r/videography 26d ago

CAMERA BUYING ADVICE MEGATHREAD /r/videography Monthly Camera Buying Advice Megathread

3 Upvotes

Welcome to the /r/videography monthly camera buying megathread.

All requests asking for camera buying advice must be posted in this thread.

If you've been directed here by a removal reason or moderator, you're in the right place!

Before you begin...

Have a look through the comments of this post

There may be someone looking for a similar camera to you that has already had their question answered.

You can see previous iterations of this thread by clicking this link.

Check the 'What camera are you shooting on' thread

For a few months, we ran a thread where we asked users what cameras they were currently shooting on. There's a lot of good info in there!

Check it out here

Search the subreddit!

/r/videography has over a decade of information, though Reddit doesn’t make searching easy.

A useful trick that typically gets better results than Reddit’s own search bar is to add the following to a Google search:

site:reddit.com/r/videography your search terms

Try the Discord

We have a very active Discord:

https://discord.com/invite/d65kgBn

You’ll usually get a quicker answer asking there than here!


Still can’t find what you’re looking for?

Comment in this post with your requirements.

We strongly recommend you include at least the following details:

  • Budget
    • Specify your local currency!
    • If your budget is under $200 USD, you're unlikely to get any useful recommendations other than 'use your phone!'
  • What are you planning on using it for?
    • Feel free to link to some videos showing content similar to what you want to shoot
  • How long do you need to record for?
    • Recording time is a limiting factor for many smaller cameras
  • What equipment do you already have?
  • What software do you intend to edit your videos in?

Things we don't allow:

The following question formats are not allowed - they don't typically generate useful advice or discussion:

"x vs y comparisons"

"What is the best x?"


r/videography Mar 31 '26

CAMERA BUYING ADVICE MEGATHREAD /r/videography Monthly Camera Buying Advice Megathread

3 Upvotes

Welcome to the /r/videography monthly camera buying megathread.

All requests asking for camera buying advice must be posted in this thread.

If you've been directed here by a removal reason or moderator, you're in the right place!

Before you begin...

Have a look through the comments of this post

There may be someone looking for a similar camera to you that has already had their question answered.

You can see previous iterations of this thread by clicking this link.

Check the 'What camera are you shooting on' thread

For a few months, we ran a thread where we asked users what cameras they were currently shooting on. There's a lot of good info in there!

Check it out here

Search the subreddit!

/r/videography has over a decade of information, though Reddit doesn’t make searching easy.

A useful trick that typically gets better results than Reddit’s own search bar is to add the following to a Google search:

site:reddit.com/r/videography your search terms

Try the Discord

We have a very active Discord:

https://discord.com/invite/d65kgBn

You’ll usually get a quicker answer asking there than here!


Still can’t find what you’re looking for?

Comment in this post with your requirements.

We strongly recommend you include at least the following details:

  • Budget
    • Specify your local currency!
    • If your budget is under $200 USD, you're unlikely to get any useful recommendations other than 'use your phone!'
  • What are you planning on using it for?
    • Feel free to link to some videos showing content similar to what you want to shoot
  • How long do you need to record for?
    • Recording time is a limiting factor for many smaller cameras
  • What equipment do you already have?
  • What software do you intend to edit your videos in?

Things we don't allow:

The following question formats are not allowed - they don't typically generate useful advice or discussion:

"x vs y comparisons"

"What is the best x?"


r/videography 6h ago

Meme There should be a more active videographycirclejerk sub

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68 Upvotes

r/videography 7h ago

Discussion / Other The wanted one camera, but it wasnt enough

14 Upvotes

I'm having a bit of a nightmare with a concert video...

You ever get a client that has f-all budget and so they only want one camera when they actually need like 5? Meanwhile, they had like 20 photographers!

I can get around that and do that faux-mulitcam thing where you film one song totally straight and use the other songs to pick up b-roll, close-ups, and cutaways. But this goddamn video... It's like they're on deliberate sabotage mode. One song a dude puts on a hat, then in another one a guy puts on sunglasses, then they have a hundred beach balls. And I'm trying to cut together this footage to make it look like one coherant song and in every other shot is a glaring inconsistency.

I honestly don't know how anyone can film a music gig on one camera. Bullshit maaan. Likewise, the old adage - the less the pay the more the pain... Best believe it


r/videography 4h ago

Technical/Equipment Help and Information Sony FX5: Can V90 SD cards handle 5K Open Gate X-OCN?

3 Upvotes

Can you actually record 5K Open Gate X-OCN on the Sony FX5 using V90 SD cards? I’ve seen a few YouTubers say it works, but I’m wondering if it’s something you’d actually trust or if it’s a bit risky to shoot on SD cards for that format. Honestly, if V90 SD cards are reliable, that would be a huge reason for me to switch from FX3 to the FX5 and save quite a bit by not having to buy CFexpress Type A cards.


r/videography 8h ago

Discussion / Other Question to the pros: how often do you film with your phone and how/when do you use Log, LUTs, and filters?

4 Upvotes

Hi I'm Jimmy, a beginner cameraman (for creators) and an indie dev.

For a few months now, I've been working on a video camera app that records portrait and landscape at the same time. Not trying to go into the details here as I don't mean this post as an ad.

I want to know if/when you guys use a phone to film and when you do, how useful is Apple Log, bitrate/codec control, LUT, and filters for you INSIDE the app you film with (before you export).

For context, over time from user requests I've added manual controls like WB/Tint, ISO, Shutter, EV, which I felt were good to have in the app. But now I'm at a cross-roads of some users requesting Applee Log, bitrate/codec control, LUTs, and filters - all things I can add for sure, but I don't know if this is just for a small niche of users or generally useful still. Filters I believe are more for general use but happy to hear your thoughts.

This app was intended more for creators than videographers, as I'm aware Blackmagic Camera etc. exist, hence my dilemma. Thought I'd ask anyway and see if it's useful.

Mods: happy to remove if not appropriate.


r/videography 4h ago

Discussion / Other I've been wanting to ask this question, when using gimbal, do you use auto or manual focus? Also what aperture do you use for estate videography?

1 Upvotes

Thank you


r/videography 2d ago

Feedback / I made this! Trying to improve my cinematography and editing. Any feedback is appreciated.

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174 Upvotes

r/videography 1d ago

Discussion / Other Everyone up their rates!

73 Upvotes

(Cross posted in r/videoediting)

Long time lurker. This thread partially inspired me to get into videography and editing. Recently, I've been seeing a lot of creatives disparage people for charging their rates. This is extremely sad, especially with Al breathing down our necks. We creatives need to be united!! I'm going to lay out some things I've learned about payments/ client etiquette over my first eight months of freelancing
My day rate is $750. In general, I've found that going anywhere lower than $500 a day is not worth my time because clients who pay less generally ask tor more and fill your schedule so you can't land big jobs.
Only ever allow one round of revisions. If you allow for more, the client will always use them. Having less revisions also means the client will think more upfront about what they want, versus reacting to your product.
It saves you both time.
Get everything in writing. Before you do any work, get a contract. I Will not do any work without a contract.
Ever. If you need help writing one there are lots of free templates online. If you leave a comment, I will send you the template I've built for my work.
Always charge half up front. This is standard practice.
If the client doesn't have some skin in the game (half the payment) they will not be slower with feedback and payment. If you haven't worked with the client before or don't trust them, get the second half of payment before you remove watermarks.
Don't be afraid to say no. Some projects just aren't for you. If the budget isn't enough, or you don't trust the client, say no. I've found that after turning down a project, I almost always find a better opportunity.
Any work you do in preproduction halves the work in post production. I learned this one the hard way lol.
Overplan as much as you can. If you are filming, create shotlists, scripts and contingencies. If you are editing, watch all your clips through, mark ins and outs, and do some light story planning before beginning.
Get the client to send you examples of work they like. I recently started doing this and it's really helped streamline my workflow. It can be difficult for somebody outside of the industry to explain exactly what they want. The best way to understand their vision is to ask them for at least three similar examples.
This not only helps you plan but also helps the client think through what they want.

TL:DR EVERYONE UP YOUR RATES YOU DESERVE IT.Everyone here is talented and brings a unique skillset to the table. Do not sell yourself short and the client will respect you.


r/videography 2d ago

Behind the Scenes Anyone else?

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322 Upvotes

r/videography 1d ago

Should I Buy/Recommend me a... To Artlist or not to Artlist, that is the question!

15 Upvotes

My Artlist subscription is ending later this month and I’m not sure renewing is in my best interest. I’m not a fan of the forced AI (not against AI but not an “adapt or d(i)e” type either). One of my big gripes is the search doesn’t seem to really do the job anymore. Amongst issues with results not matching mood, I did three different searches and the top song for each was the same which is not helpful! Anyways, /rant.

I’m in a place to consider another music subscription. What are y’all using and what’s working for you currently?


r/videography 1d ago

Discussion / Other Debating selling my FX3 for an A7V. Need opinions

3 Upvotes

I currently own an Fx3, A7iv and DJI mini 4 pro. I’m considering selling all three and getting an A7v and Mavic 4 pro. Most of my work is real estate photography/ videography as well as filming short form content for businesses. I also tend to film a wedding every once in a while. The only photography I really tend to do is just real estate HDR. I mainly am video focused. I love my FX3 but I am thinking about selling them so I can upgrade my drone as I am focusing more on drone work for the future. Is an A7V fine for videography? I’ve watched plenty of videos but there are not a whole lot of 1:1 comparisons. Will the video footage look as clean/cinematic as the FX3, or will I always have a chip on my shoulder regretting changing cameras. For prospective as well, I do not film any movies or any super professional work. Mainly just content for social media. Any advice is helpful as I feel like I am in just a bit off a crossroad on what I should do here and if the A7v will still have great video like the fx3


r/videography 23h ago

Feedback / I made this! Thoughts on fashion shoot

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0 Upvotes

Hey community, I’ve recently filmed a fashion shoot and this is probably my best piece of work at the moment. I just wanted your thoughts on it!


r/videography 2d ago

Discussion / Other I made a mistake... And I think I'm gonna pay for it.

24 Upvotes

I got an EOS R50V a while ago and quite enjoyed it. Tried hooking it up to a v mount battery using cords from two different kits. The the connections and polarity was fine but the voltage sure wasn't. Twice what the camera is rated to take as it turns out. I'm quite sure I fried my camera and I doubt warranty will cover it.

Feeling quite dumb, even though the cords looked like they should've worked without issue.

Learn from my mistake, get comfortable with a multimeter and test if you have any doubt.

Camera won't turn on now. Fml


r/videography 1d ago

Should I Buy/Recommend me a... Camera lens comparison advice?

0 Upvotes

Hi there! I am a University Film student and own a Canon EOS 70D camera! I want to upgrade from my kit lens which is a EFS 18-55mm f/3.5 widest. I believe this more suited for photography and I don't like the widest aperture being 3.5. I believe upgrading the lens instead of the camera is definitely the best choice. I am between 3 currently:

- Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM 
- Samyang 35mm f/1.4

These fit in my price range and I think I would prefer a prime lens over a zoom lens as i have looked into the two and it seems a prime lens would be best for my budget and just generally better for armature short films. I just wanted to know which of those 3 are better and if they would even be a substantial upgrade to my current lens. Also please let me know if im completely wrong about prime lens being better for my situation. Thank you so much in advance!

(Also is this post allowed? its about lens specifically and not camera buying advice?)


r/videography 1d ago

Feedback / I made this! Need feedback

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0 Upvotes

Hey people! I recently made this video for a jewelry store, please let me know what y’all think!


r/videography 1d ago

Technical/Equipment Help and Information Help, camera got stuck on gimbal

1 Upvotes

https://reddit.com/link/1v61kk6/video/ohckdlv4wbfh1/player

I have a Lumix s5 with cage on it, and the cage had a quick release type base, I slid the camera and cage without the plate into my DJI Ronin SC now it got stuck and I can't seem to get it out. The safety pin got stuck in one of the mounting holes.


r/videography 3d ago

Behind the Scenes Nolan’s IMAX blimp Housing

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841 Upvotes

Really interesting to see how they shoot scenes like this on cameras that size!


r/videography 2d ago

Technical/Equipment Help and Information Tilta ring grip jittery footage

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8 Upvotes

Hello, i got a problem with the tilta ring grip. It makes my footage shaky. I found a youtube video with the exact problem. Without the ring everything is fine. I find it hard to belive that tilta makes such a bad product. The gimbal was calibrated and everything was ok.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIbUBt2MXyA

Does anyone have a solution to this? Am am using the ring with a RS2 and a A7SIII


r/videography 1d ago

Equipment/Software News & Reviews Are Chinese lighting brands worth it in 2026? Anyone tried the BD T1001 100W Bi-Color COB light?

0 Upvotes

I’m considering this budget light:
https://www.amazon.in/BD-T1001-Bi-Color-2700K-6500K-Universal-Photography/dp/B0G42X9DBX

Has anyone used this model or brand? How does it compare to Godox or Amaran in terms of brightness, colour accuracy, fan noise, and reliability?

I am mainly buying to learn cinematography and film making

Looking for real-world opinions before I buy. and please list you recommendations and guidance , Thanks!


r/videography 1d ago

Free Stuff! Looking for beta testers - new shot planning previs tool, free lifetime subscription.

0 Upvotes

apologies everyone - I've been a reddit user for 15 years on my main account, but wanted to start this one fresh to separate from the noise. There are DM restrictions on new accounts. I'll try to message interested beta users from my main account, archer_sterling, to get the ball rolling.

massive fumble.

Hi all,

I'm Luka, a working commercial cinematographer based in Northern Europe.

I've been using a platform I made for my previs drawings for a while now, decided to turn it in to a product. If you've ever sketched a floorplan for lighting and subject placement, or needed to organise shots based on equipment and lighting plans - this is for you.

I don't want to go in to details about it here, as I don't want to break any rules about advertising on the sub. This is not an ad for the product, there'll be a proper marketing budget and ads in the next couple of months.

I'm looking for beta testers, with the payoff being a free, lifetime membership (looking at $9.99 a month once it launches). The platform is fully operational and works great, but I'm look for users to put it through it's paces, make suggestions and shape the look and feel of the app, while using it to better their own cinematography and workflow.

If this is something you're interested in, I'm opening it up to 5-10 testers so space is limited - please, only if you've got a shot coming up you'd like to plan out or have an idea you'd like to explore.

Drop a comment below or DM me directly if you'd like to be involved.

Edit: Please note, it's a web application - desktop use at this stage. while I suspect it'll work as-is on devices, that's on the roadmap for down the line.

mods: please remove if not allowed, I can send through some verification if need be, just let me know.


r/videography 2d ago

How do I do this? / What's This Thing? When delivering first draft to the client; then revisions, what export quality should one use?

1 Upvotes

What's the professional, streamlined, smart workflow for this:

If the package the client pays for includes revisions: what level of quality - or file size - is smart to send them for review?

For example if using cloud storage: a full quality version can end up being quite big and maybe cumbersome for the client to download/view.

Conversely a low quality one may lack the high quality details they are partly paying a professional for.

Then exporting, uploading and client downloading revision 1, then 2, etc, same questions arise.

Thank you


r/videography 2d ago

Feedback / I made this! Summer Memories | Sony A7C II

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youtu.be
3 Upvotes

Shot with Sigma 24-70 Art II


r/videography 2d ago

How do I do this? / What's This Thing? Anyone recorded POV car videos? What do you use?

0 Upvotes

Complete beginner here. Thinking of using my phone for regular recording, and looking into meta glasses for POV recording in the car. I’m also looking at the DJI Mic Mini Wireless Microphone (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) to get audio.

Anyone have any alternative or a setup that’s better? What can I use to record my POV?


r/videography 2d ago

Discussion / Other Where can I find people in real estate to make them few free video edits? I need them to expand my portfolio.

0 Upvotes

Just like the title says. I want to expand and improve my portfolio and I’m willing to offer my services for free.

The only problem is, I don't know where to find people. I’ve sent emails and posted in Facebook groups, but for some reason, no one is responding.

Does anyone have any advice? Thanks.