With the introduction of Canon’s T2i there’s no excuse left. Whether you’re a student, freelancer or proud mother/father you can no longer use “it’s too expensive” as an excuse to not get a quality video camera. Not only is it a quality video camera it’s a quality still camera. There’s simply no excuse.
For $1,200 you can get everything you need to start making awesome video (and picture) That’s $100 a month. Seriously, no excuse.
Despite what many video guys will try to tell you, this camera will shoot footage that’s just as good as their really expensive camera’s (ok, not exactly but you, nor anyone else, will be able to tell the difference). Check out the footage below to see the capabilities of this awesome camera:
http://www.vimeo.com/9820064 http://www.vimeo.com/9818471 http://www.vimeo.com/9790902Video professionals won’t tell you this but they’re freaking out. Never before in history has it been so affordable for anyone and everyone to own such high quality video equipment. For years pro’s won out on making high quality video just because they could afford the equipment.
So how is this the best & worst thing to ever happen to video? It’s the worst (for old school video guys) because when a client says “well my high school kid could make that” they probably can, from a technical perspective.
It’s the best for video guys (and gals) because the focus is now creativity and storytelling, not equipment. Video producers will succeed (or fail) now because they can creatively tell good stories, not because they can afford a very expensive camera. Some video professionals will view this as the death of their career but the best video professionals will see this as being unleashed.
Which will you be?
About mikejones:
Mike Jones is an advocate of awesome, lover of OKC, he makes moving images and tells stories. Holler at him on the Twitters: @VoteMikeJones. Check out the upcoming project from Mike on the Twitters as well @elevateOKC.
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5 Responses to “moving stories: no excuses”
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Video looks great, but what about audio? Is it just as quality?
It’s always been about whether or not you can tell a good story. The equipment is always secondary when it comes to filmaking. Story > Camera.
@tehshawn – absolutely agree sir!
@Jake Audio is the issue with DSLRs. I would say for your home video / nat sound it may be good enough. As Canon releases some upcoming firmware upgrades it should fix a lot of the audio issues. If you need absolutely pro sound I use a device called the Zoom H4n audio recorder. It’s a great device with onboard speakers and XLR/1/4″ inputs. The issue of course here is syncing audio but there’s a FCP plug-in called PluralEyes that solves this issue.
I disagree…
Cheaper equipment doesn’t make up for experience.
Having access to the latest & greatest gear will never make up for knowing how to make it all work together. It’s kinda like the tennis commercial for TheLadders.com – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31ZevWuxrNE
You’ve got to know how lighting, composition, audio, and storytelling all work together in video production. There is a reason why video producers who’ve been around the block can charge more than just anyone right out of the gates with $1200 worth of camera gear. That being said though, there is no excuse for those who are charging big rates to not update & stay current in their equipment.
Other things outside of your $1200 figure are entry level audio gear, computers & editing software. You can shoot outstanding footage for a client (assuming natural & available lighting always works and you can hold your monopod acceptably still while shooting a 20 minute interview where you also have to ask the right questions), but they aren’t going to pay for a video they can’t hear and can only watch on your camera’s viewfinder.
@tannerherriott – I think you misunderstood the point of the post. Great comments though. I’d agree with most everything you said. I especially love the focus on bringing all the pieces together.