Does the Camera matter?

Yes.

The simple answer to this is that the camera absolutely matters as long as it can function in the way that you need it to. Whether it’s YouTube, corporate, wedding or social media, the camera has to be able to create or match your desired “look”. Now the complicated answer, is that you may not always use the camera type you think you’re going to.

Quick example, think about the nightly news, a YouTube video, a movie you saw, and any commercial that pops in your head. All of those things look completely different and were purposefully designed to “look” that way, with one of the biggest factors being the camera. Cameras can be very unique when it comes to the “look” they produce naturally, and this is why there are thousands of different types of camera models in the world. However, instead of going through boring and extensive camera technology, here at DHM we’ve made this really easy with our choice of cameras that we can pick from and work with.

Camera #1: The DSLR Camera.. AKA ..the perfect Video/Photo Combo

Today, some of your favorite TV Shows, Commercials, and Corporate Media are all shot using these types of cameras. They are typically used for more of a “organic” / “normal” everyday look. They are not trying to look like the newest most expensive Hollywood movie, however they look fantastic with incredible clarity and vibrant colors! One other thing is that these cameras are wonderful for recording is when movement is involved, and the interaction of people or things may be moving fast. Think Sporting events, Wedding festivities, Training video etc…

Camera #2: The Production & Cinema Camera

Although you already know these cameras are used for major Hollywood films and fancy commercials, did you also know they are heavily used in corporate media, live / sporting events, weddings & worship services, and much more?

Production or Cinema Cameras are typically used in a professional indoor or outdoor setting, where it is placed in one spot and accompanied by bright lighting and (sometimes expensive) accessories to create an “enhanced” professional image. Typically this is referred to as the “Movie vs. TV” look, however that line has become blurred during recent years and streaming service shows that are made to look like one long movie. This alone, typically confuses people on the difference between a Videographer vs Cinematographer, as well as why some media is more expensive than others.

So why use a Production/Cinema Camera instead of a DSLR?

The picture quality and professionalism in the image. Having a “Film” look is pleasing to the viewers, and has been since the invention of it in 1888. Now, this does not mean you can’t mimic or copy the same look and effect of “Film” on the DLSR camera, however it requires additional editing time and “special effects” to create the similar look. This can however possibly increase your production costs or project budget.

Camera #3: The Mobile Phone… last but certainly not least!

Year after year it is still the most heavily debated topic currently in cameras: Is your mobile phone a movie camera? Simple answer, yes! iPhones have been used to shoot certain scenes in Hollywood movies with limited use. This means that Production/Cinema Cameras were used for the majority of the movie, but the mobile phone camera was needed to get a certain image or view. Now, mobile phones are not cinema cameras…yet! However, they are used to create high end professional commercials, Youtube content, corporate media and much much more.

Ok, so which camera do you use?

At the end of the day, the most honest answer is that it’s not the camera that creates the overall final image, but the person who’s holding it and what’s happens to it next! The camera is there to make sure it can record what you need to record, and in your desired look. As I said earlier, the camera was only one of the biggest factors to creating media, and we haven’t even started talking about media formats, editing, color correction, graphics and more. Welcome to the wonderful world of media production! :)