I had what I think is a meaningful exchange with a friend on the Birdsite; they were wondering if a small camera like a Canon G7X is worth it when we all have cameras in our pockets. Putting aside the old saying that the best camera is the one you have with you, I would say that if you’re not getting paid for your work, your phone camera is often better than an SLR any day of the week. Plus, and this is by no means necessary, Moment makes a case and lenses for your phone. I generally shoot videos with a CPL and an ND 32 filter attached. I have a telephoto and wide-angle lens, but I rarely need to use them. Also, while I have a DJI Osmo Gimbal, I rarely use that. If I’m shooting a video, I use my mini tripod as a handle with a phone clamp. If I’m shooting photography, I don’t need anything else. But, again, I’m not a professional, and what works for me may not work for you.
My SLR has taken up residence in my studio in a locked-down position, and I’ve just bought a teleprompter system that uses my iPad for the scripts. We used something similar when I worked at Canon, but I was in the market for something that didn’t cost an arm and a leg. Next up, lav mics. I might still have one somewhere; I’ll need to dig around and test it. Finally, perfect world, I want a boom mike on a stand.
While caring for the wife, I give a moment of praise for the ability to get groceries delivered and the gig workers who bust their asses to deliver them. I did it for a while, so I know the wear and tear they put on themselves and their cars. I also know what a treasure it is to have those 2-3 hours back so I can do other things. If you use a similar service, please take the time to thank them and tip them as well as you can.
A handy tip for those who feel compelled to pick the low-hanging fruit tweets of some of our more colorful wingnuts: Don’t. You’re being baited, and too many of us take the bait. More engagement boosts it in the algorithm. They cry about being shadowbanned when they don’t get the engagement they think they deserve. With Elon being Elon, now is the perfect time to follow the screenshot method. Screenshot the post, crop it, post that picture with your response, and do not tag the OP. Let them cry to Elon. Hell, let them cry, period. We do not have to engage these people. We can point and laugh at them while they melt down, though.