The Blog
The archive of my blog (since 2010).
Ultimate GoPro Vlogging Setup
In this video I'm going to show you how to rig out your GoPro into a setup that will give you better audio, a preview of what you're recording, and make it easier to hold.
Atomos Shinobi 4K HDR Monitor Hands-on Review
The Atomos Shinobi monitor is a 5.2 inch, HDR display that accepts a 4K signal through HDMI. It is super bright at 1000 nits and after testing it in person all week, here is my review and walkthrough of how it works.
SmallHD Focus Review + Set-Up Walkthrough
In this video I walkthrough the SmallHD Focus camera monitors, share my experience testing them over the past couple months, explain how I'd set up the different swipe screens, and what accessories I'd get to go with it.
Canon EOS R Review for Filmmakers
In this review I share my experience testing the Canon EOS R for filming videos.
I give my thoughts on the 4K crop, the quality of the 720p slow motion files, using this camera for vlogging, how to turn it into a mini cinema C200, and pontificate about the future of Canon's mirrorless cameras.
Canon EOS R Review for Photography
Canon’s first full frame mirrorless camera is a funky little thing, and if you’re considering buying it to use mainly for photography or hybrid with video and want to know the photo features, I’m going to go through what I like and don’t like about this camera, plus share who I think should buy it.
Canon EOS R vs. 5D Mark IV
My wife Jen has been a wedding and portrait photographer for over 7 years, captured over 100 weddings, and she has exclusively used the Canon 5D Mark III.
So while I had the EOS R on loan from B&H to review, I had her try it out for a couple photo shoots and sat down with her to talk about what she thought of the camera.
7 Camera Tricks Using Lens Filters
Lens filters are a great way to get in-camera effects for both photographers and filmmakers.
In this video I share 7 camera hacks for making your images more cinematic.
DJI Osmo Pocket — First Look
In this video we take a look at the DJI Osmo Pocket, one of the smallest 3-axis stabilized handheld cameras ever with Dave Alitizer from Kinotika.
The hardest decision I've made in my business this year.
Since my previous video on why I sold the RED has gotten a really strong (and positive) response, I’m sharing more of my inner debate behind being both a creative and a business owner.
Plus, I tease my upcoming accelerator program I’m launching soon.
Why I Sold My RED Camera for $20,000
In this video I share why I sold my RED Scarlett-W after owning in for 18 months and how you should think about your next camera purchase or that one you "dream" of owning one day.
I wasn't expecting to sell it so fast, but I did.
If you're really wanting to upgrade some piece of gear you own, the message in this video is for you.
Why You'd Use a 600mm Super-Telephoto Lens
One lens I've never owned or needed to use is a super telephoto zoom.
So I borrowed the Sigma 150-600mm Sports lens directly from them to share 4 reasons why you'd choose to film or photograph using a 600mm super telephoto lens (and 4 reasons why you probably shouldn't use one).
Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve Mini Panel Review
This is a review of the Blackmagic Design Resolve Mini Panel for color grading.
We’ll walk through all the controls and buttons on it as well as talk through who I recommend buying this.
I also compare it to the cheaper Micro version.
DJI Ronin S vs. Zhiyun Crane 2
I've held off on making any videos about three-axis gimbals, even though companies have sent me ones in the past, because I haven't found one that I'd actually use on a shoot.
But these two gimbals are reliable, heavy-duty, and help me get cinematic smooth shots when I need them.
There are many pro's and con's to each of these gimbals, especially when it comes to using heavier cameras, so Dave Altizer and I go through as many as we can.
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K — First Impressions
We checked out the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K at NAB 2018. Here is what we think.
Special thanks to Levi, Caleb, and Dave for sharing their opinions.
Why I Bought a 1080p Camera in 2018
When there are so many 4K cameras out there (even ones that I already own), why would I buy a 1080p Canon 80D in early 2018?
Testing the "Tech YouTuber Lens" — Sigma Art 18-35mm f1.8 Review
I'd heard many tech YouTubers rave about the Sigma 18-35mm f1.8 Art Lens, but I didn't fully realize how sharp and unique this lens is until I got it on loan from B&H.
The ability to focus so close to an object at 18mm and shoot at f1.8 gives an amazing look to the footage (or photos).
In this video I discuss whether if I were starting out and could only buy one wide-angle lens, would this be it?
Panasonic EVA1 Review — Why I'd Skip This Camera
In this review I'm taking a look at the brand new Panasonic EVA1 and I'll be talking about how it compares to other cameras like a Canon C200.
Canon C200 Review — From a C100 II & RED Owner's Perspective
Having owned a Canon C100 Mark II for three years and having just bought a RED Scarlett-W, the Canon C200 is an interesting cinema camera that fits in right between the two.
Shooting beautiful 4K/UHD footage, having the best touch screen autofocus features on the market, and the ability to shoot RAW video all make the C200 an amazing upgrade for anyone used to filming on a DSLR like a 5D or has been using a C100 for years. Where it gets tricky is all the competition you have to compare it to at a price of $7,500 and the enticing options just beyond that budget range.
In this video review I breakdown the pro's and con's of Canon's latest cinema camera, share who it is best for, and what I might recommend instead.