Reality Check for me brothers!!! Miami has turned into a Hip Hop, Reggaeton, Latin Music Video Mecca with all kind of Directors workin it out down here. Commercials have been on the decline and films are non existent since this genius state has cut all tax benefits for the film industry but all and all I have been doing alright.
But, for the past 90 days I have witnessed a substantial increase of the Canon 5d/7d DSLRs into Miami’s Music Video Sets. Time & time again Red Rental quotes have gone cold… I show up on sets and I am told that we are shooting on Canons!!!! Then I speak to a couple of other DPs in the area and several have told me the same thing! We are shooting on 7ds! One colleague stated that he preferred the 7d’s low light capabilities and chooses 7D over the Red. What???? what about banding and compression??? “No matter Bro, cost/quality ratio” he states!!! So, I understand that it’s “Obama Time” and ultra low budgets is the norm in Alternative, Reggaeton & Hip Hop videos but on the main stream (lil Wayne) & big budgets??? What about commercials??? Anybody in LA & NYC feeling some of this???
Now I have owned a 5D since it’s release and I must admit that I have used it very successfully in video mode!!! I have used it when I needed a POV/Body/funk mount camera or the client just worked me down to the point where I would not use the Red. As you all know, the pictures straight out of the box are just amazing!!! But I just can’t stomach it in the real production world!!! and I surely can’t stomach it in post. But right now my rentals are challenged and the 7D is kicking my ass!!!
I will keep you posted if the trend continues!!!
