expensive and it's not my money...

@sammorganmoore 2 жыл бұрын

when you want to kick your camera down the stairs.. you might need a new camera. 5d randomly stopped recording - kick it down the stairs. fs100 had no nd - kick it down the stairs. f3 super heavy with 10bit recorder and monitor - kick it down the stais. FS7 kind of functional. almost a keeper.. yes luts dont work, preroll doesnt work, hfr is a menu dig.. its designed by idiots and runs on window ME. but nearly a keeper. C200 pretty cool :). If you dont want to kick your camera down the stairs.. keep it.

@LucForsyth 2 жыл бұрын

Haha, you got it!