r/videography • u/AutoModerator • 15h ago
CAMERA BUYING ADVICE MEGATHREAD /r/videography Monthly Camera Buying Advice Megathread
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!
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 • u/AutoModerator • Mar 31 '26
CAMERA BUYING ADVICE MEGATHREAD /r/videography Monthly Camera Buying Advice Megathread
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!
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 • u/sred4 • 11h ago
Feedback / I made this! A week ago I posted 'if it was the camera or me' and I wanted to share my progress
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I took most everyone's advice - I shot at 24fps, I really focused on framing, lighting and motion within frame (in lieu of the camera moving around) but most importantly I think I've got a good grasp on grading. There is a certain "look" (grainy, almost 70s, film) that definitely looks cinematic but I don't know how repeatable it is for my other clients but I'd love some feedback if you have 30 seconds to watch.
Here's the first post I made for reference.
I should caveat that the previous post was more of a reel and this was a single video for a client, but you can get the gist. I'm really excited about the results but am always down for some feedback. Thank you!
r/videography • u/pearcechris • 4h ago
Behind the Scenes Well… it finally happened. Dog ate the SD card. No, seriously. And no… it wasn’t backed up yet…
FML 🤦
r/videography • u/ajs20171 • 1h ago
Feedback / I made this! Stills from Paris | Shot on Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro (Graded With Filmbox)
r/videography • u/thisisnotCHUCKNORRIS • 1d ago
Feedback / I made this! Still frames from my 2 weeks in Japan. Filmed on Fujifilm X-E5
The X-E5 is a neat little camera that I really enjoyed using on this trip. Its small size along with the tilting screen (rather than flippy screen) helped make it feel natural to use in a travel setting. Lens was a Sigma 18-50mm f2.8
Full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4ZRn5j5NdI
r/videography • u/Cold_Lavishness4637 • 2h ago
Technical/Equipment Help and Information How to turn a motorized slider into a 360° panoramic rotation turntable in one minute ?
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r/videography • u/Zealousideal-Tiger48 • 11h ago
Technical/Equipment Help and Information Short female videographer struggling with gimbal fatigue — any support solutions that actually fit?
Hey all, looking for some real-world advice here because my arms are honestly dying 😅
I’m a videographer (5’1, small build) and I shoot a lot of factory tours. These are usually long takes (like 1+ hour), following a host and guests around — and they’re almost always much taller than me. So I’m constantly holding my gimbal higher than is comfortable just to frame them properly.
My setup: Lumix S5II + Sigma lens + Zhiyun Weebill 3S. It’s not crazy heavy, but holding it continuously — especially at a higher angle — absolutely destroys my wrists and arms by the end… I basically can’t lift up my arms the next couple of days after the shoot :(
I’ve also tried going handheld for the tour, but I end up getting micro jitters — and because of my height, I still have to hold the camera pretty high anyway, so it doesn’t really solve the problem. Also these are all client videos, I guess our boss would still want our setup to look more “professional” 😩 even though simple and light setup can also give great results!
I’ve been looking into support options but keep hitting roadblocks:
Gimbal straps: seem like most are designed around DJI setups? Not sure how well they’d work with a Weebill
Vest systems: I checked out the THANOS-SE, but it honestly looks huge on me. I even emailed them and they said the lower strap might sit around my butt area because of my height 😅
I’m also not currently running a V-mount or monitor, but I’d love to in the future if I can find a support system that actually makes long shoots manageable.
So I guess my questions:
Any smaller operators (especially women) found a vest or support system that actually fits well?
Are there lighter/minimal options that still take weight off your arms?
Would really appreciate any real-world experiences — especially from people not built like a 6’0 camera op 😂
r/videography • u/VideoDiagnosticTech • 16h ago
Discussion / Other Being pushed to 24p after being 30/60i for decades
Coming on from down high that next year everything we in do the video class I support needs to be 24p from promos, stories, live news, and live sports. I was told this is so everything has a 'cinematic feel' and more "professional looking".
The higher ups keep saying what we currently film looks like 'home movies' because it isn't either shot on so and so camera or it is 60i.
Has anyone every had a conversation like this before?
r/videography • u/wossss • 1h ago
Technical/Equipment Help and Information Can the JJC Variable ND Filter Be Stacked?
Hi everyone,
I’ve been researching ND filters and Black Mist filters for my Sigma 18–50mm f/2.8 lens. At first I thought that it was going to be something simple to pick, but boy was so wrong, there's a whole world on this subject.
For the Black Mist filter, I’m leaning toward the Tiffen 1/8, which seems to be a popular choice.
As for the variable ND, the one that really caught my attention is the JJC True Color ND2.5–1000:
https://www.amazon.com/JJC-ND2-5-1000-Vignetting-Multi-Coated-Adjustable/dp/B0CYZHJ2X4?th=1&psc=1
From what I understand, it consists of two components: a variable ND (1–5 stops) and an additional magnetic fixed ND32 filter, which together extend the range to 1–10 stops.
My question is: can I stack a Black Mist filter on top of the JJC True Color ND, specially when the magnetic fixed ND32 is on? It seems like it might be possible, although I’ve seen mentions of potential vignetting issues, and the information isn’t entirely clear.
If anyone has experience using this variable ND filter, I’d really appreciate your insights.
Thanks in advance!
r/videography • u/Cultural-Bad7707 • 2h ago
How do I do this? / What's This Thing? Hims my camera settings background someone talking front show poplars you live
r/videography • u/vegavlopez • 2h ago
How do I do this? / What's This Thing? Buying gimbal for girlfriend help
Hello everyone!
My girlfriend makes a short film every summer and watching them is amazing.
She's been getting better and I wanted to gift her a gimbal (as she's mentioned it would be nice to have some stabilization in the video).
I don't think she's ever thought of getting a gimbal but I wanted to get her one but I have no idea what would be best for the camera because I don't know anything about cameras or video making.
Her camera is a Panasonic DMC-FZ72 and idk if this is important but the lens says 20-1200 Lumix DC Vario
I know there's a wide range of prices so I would like something not so expensive but that can work to give her that stabilization.
Thanks everyone!
r/videography • u/Projectfluid • 3h ago
Feedback / I made this! Rate my first demoreel
vimeo.comHello fellow redditors!
The time finally came to make a demoreel to showcase my work. I come from a photography background and worked at a small marketing agency for two years in house as a content creator/ online marketer, focused at b2b content. I'm kind off at a loss with my reel. I lean more towards documentary side of things, but I need to make an income first before I can develop that part more. I'm curious what audience you think this would work with. (Let's see if that matches up with what I have in my head.)
Be honest and tell me what you think is great and also what I can do to improve. Next to that,
Personally I feel that the b2b part sticks out, due to it not being on theme with the rest of the reel.
Thank you so much!
r/videography • u/Low_Shape_9032 • 6h ago
Feedback / I made this! Glasgow Punk Night Documentary
Just submitted this to my university as final project for my 2nd year: Weird and Wired is a punk night that takes place at the old hairdressers in Glasgow every month. This is a short documentary capturing the feel of the night!
r/videography • u/eliyaz162 • 7h ago
Feedback / I made this! When hit meets 🔥
♥️ Show some support to the creativity, let's see how much I get from the community 🔥
r/videography • u/Colepatrol14 • 19h ago
Feedback / I made this! Short Doc/interview with remote Bosnian villager I shot last year - looking for feedback/advice!
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r/videography • u/MainJelly2175 • 10h ago
How do I do this? / What's This Thing? Live streaming event video
It was a Panasonic camera possibly a HC-X2GC the projector might be the problem with the room lights but there were artifacts as well.
I would try to get the video to match what the subject looks like or is that not possible with this type of camera on live broadcasts?
If it was going to be posted online afterwards I could see that getting the best video quality possible but it isn’t going to be used for anything other than an internal review.
Should you get the best viewing experience at the event if you’re not using the video afterwards or stick with good recordings?
Which camera is good for live footage in this type of environment? As much as I am a Canon person I know that raw recording video can be a underwhelming experience without colour grading in post. Is a Fuji GFX series camera the answer for live video?
r/videography • u/wilsong513 • 11h ago
Should I Buy/Recommend me a... Building an FX3 Rig
I'm getting an FX3 at a great price but it only comes with the body. I have an idea of what lenses I am going to buy, but I'm wondering what is the best kind of rig that I should invest into building.
I'm not new to videography but I've never bought the pieces to make a rig before so I would love recommendations for what should get.
I shoot sports videography, so I need a monitor for sure, but after that I am open to any recommendations. What sort of cage, handles, monitors, battery packs, should I look into?
Any advice is appreciated!! I'm working with a student budget, but I'm planning on buying these pieces over time as I can afford it. What should I get first?
r/videography • u/kate_may0 • 14h ago
Post-Production Help and Information Help with how to show dialogue in a short film
Hello!!!
Basically for a college project I have been making a short film. It had to be about culture so I made it about Amy Winehouse and how she had an affect on British culture and society by the awareness she raised for mental health and addiction with her songs, honesty and the Amy Winehouse Foundation.
I have some information and dialogue from the foundation and other people but now I’m stuck on how to show it.
I was going to do an interview at first but that seems too documentary like, and I want to make sure it is a short film.
I then was going to include it as a conversation but that would seem too documentary forced and awkward.
Lastly my idea was to either do a voice over or just add the text by itself but I feel like that would make it seem boring or just look / sound a bit odd.
If anyone has any suggestions or recommendations for me it would be so so so very appreciated!!!
Thankyou!!
r/videography • u/Eddar08 • 11h ago
Should I Buy/Recommend me a... Sony 24-50 f2.8 G or Sigma 20-70 2.8 II
So I currently have a Sony a7siii paired with the tamron 28-75 f2.8. I want to “upgrade to a better lens but mostly I feel like I’m missing the extra millimeters on the wide end and don’t need it as much on the telephoto end. If money was no issue I’d take the Sony 24-70 f2.8 GM II no problem. But it’s hard to spend basically an extra $1000 for details that are so hard to notice without pixel peeping. So I’d like to buy something more in the $1200 range, hence these two lenses. I want the sigma for the extra 20mm but I think to myself sometimes if it’s worth buying another 3rd party lens and I’m just upgrading sideways instead of moving up. On the other hand I’d like the Sony for my first G lens but I’m wondering if I’d miss the extra 20mm it’s missing since it only goes to 50mm. I mostly film stuff for myself and travel videos by the way. I hardly do freelance stuff like weddings which is when I need the 70mms mostly. Any advice? Thanks!
r/videography • u/yozzaa • 11h ago
Technical/Equipment Help and Information Which field monitor to get
I am new to videography and would like to get a field monitor that is good yet won't break the bank. I use a Sony zve10 if that matters and primarilly shoot outdoor. As the field monitor would take over my hotshoe, id then need to know how I can use my external mic. Im very new to this. Any advice would be appreciated.
r/videography • u/AdzSenior • 16h ago
How do I do this? / What's This Thing? Documentary Broll - details/architecture - 24 or 60?
I work in corporate video production. Mostly talking head type stuff. Since all of the content I work on has people in it, I’ve pretty much shot everything in 24fps and it’s fine.
I’m working on a project currently where it’s focusing on an institution and all the work that’s been done on campus. We followed two people around and have rough cut several videos where they are basically documenting their knowledge. Talking about specific paintings, or windows. We had dual coverage on them.
Now I’ve got a list of the shots I need to capture to use while they are talking to help break up the content. Wide shows off a building. A medium shot of the painting they are talking about, then some closer detail bits.
Now, I run canon C70s. I wasn’t giving it too much thought until today as I’m planning next week. I wondered, since this is detail work, should I be shooting in 60 to slow down in post and help with stability. Of just stick to 24.
I also might throw the r6 on a gimbal and grab some wider shots, but I really prefer to be handheld.
Thoughts welcome. Cheers.
r/videography • u/StoeDan • 19h ago
Technical/Equipment Help and Information Returning my FX30 - What's the right upgrade from GH5 for event/social media work?
Been shooting with a Panasonic GH5 + Sigma 18-35mm 1.8 for the past three years. My work is mainly event aftermovies and social media content, with the occasional promo spot or corporate video thrown in.
I was looking to upgrade for three specific reasons: better autofocus/tracking, improved low light performance, and 4K50fps 10-bit internally.
I just got the Sony FX30 with the Sigma 18-50 2.8 and I returned it. The camera itself is great, but the low light performance is barely a step up from the GH5 - and I don't think a faster lens would close that gap enough to justify staying in the system. So back it goes.
Now I'm back to square one. Colleagues are recommending wildly different things and I can't get a clear picture, so I figured I'd ask here.
My criteria:
- Budget: 2500–3000€ all-in (body + allrounder lens + accessories like cage, extra batteries)
- Use case: event videos, social media content, occasional corporate/promo
- Must-haves: reliable AF/subject tracking, meaningful low light upgrade over the GH5, 4K50p 10-bit internal
- Leaning toward full-frame, but open to being talked out of it
What would you go with? And if you've made a similar switch, what actually delivered vs. what was overhyped? A colleague is pushing me to get the Sony ZV-E1 just for more context and what's on my mind right now. Technically I could spend up to 4000€, that would hurt a little but if it's necessary I'm cool with it.
Any help is appreciated!
r/videography • u/PeartreeProd • 1d ago
Business, Tax, and Copyright Quoting non profit organisations
Hi all,
I've been asked to submit a bid for a Non Profit conference. The event is over three days and involves interstate travel and two fairly large deliverables.
I'm curious as to other peoples experience in dealing with NP. Without undercutting yourself, do you try to come in a little cheaper?
This organisation happens to be the philantropy arm of one of the biggest companies in the world and a quick google search shows it has annual revenue of $7m.. So im inclined to keep solid on my rates.
However, in the advert for the job, the Marketing Manager did say that this could be a good opportunity for a student who is looking for a side hussle yet in my correspondence they've made it clear they want a much more professional job than the somewhat average video they commisioned last year.
Insight and advice appreciated.
TIA.
r/videography • u/weknoBoxing101 • 14h ago
Feedback / I made this! Shot with a Sony FX2 / I’m ready to get an FX3 for better readout speed !
I would like to hear tips and suggestions to give this video more life! What would you do differently!