Matthew A. Hawkins is available for creative design in all things media.

PHONE: 604.316.4404 EMAIL: matt@filmads.ca

Category: rant

My Take on Buying New Gear

Posted on September 20, 2011

Often I get asked about what type of camera or what type of computer to buy.
I figured I should write a post about what I really want to say and what people don’t always like to hear.
To be perfectly honest I don’t like being asked what type of gear someone should buy. I feel like I’m somehow going to be held responsible for their decisions, even though I had nothing to do with what they bought, other than an honest opinion. So here goes what I think you should buy the next time you’re looking for a new camera, new camera accessories, computer, software etc.
Most people won’t like my opinions here because you have to go out and do some of your own work… that sucks doesn’t it? Having to figure things out for yourself? Anyways…

General Tips
- Try before you buy. All of this stuff you can try it out for a certain period of time: software 30 days, camera gear (pay up front + return safely = free rental), computers (unsure…)
- Read reviews online. Lots of them. Amazon is awesome for reading reviews (.com not .ca) and has a lot of the equipment and software you may want to buy. Find out what the Interwebs are saying.
- Buy what works for you. The most expensive isn’t always the best. I started out on a basic camera and Windows Movie Maker. I learned and worked my way up. Just because you go out and buy all the latest, greatest and most expensive doesn’t mean you’ll enjoy it. Make what you have work and if you like it go from there.
- Watch tutorials on all things. There are so many video tuts out there it’s not even funny. If you can’t GOOGLE for them, you’re lazy and should stay on the couch.

1. Cameras
I’m a Canon guy. The first digital camera I bought was a Canon. My first digital camcorder was a Canon. My first pro-level camcorder was a Canon. My current camera is a Canon.
I’ve found I really like the Canon brand and warranty. Personally I have never had a problem with any of my Canon’s. I know people who have had problems, but for me it’s Canon.
You need to find what you like. Some people swear by Sony. Some people swear by Nikon. Find which camera does what you want it to and stick with that.

2. Computers
I hate being asked what computers people should buy. People automatically think that because I work with computers a lot, that I know a lot about computers. I know a little. Enough to keep me from having to see a computer guy all the time. I buy the warranty so I can send things back if I need to. I GOOGLE things to learn how to fix stuff. Other than that I’m just a hack with a decent computer.
Basically it comes down to Mac vs PC. It’s age old and tiring. I’ve worked off both. I had way more headaches, frustrations and issues with PCs then I have ever had with my Macs. Personally I would never go back to PCs, I think they are horrible machines unless you buck up and put a lot of time and money into one.
There are some PCs out there that just fly for video and photo editing but I know they spent a small fortune on their machines to get them like that, plus they knew exactly what they needed to put into them (not what some low budget computer shop or London Drugs rep told them to buy).
With Macs right out of the box on a basic Mac you can be flying with some basic video editing. Yes you pay a little more for the fancy Apple, but you get a great machine to do a little bit of everything with right away.

If you want me to tell you what kind of computer to buy, here it is. An Apple. Don’t like my answer or want to argue it? I don’t care. I think it should be an Apple.

3. Camera Accessories
If you get into the DSLR world of filming this area could go on forever. There are so many accessories out there. It almost feels endless at times. For me, and this is just my opinion, you need a good tripod to start off (I’m not going to list brands) but something with an adjustable tilt head is great and something very smooth (again work your way up from what you can afford). Next a mic, video sucks if the sound sucks. You can pick up some decent shotgun mics that are 10x better then an on-board mic and again work your way up. Next up, lighting. There are so many lighting options out there but some DIY lighting kits are great ways to start. My first lighting kit was a cheap one on eBay and it’s proved to be more than worth it. Good lighting, good sound and steady shots (you can add camera shake after if you want!) are key to a good video.

4. Software
This one basically comes down to Final Cut or Adobe (and there’s options within those).
Try before you buy. They usually offer 30 day trail periods. Some people love Final Cut, I’ve actually met people I think were sleeping with the program that they are so in love with it. Adobe seems to have a lot more direct plug-ins, filters, add-ons you can buy compared to what FCP does, but I use Adobe and love it so you’ll just have to figure that out for yourself. If you love Final Cut, well I’m sorry your program sucks and Apple is asking you to pay too much for an updated copy.
I should also mention some people like Sony Vegas too. I don’t know anything about Vegas, but I hear it works sometimes.

 

 

There you have it my useful but not so useful take on buying new gear. Just my honest opinion on everything ‘new gear’ related.
It comes down to you putting the work into it. If you want to get into this hobby or line of work, you need to invest some time into it.
There are a myriad of options out there and you need to find what works for you and your budget.

Cheers,
Matthew A. Hawkins

Posted in Lessons Learned, On My Desk, rant Tagged with: , , , , , , , , ,

Phoster Is A Cool App

Posted on June 16, 2011

I don’t do many App Reviews, if any, but I love this new app for the iPhone and iPad.
It’s called: Phoster
Here’s a quick & quirky description from the developers website: “This App is for you to create posters to promote and invite your friends at your party, concert, birthday etc. 
You will share your created posters with your friends via facebook, twitter, tumbler, and email.” Things don’t translate great, but good enough.

I love how quick and simple this app is to use. Here’s how it works: open the app, pick a template (50+ to choose from), add your picture, change the text, save it with or without a filter AND BOOM!

The only downfall is you can’t add your own text box in a place there isn’t one or add different shapes unless they are a part of the template. They have some updates coming, so who knows, maybe they will show up there.
In short I’d give the app an 8 out of 10, 1 1/2 thumbs up and 4 out of 5 stars… is that what you do in app reviews?

It’s only 1.99 so you might as well just try it out, you can’t even buy an energy drink for that price any more!

Here’s a few of my own I’ve created:



Posted in Promotional, rant Tagged with: , , , , , , , ,

Donald Miller & Hockey

Posted on June 6, 2011

Tomorrow night I’ll be checking out the Storyline Conference in Portland, Oregon. (I’ll be Tweeting from the event in case you want to check in)

DONALD MILLER! Get this. The NHL Hockey Team I grew up cheering for, THE VANCOUVER CANUCKS, and that I have been waiting to see raise the Stanley Cup, is playing tomorrow night.
I want you to know I’m coming to your conference anyways but I’m thinking about the VANCOUVER CANUCKS WHILE I AM THERE. In fact I may even be checking the score periodically.

I would greatly appreciate some sort of notification (I know you are American and from a state that has no NHL team but still), please point out that the ONLY WEST COAST NHL Team, the Vancouver CANUCKS, are playing in game 3 and a cheer or something would be nice!
You want to talk about a great STORY, let me tell you about the Vancouver Canucks. 40th year this year and they’ve yet to win a Stanley Cup. This could be it this week. We can share the story over beers and cigars if you like. I’m buying!

That said, I’m looking forward to your conference and looking forward to seeing a screening of Blue Like Jazz.
I’m going to be the crazy guy with the CANUCKS jersey and I would appreciate at least one SHOUT OUT TO THE CANUCKS!

By the way Don, if I can call you that, I saw the Hangover II as well. I liked it but Bridesmaids was better.

 

Posted in On My Desk, Promotional, rant Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , ,

My Future Shop Story: #1

Posted on May 22, 2011

I shop a lot at Future Shop. Correction, I shop TOO MUCH at Future Shop.

I’ve learned a lot about their policies and procedures. Mostly to save myself some money.
The biggest thing I have learned is that no matter what it is that you’re buying there, there is ALWAYS room for a discount.

My latest story:
I was checking out our local Future Shop with my boys, a frequent thing we do to check out the 3D TVs and Video Games, we tested out the Wii game of the week which was Mario Sports Mix. The boys loved playing the game and seeing that Mario & friends were playing HOCKEY I was kind of keen on the idea of getting the game for the boys.

The price at Future Shop was $59.99. The boys persisted on buying it, but for that price I just couldn’t swallow it. Having the Internet in my pocket I decided to check out the price on Amazon.ca. (When I did this a few weeks ago Amazon.ca had their price at $36.99 but it’s gone up a couple bucks since). I showed the sales associate the price on Amazon and he gave me the party line, “Oh we can’t compete with online companies” BULL.

I persisted further with the guy and he just said he’d add a couple bucks for shipping, but it came to $42 total. I was impressed. We bought the game and I learned that no matter what it is at Future Shop, they have room to move on the price. ANYTHING. You just have to do some research and then ask and persist.

I have more Future Shop stories coming up, but what stories do you have?

Matt

Posted in Lessons Learned, Promotional, rant Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , ,

Some of What I’ve Learned

Posted on May 19, 2011

I’ve been in business for myself for just about 5 years now. I started out in a training position and within 6 months I was owner and operator.
I’ve been told a number of different things, I’ve learned a few other things. Some of what I’ve been told and some of what I’ve learned don’t match up. I want to share those things with you.

It will start with what I’ve been told and then what I’ve learned.

*By no way or means is this a comprehensive list. I’ll probably add more in another post down the road.
**My lessons learned have been from my experiences in production & media, they may not carry over to you, but the principles might.

1.  What I was told: “Work hard at this job and you might do all right.”
1a. What I learned: Work hard enough ANYWHERE and you’ll do all right. Hard work pays off… at some point. Just work hard.

2. What I was told: “I can make some connections for you if you show me how hard you work for me.”
2a. What I learned: Make your own connections. Meet people. Phone people. Talk to people. I had two people, in particular, who told me they’d make connections for me and what I got was one client that brought in $200 over 2 years. No one person knows everyone. Make your own connections. It just takes work.

3. What I was told: “Work 9-5 and enjoy life after that.”
3a. What I learned: Enjoy life. Work is a part of life, it doesn’t mean it has to come between 9 and 5.

4. What I was told: “You don’t produce enough. We expect more.”
4a. What I learned: I quit. When people put unrealistic expectations on you and demand more, you will never succeed there. Find something else where you can excel and forget what you’ve heard.

Obviously there is more I’ve learned in the last 5 years. Obviously 4 quick notes don’t sum up everything, but they are just a few jewels along the way.

Are you in business for yourself?
What are some things you’ve been told but learned differently?

Share.

Matt

 

Posted in Lessons Learned, rant Tagged with: , , , , ,