I just got a k50. And using older gear for lenses. And it makes great photos. So while gear isnt important it is to an extent. There is a minimum for pixels as well as diminishing return on investment. And i believe imperfection can be perfection.
Of all the gear doesn't matter videos this one just makes the most sense and definitely struck a nerve! Thanks for the inspiration on a Monday afternoon when I definitely needed it!
I never got how this is even an argument. "Gear doesn't matter" means "hey, you beginner/hobbyist. You don't need 5k in gear to do cool stuff". I doesn't mean you can shoot a wedding or a concert professionally with an iPhone. I'm shooting on a D3100, with a cheap 50mm. I won't allow that to discourage me for pursuing my passion.
I had the D3100 from when it came out in 2010 and finally upgraded last year. Was happy with the images it took. I ain't got nothing bad to say about that camera.
I think alot of art forms share this argument. You don't need expensive brushes to make a painting. You don't need a music studio to choregraph a dance. You don't need expensive material to make art. Yes, expensive brushes, dance studio and high end camera will make things easier, but artistic value will always prevail beyond gear.
yes! i was just listening to brian cranston on a podcast talk about how this applies to acting. he said if the writing isn’t good, even the best actor will look bad performing it. if it’s a C script, even meryl streep is only going to bring it up to a B.
I love how open-ended and open-minded you guys approach this question. Anyone who rejects a differing opinion on this and believes their way is the only way probably spends too much time leaving nasty comments and not enough creating meaningful work.
This video was articulated very well. I once heard an LA-based RU-vid couple say "fall in love with lenses; camera bodies come and go." This might very well have been the greatest advice ever given to photographers and filmmakers.
Love this. Really inspiring. You can buy the newest camera today and it will be replaced tomorrow. This helps me and I hope it helps a lot of creators out there!
not me shedding a tear or two bc i’m just so grateful to have absorbed all of your super powers!!! I simply would not be the photographer I am today without you guys so thank you always for pushing emotion and art first and simply sharing your knowledge!!! 3 years deep and still rocking my D3400 and my own adaptations of you guys’ presets :’)
Fundamentals > Gear, Fundamentals translate to any gear, Gear does not compensate for no fundamentals. Understanding Lighting and Composition are better than any camera and lens combo you can imagine. And for Video - Story, Good Audio, Understanding Lighting and Composition, and Editing are all higher on the list than the camera. You guys are right, good gear makes the process easier, but because you understand the process and what you are trying to achieve gear helps. Thanks for your thoughts on this!
Y'all are spot on, some people are savage. I opened up a stock trading platform this week doesn’t mean I’m now good at trading stocks.....One of the many reasons I need Daniel to keep making videos on his channel. I see so many people buy the gear and sit in debt while waiting for Nike to call them up for a campaign shoot. I have yet to work with a client who cares about my gear more than my ability to tell the story and represent them. I can go on and on but i don't need to because you made a 8:11 min video about it that was spot on! Big fans of you over here!
Thank you! I have learned that the most difficult thing in filmmaking is making films. Really, creating complete videos or films that people want to watch from the beginning to the end. It is very easy to buy the latest and greatest camera and shoot a single technically perfect clip, but it is very hard to create a film. I need to improve my skills before I need to buy a new camera.
Yeah there is definitely a range on this issue, like the gear makes it easier but gear can’t make up for good creative photography. And this definitely was inspiring, I shoot on an entry level camera and I always like hearing things like this!
Nicely explained. Most of us should know why & when gear doesn't matter and also why & when gear does matter. To simply create and tell a good story- gear clearly doesn't matter and will never matter in this case. Gear can/does matter in very specific cases such as what you have explained in this video. For me, gear matters when it comes to better reliability/durability. I break cheap gear because I'm hard on equipment many times. That's my specific reason for why gear does matter. Everyone will have their own specific reason.
Back at uni my architecture professor encouraged me to meet this architectural photographer to get mentorship from, I didn't think his work was that striking but we met up for coffee. After chatting for a bit I asked for some advice and the only things he could say were "Buy a full frame camera, buy another lens". I stopped listening to him very quickly after that.
My friend just lend me his Nikon D3400 last week and I was underwhelmed by it's entry level performance.. But now I feel motivated to experiment with it a little more..
I started with this same camera for photo and video. I made enough money to then upgrade to my dream camera. Keep it up and work on story/craft. Someone with an old smartphone can do better than a noob with high-end gear.
If you can't make good work with an entry level DSLR then you won't be able to do any better with a more expensive full frame. I started with an entry level Canon 700D and stuck with it for _7 years_. I only upgraded a few months ago. I pride myself on being able to do a lot with very cheap equipment. It's all about learning and grasping the fundamentals of photography (technical side, what all the settings do in real life, then the artistic basic guidelines), and then growing from there.
So serious this is the best video you guys have ever made (and you two have made incredible vids before) not because the others were lacking but by the level of inspiration. So many other creatives are talking about this with extreme bias but this speaks plain truth looking at both sides. I'm starting my portrait business this year and I got a little worried about my gear. This video has totally washed away any anxiety and intimidation about everyone else's better camera. Crafting the story should be all that matters. Thanks for everything Mango Street 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾♥️☺️👍🏾
Definitely don't need much for quality portraits. I think gear is more of a discussion for video work because of varying conditions and requirements, but even then you can get by with less most of the time.
I read the title and thought “oh no, not another one of these videos”. But, this by far has been the best one I’ve seen. So much thought and insight when into it and I appreciate the transparency on your side.💛
Really glad you guys covered this, especially with the amount of eyes on this channel! I've shot almost exclusively on a Canon 60D (2011) with a $150 50mm f/1.8 for YEARS. Since the day I snagged it, I've watched just about every tutorial on RU-vid and know that thing like the back of my hand, so I'm able to push it to the max and I end up using and selling my photos professionally. The images are incredible! Of course more expensive/high-end gear makes creating higher quality content easier, but that doesn't mean the same quality can't be produced with cheap gear. Don't ever let gear get in the way of your creativity - just create dope stuff you care about and you will be blown away by how little any of that matters!
That was just inspirational.....I just watched a video on the new Sony and was thinking I want it...no...I need it. I've only had my XT-4 for ~7 months. .I spent months agonizing what camera to get and then sold my motorcycle for the XT-4....what do I need a Sony for? I don't...Period. Time to make art. Thank you.
I couldn't agree with you guys more! Thank you for shouting out and using other photographers as an example. Now, I have other artists to look up too. While I do admire the technical side of...well almost anything tech savvy. I can say I'm more story driven than I am technical when it comes down to photography (and it probably doesn't help that I'm a writer). As a beginner, yes, it's important to look into the specs of what you want from a DSLR or a Mirrorless Camera and make a decision that best suits your preference but I'm pretty sure the $1,000 iPhone or Galaxy phone in your hand will work just as well until you can snag a loaded camera. And even when your go to purchase one you shouldn't break buying a camera starting out, take it easy and focus on your craft. P.S. I love how you guys added the tid-bid--it looks like a lot of people forget--that even though you're not shooting with entry level gear it's NOT b/c it's not good (I believe y'all could produce the same work regardless), but using high end gear makes it easier for you all and your team because it's your full time job! And it gives you less of a headache and makes it easier to slip into auto-piolet so you can do what you do best.
Not gonna lie. I avoided watching this video. But I love yall too much. And then I watch it. And I am so inspired. Sony a6000. 3 decent lenses. 1 godax light, and 2 modifiers. And I'm doing a decent job as a photographer lol. In my opinion. Not trying to get new equipment for a good while :)
Great jobs folks, awesome content. I can relate to both parties. I believe what better define this is, learning to drive on a manual shifting, auto-brake on hills, very old car vs learning on a new one which will facilitate the process. If you do learn with the worst conditions in mind, you will be better prepared to face challenges in the long run. Also true, if you start on high-end camera gear, nothing says you will NEED to face those challenges. (eg. film photography struggles might be irrelevant nowadays). Some people will be put out just because it is easier for them to blame the gear they don't have than to blame themselves for not doing it. Just like the fallacy of "with that same camera you have I would be taking great pictures myself" (shifting responsibilities is the easier path). To sum up, and as you've put it, the minds that think creatively will always try to come up with something, something they can do rather than what they can't.
Thanks for the reassurance! Another helpful thing I was told by an imho very good photographer is that "more expensive equipment doesn't make you a better photographer"
I used a Nikon d3100 with a 35mm lens for 9 years, those limits gave me wedding work, model work and stepped up my IG content I recently upgraded to a Sony a7iii but am struggling to create like a did bc I have more than I know what to do with atm haha
Gearheads are gonna lose their minds when they hear about pinhole cameras lol But seriously, don't buy gear unless it's actually holding you back from making your best work. Latest doesn't always mean "greatest." Do your research to find the tools that will fit with your work and don't be afraid to buy used!
Some of my fav shots were shot on my first dslr, the first digital rebel...the 6megapixel one with the nifty fifty. Conversely my first wedding I was shadowing a photographer as a faux second shooter... basically if my shots were good they’d be used but they weren’t counting on it. I think they handed me the highest end Nikon dslr available at the time and... I still took garbage portraits lol
I am definitely a testament to this I use a canon t7i with a 17-50mm sigma f2.8(250$) and I still get some decent looking video and photos. also nice hoodie Daniel and Loving the curls Rachel.
This really inspires me to get my old Olympus out and take some pictures. It doesn’t even have a video mode 💁♀️ but I really want to get a better camera soon, it’s just more fun.
Coming from the music world, more expensive guitars or mics didn't make me any better, but I sure as hell preferred the better gear. Same with my Canon R5. It doesn't make me a better photographer, but when I do nail a great image im much happier playing around with all that dynamic range in a RAW file versus being limited by a jpeg from my iPhone.
Great video as usual and a good spin on the story! I think the "What's in the Bag" videos are tough on normal people as well since they follower all of these amazing photographers and then they share like $15k in gear in just their backpack.
Though you allude to this in passing, I'd put more weight on the issue of confidence. My sense is that the equipment matters to the extent it enhances your sense of confidence in whatever situation you face. You can't be worrying about your camera, only about the composition, etc. If you are utterly convinced that your equipment can handle whatever you throw at it, you will likely succeed in handling whatever you throw at it.
Love this. I bought my first camera ( canon t6i) a couple years back and struggled with the thought that I needed to upgrade to create better photos. I took the time to learn how to work with what I’ve got and it’s really paid off!
I think the really important part is getting to know your gear. Like Adams had an amazing eye, but also a DEEP understanding of what tools he was using. But you can do great art with whatever you have at your finger tips, it's about getting to know it. And limitations can force you to think differently too.
Thanks so much for saying this! I was shopping for a mirrorless camera and angsting over full frame vs cropped frame. Then a photographer friend whose work I really admire told me that he had never had a full frame camera. So there!
No hexes? Ahhhhh..... I fall into the right tool for the job camp. So, of course gear matters. You need your tools. But if you already have the right tool for the job, you don't need more gear.
of course it matters. as a person who is constantly struggling with old version of my camera I see that some things are just impossible to make with my gear or cheaper lenses i have, these are some technical issues you just won't skip. it doesn't mean that concepts and your personal touch, artsy feeling doesn't matter - they do, idea is the most important for me, but without decent equipment sometimes it is just lost.
Everyone should work in a kitchen. where 95% of the time its all skill. and the only tools you need are a heat source, a knife, and most often times a pan. its all bout creating. everything else is non sense
Love this! Wish more film/photography influencers pushed this. Gear only matters in the sense that you need certain tools to get a job done. Much like good writing, if a piece of gear doesn't contribute to the story in a meaningful way, then it's not necessary and only detracts. A good storyteller doesn't just create, but also knows when to remove elements.
I have added and removed this camera I wanted, so many times from my cart. Really needed this video to understand the true value of my gear and my skills. One of the best videos I have seen on this topic, and believe me I have seen almost all the videos on this topic 🍀📷
I work in TV as an AC and have used Red, Arri and Canon Cine cameras. You guys are totally right about the expensive gear, it just makes things easier. In my downtime, I shoot short "arty" videos with my canon 70D because I enjoy the challenge of working with a terrible dynamic range and minimal tech to support me! It makes me think outside the box when trying to get the shots that I want - thus improving my skillset as a filmmaker and making me a better AC on location. Love the video guys, keep up the good work!
Awesome video, personally i'm in the middle, I find photography as an art exciting and fun but im also crazy about gear and new tech, i mean how can you not be when fujifilm made a medium format 100megapixel camera the size of a DSLR that is just CRAZY. But despite all that nothing tops the satisfaction of getting a good shot and a big portion of my work is shot on a 400d, a camera with no live view, and i find that no matter the tool good photos are forever and the moment they capture is infinitely more valuable then opening boxes
This is by far the best video of 2021 😭❤️ There are youtubers shooting what's in my camera bag? and then there are you guys. This video must go viral. Thankyou @mangostreet
I started out 100% on the tech based side. 5 years later and some personal heart break in the mix, I’ve absolutely moved to an art based style. I just want what I create to embody what I feel emotionally. I don’t care what equipment I use to make it, as long as the outcome speaks to my soul.
I do take issue with the premise here. I definitely lean more into art goof side, and I think gear can be overhyped. However, I think gear does matter because you can’t do with an iPhone what you can do with a Canon C200, some lights, and lav mics. The issue is not that one setup would produce a better or worse result. The issue is that it will be different. For example, the character of the image would be different merely based on the sensor size. If you didn't use a softbox then your lighting would be more harsh. And if you used a built-in iPhone mic instead of lav mics the audio quality would be much less clean and engaging. Casey's videos are great, but they are just different than a Mango Street video, and I think gear plays a considerable role in that. Yes to the idea that we shouldn't let a lack of gear hold us back from creating. However, your gear should ideally reflect the goal you are trying to achieve with your work.
if you’re approaching this from an art-perspective, casey’s videos are different from our videos because we both have distinct voices and different pacing. both are worth watching-despite the gear used in either.
@@MangoStreet 100%! And I think the creative mind behind a piece of content has a far more profound effect on a final product than gear. But gear does play a considerable role. If Casey used a Steadicam and a lav mic, his videos would feel very different. And if you guys used a GoPro and a bagel for a mic, your videos would be very different. I really do appreciate the message that you can make something meaningful no matter what gear you have. However, I disagree with the premise that gear doesn't matter. ☺️ Cheers!
I like to think of gear as tools. Yes, better gear can make it easier to create something but it isn't impossible to create with cheaper gear. The first 2 years of me selling prints were prints that I shot on a base level dslr with a kit lens.
I can get behind it! Any gear you have you can turn into your distinct look, no matter how limited the package is. Like I do when shooting 20mbps video on my Nikon D610 with 2 primes and having those huge square pixels when trying to turn blues into aquas.
*Sorry for very long comment* I love this video! I love how you explained, even if you use high-end gear, that just mean you wanted to make your business easier because it is your full time job. I love those 2 statements of perspectives - artistic vs. technical. I have always been at artistic side. But I get more and more interested in technical. So, combination of those 2 is great, imo. I have started to enjoy photography since 2006's, started with some old sister's Olympus FE100, then with my first cell Sony Ericsson W810i (I took some of the favorite photos with it, even I got 1st prize at one Exhibition), then Canons powershot A496 & SX220 HS. I applied theory of manual shooting into practice with Grandad's Yashica lync 14 and my last one is old dslr Canon 350D. Sometimes I borrowed from friends Nikon D3100 and D5000. I think I used the most out of those cameras, with so much improvisation, but it made me creative and I love that. I got few prizes and participated in many exhbitions, and worked as photographer. Soon I am going finally to upgrade to Full Frame, I feel I am ready for that, after so many years enjoying photography and I can't be happier. :') Cheers to you guys and everyone on this channel! ✨ My friend showed me your videos.
I've seen first hand that gear doesn't really matter. Went to a wedding, the photographer was a family friend of sorts who was bragging about renting an INSANELY expensive camera. The photos were actually pretty bad.
For all of you out there who believe that you must have the latest Full Frame and that krispy G Master in order to get motivated for going out and shoot, think about this: Your smartphone is probably more capable ( in terms of colour, sharpness, low light performance, macro, dymanic rage, unlimited number of shoots) compared to the film camera Mr. Henri Cartier-Bresson was using 📸 You should have the gear that provides enough quality and performance for your type of project. (personal or professional) But, let us be honest here: We don't actually know a pixel peeeper who has been published, his books are selling and amateur photographers look up to him. For me the ones which are obsessed with the latest gear are just like basketball freaks: The buy the latest shoes, balls, equipment, dvd's of how to know the secret moves, but they cannot trow a ball not even for their own life :)) In conclusion.. What matters? Your portofolio, what you create. I have a friend with a 7000$ gear and he's not doing well (both financially and social media), and another friend who shoots only with iPhone 11 Pro and his Instagram account just hit 98K..so, you'll do the math.
Awesome video and very good advice! Do what you do with whatever you get! Make the effort! It's always compensated! Freaks and Geeks plug!!! Your guys are amazing!!!
I so agree about the good storytelling! When Casey stopped vlogging after that short re-start during the pandemic, I totally started re-watching old Casey videos just for the enjoyment of the stories. And I def dipped back into his pre-Daily vlog stuff, which is less about him running around and building beme, and way more about art, his craftiness, and DIY problem solving film making.
Thanks for this! I hit pause on making content because I got caught up comparing my basic equipment to a friend's high-end camera setup. Realized I was holding myself back from telling my story. thankyou thankyou thankyou ❤
Personal problems with cheap/no gear 1. I have no way to rig lights up. 2. I have no lights, just a few bulbs I bought from a hardware store 3. My camera has very little dynamic range and is very noisy at higher ISOs Yes, I have made lots of videos. They weren't perfect but I had fun, and I'm happy with them (but I still cringe while watching them. I cannot watch my videos in front of other people because I'm very bad in front of the camera 😂) Making vids is more important than making one perfect video. Do your best and just put it out to the world. Btw, I'm personally the technical guy. I very much love the science and engineering that goes into everything (including cameras)
One of my best selling prints is a shot I took on a rebel t5i with a stock lens out of a moving vehicle in Saskatchewan. Some of my favorite shots I've ever taken have been with my damaged-viewfinder Pentax k1000 and stock lens on film. Do I own a mirrorless camera with multiple prime lenses? I sure do! But do I also sometimes leave home with just my little $3.50 thrift store L35 and still get shots that I've been praised for? I sure have! I've seen cell phone photos that looked better than people with R5's haha. Gear doesn't matter at all for art. But, of course, no shade to people who just genuinely prefer the tech side. If that's what makes you fired up about photography, all that matters is that you're fired up about photography. Side note, Ebuka Mordi's shots are too sick.
I remember seeing a similar video on your channel before about how gear shouldn’t hold you back. I know you two were very adamant about bringing the artistry first, and other things will fall into place. I took that advice last year & shot on a $500 beginner DSLR & my iPhone. Since then, I got an agent, was asked to shoot weddings & engagements & gained a following just from working with what I have. I recently bought a new more expensive camera but only to continue developing my skill, not because I think it was necessary. Thank you for being artists first. Love you both & love this message!
i'm gonna say it: i'm sick of every peter mckinnon epic b roll bullshit made with their A roll cuz there was no story. just zoom swish pan bang EPIC now get my coffee. also, peter, notice me. the desperation.
I thought the opening divide of the Tech Focused Mind vs the Creative Focused Mind was really relatable and compelling. I personally see myself more on the Tech side as I work in Motion Graphics and VFX. But have always wanted to break into more of The Creative Video and Photography work due to the overlap of skills. Thought this video was really insightful, and had a followup question / topic for another video: Was wondering where to get started with developing a story and your "emotion" based work if that's an area you struggle with?
I really needed to hear this. I was becoming uninspired when i bought the canon rebel t6i just to find out most people use 50D and stuff. I was saving money for a $1,800 lens but i should work with my 50mm. :)
I use a Canon 200D with 35-50 mm kit lens. I'm restricting myself from buying anything new till I break either the body or the lens. Thinking about new gear sucks up all the time I'd rather spend on coming up with ideas while also worrying about not affording better stuff.
I definitely agree that the more expensive gear simply makes the job easier. I look at photography with a more artistic/fun approach. Photography is more of a hobby for me, so when I shoot it's either by myself or with one friend, and I don't think having a big team to worry about all the specifics would make me a more skilled/talented photographer. It definitely would make being creative a lot easier though. Then I wouldn't have to worry about lighting, makeup etc. It could just be me, the model, and my creativity, and I would absolutely love that!
I shoot on Pentax cameras they are 6 megapixel and work fine even with old legacy lenses in fact my oldest camera sells for $20.00 on Ebay my Pentax *istDL from 2005. I bought the camera new and use it almost daily
Neither one view may be objectively right…but if you believe that the gear is all that matters, you’ll be replaced by every new piece of tech that comes out, and you’ll go nowhere…whereas if you believe the gear doesn’t matter, and your ability to create art does, you’re irreplaceable, and you will always have a value to your clientele. I’d say that’s as objectively right as one can get without being objective.
