Uploaded December 2019 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Buying an expensive camera, like a RED or ARRI, is often the first thing a new filmmaker wants to do to attract more work. Better camera equals better clients, right? Today we'll look at the pros and cons to see will an expensive camera get you more work? Choosing a good camera is a big step in your career in video production. Let's take a look at what's worked for us.
Investing in a high-end camera for video production work is a common way filmmakers look to break into the business. But, we've got tips for attracting new clients - even without an expensive cinema camera. Our tips are more geared for people starting out in the business, but hopefully these tips will help you decide whether you want to buy an expensive camera to get more jobs. So what camera to buy?
One big consideration when buying an expensive camera to get more work is not only Can you afford the expensive camera itself, but Can you afford the accessories that are needed for it? A tripod for a smaller camera versus a larger camera increases the price drastically. Gimbals for larger heavier cinema cameras cost a lot more than smaller gimbals. Even the media needed or the batteries can cost thousands of dollars you may not have been expecting to spend, and if you forget to buy these things it can lead to a really bad day on set. So when thinking about buying an expensive camera make sure to do your research to see what accessories you need to get through a full day of shooting.
On the opposite end of that, if you do invest in a high-end camera and some essential gear, you could be more attractive to a client who is looking for that specific camera. However, there are so many cameras on the market today. Having a high-end cinema camera may make you more marketable to potential clients, but having a great demo reel will really close the deal. If you’re demo reel is great, in our experience this will attract the clients. Some clients are less tech-savvy and won't even know the difference between a T2i and a Red.
If you have any questions on the techniques used in this review video, please send a note in the comments. Thanks for watching Will an Expensive CAMERA Get You MORE Work? (I Bought a Red, Now What?), in our Film Jams series!
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-- Share this video: youtu.be/vrB6V5KO3LE
** Film Jams on Instagram: instagram.com/film_jams
=============================================
GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO:
LENSES
-Sigma 18-35mm 1.8 - amzn.to/2RXMuh9
CAMERAS
-Canon C200 - amzn.to/2Xm83Ny
AUDIO GEAR
-RODE Wireless GO - amzn.to/2FaqmuF
Other equipment we use to film:
CAMERAS
-Canon C100 - amzn.to/2u04CMm
-Canon C300 - amzn.to/2TbymjT
-Canon EOS R - amzn.to/2QaPZlK
-Sony A7III - amzn.to/2TAoYqK
LENSES
-Canon 24-105mm - amzn.to/2ILo9tp (main interview)
-Canon 100mm macro - amzn.to/2KsZuaF (product shots & CUs)
TRIPODS
-Sachtler - amzn.to/2KTXbfH
MICS
-Sennheiser MKE600 - amzn.to/2ILulBP
-Sennheiser 416 - amzn.to/2INrtQy
LIGHTS:
-Litepanel Astra 6x - amzn.to/2KUBYCB
-Kino Flo Diva LED - amzn.to/2BuunZp
PHOTO GEAR
-Profoto Beauty Dish - amzn.to/2zgfjPV
-Profoto D2 500 Strobe Kit - amzn.to/2J28AZx
-Canon 5D mkIII - amzn.to/2KRE3zl
-Profoto Air Remote - amzn.to/2MU7MZa
=============================================
Filmed on location at: LitewaveMedia.com in St. Petersburg, FL
Special Thanks to the St. Petersburg Clearwater Film Commission Digital Creator Program
Disclaimer: This video description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. It doesn't cost any more for you, and helps support the channel so we can continue to make more videos like this. Thank you for your support!
#WillExpensiveCameraGetYouWork #ShouldIBuyAnExpensiveCamera #ExpensiveCameraVsCheapCamera
Buying an expensive camera, like a RED or ARRI, is often the first thing a new filmmaker wants to do to attract more work. Better camera equals better clients, right? Today we'll look at the pros and cons to see will an expensive camera get you more work? Choosing a good camera is a big step in your career in video production. Let's take a look at what's worked for us.
Investing in a high-end camera for video production work is a common way filmmakers look to break into the business. But, we've got tips for attracting new clients - even without an expensive cinema camera. Our tips are more geared for people starting out in the business, but hopefully these tips will help you decide whether you want to buy an expensive camera to get more jobs. So what camera to buy?
One big consideration when buying an expensive camera to get more work is not only Can you afford the expensive camera itself, but Can you afford the accessories that are needed for it? A tripod for a smaller camera versus a larger camera increases the price drastically. Gimbals for larger heavier cinema cameras cost a lot more than smaller gimbals. Even the media needed or the batteries can cost thousands of dollars you may not have been expecting to spend, and if you forget to buy these things it can lead to a really bad day on set. So when thinking about buying an expensive camera make sure to do your research to see what accessories you need to get through a full day of shooting.
On the opposite end of that, if you do invest in a high-end camera and some essential gear, you could be more attractive to a client who is looking for that specific camera. However, there are so many cameras on the market today. Having a high-end cinema camera may make you more marketable to potential clients, but having a great demo reel will really close the deal. If you’re demo reel is great, in our experience this will attract the clients. Some clients are less tech-savvy and won't even know the difference between a T2i and a Red.
If you have any questions on the techniques used in this review video, please send a note in the comments. Thanks for watching Will an Expensive CAMERA Get You MORE Work? (I Bought a Red, Now What?), in our Film Jams series!
=============================================
++ SUBscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/filmjams?su...
-- Share this video: youtu.be/vrB6V5KO3LE
** Film Jams on Instagram: instagram.com/film_jams
=============================================
GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO:
LENSES
-Sigma 18-35mm 1.8 - amzn.to/2RXMuh9
CAMERAS
-Canon C200 - amzn.to/2Xm83Ny
AUDIO GEAR
-RODE Wireless GO - amzn.to/2FaqmuF
Other equipment we use to film:
CAMERAS
-Canon C100 - amzn.to/2u04CMm
-Canon C300 - amzn.to/2TbymjT
-Canon EOS R - amzn.to/2QaPZlK
-Sony A7III - amzn.to/2TAoYqK
LENSES
-Canon 24-105mm - amzn.to/2ILo9tp (main interview)
-Canon 100mm macro - amzn.to/2KsZuaF (product shots & CUs)
TRIPODS
-Sachtler - amzn.to/2KTXbfH
MICS
-Sennheiser MKE600 - amzn.to/2ILulBP
-Sennheiser 416 - amzn.to/2INrtQy
LIGHTS:
-Litepanel Astra 6x - amzn.to/2KUBYCB
-Kino Flo Diva LED - amzn.to/2BuunZp
PHOTO GEAR
-Profoto Beauty Dish - amzn.to/2zgfjPV
-Profoto D2 500 Strobe Kit - amzn.to/2J28AZx
-Canon 5D mkIII - amzn.to/2KRE3zl
-Profoto Air Remote - amzn.to/2MU7MZa
=============================================
Filmed on location at: LitewaveMedia.com in St. Petersburg, FL
Special Thanks to the St. Petersburg Clearwater Film Commission Digital Creator Program
Disclaimer: This video description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. It doesn't cost any more for you, and helps support the channel so we can continue to make more videos like this. Thank you for your support!
#WillExpensiveCameraGetYouWork #ShouldIBuyAnExpensiveCamera #ExpensiveCameraVsCheapCamera
