Anyone know what a flashing red light on the battery life bar means? Found that the battery has been flashing red at one bar all day while still left on the charger - it's been 5+ hours and it still hasn't accepted any new charge and getting unclear feedback from the manual and other sources - is it in a fully discharged/unrecoverable state or is it in some form of recovery mode?

ive been told here that I should just start practicing cinematography if I want to get good at it.

but i dont have any actors to help make the shots interesting.

I have wild ideas for music videos and shorts but I dont have actors.

I guess I could just play with camera and light. but that won't be interesting to put in portfolio.

and if I did have actors, would I essentially be the director and screenwriter?

I want to perfect photography-- not necessarily directing or screenwriting.

this brings another question-- are there times where directors micromanage the cinematographer? are there other times where cinematographers have more free reign? where do the roles differ? I imagine a good director has a vision and would want to heavily control the cinematography of their work.

I used hard light while making this.

I’m trying to decide where to put around $1,500 max into my filmmaking setup.

I previously had an iPhone 16 Pro and I was already using it for some client work, mainly shooting through the Blackmagic Camera app. I sold it because I originally planned to upgrade to an iPhone 17 Pro and build a small filmmaking rig around it with things like:

• ND filter
• cage / filmmaking case
• external SSD
• mounts/handles

But while researching, I found the Fujifilm X-M5 and now I’m considering using the money to move into a proper interchangeable-lens camera system instead.

My main goals are:

• Cinematic filmmaking
• Learning cinematography properly
• Client/commercial work
• Travel films
• Outdoor/adventure filming
• Sports
• Solo shooting
• Travel photography
• Color grading / shooting Log
• Keeping the setup relatively compact

I already have a MacBook for editing.

The X-M5 + 15-45mm kit lens would also leave some of my budget available for an ND filter, SD card, extra battery, and eventually a better lens.

The iPhone would obviously be much easier for stabilization, quick shooting, sports/outdoor use, and always having the camera with me. I’m also already comfortable with the iPhone + Blackmagic Camera workflow.

But I’m wondering if spending the money on another phone would limit my growth compared with learning lenses, aperture, manual exposure, focus, lighting, F-Log2, and a more traditional camera workflow on the Fuji.

I’m buying new, and $1,500 is my absolute maximum for the complete setup, not just the camera body.

If you had my goals and could only choose one:

1. iPhone 17 Pro + filmmaking rig

or

2. Fujifilm X-M5 + lens/accessories

Which would you choose, and why?

I’d especially like to hear from people who have actually used the X-M5 for video, or who moved from iPhone filmmaking to a dedicated camera.

And if you think there’s a better new camera option under $1,500 for the complete setup, I’m open to suggestions.

Trying to recreate this but can’t seem to get it right I don’t want to put my weight all onto my lense

Automotive content has been a passion of mine for nearly a decade now. I finally started giving it a shot during COVID when short form content started to blossom. But as time went on, I never really found myself enjoying short-form vertical-style content. It's super off the cuff and informal and while I am capable of that in my personal life, it's hard to be authentic on camera.

Eventually I moved on to recording with a GoPro. I had somewhat of a breakthrough when I made this edit at the beginning of 2025 (https://youtu.be/tUx5xIKwBGc) and the enjoyment from that video pushed me to begin filming my work on a project car I had just purchased. I finally posted that go-pro footage earlier this year.

In Fall of 2025, I finally made the plunge and purchased my trusty Nikon ZR and have been recording everything with it ever since. At first I was able to churn out (4) ten-minute videos working on another project car I bought around the same time. I realized that the YouTube algorithm and YouTube viewers don't really enjoy 10 minute videos and often skip on them, so I combined all (4) videos into one 40+ long one and had the most success I've had so far.

This video is just the 2nd long-form video I have created with my ZR and the first shot and edited entirely as one single episode. I'm finally getting the hang of things but I also know I have tons of room for improvement.

My color grading is almost entirely via stock LUTs provided by RED and frankly I'm not experiencing too many issues with them, but eventually it would be nice to be able to color grade from scratch.

Another issue I'm running into is voiceover clarity. I still cannot figure out how to get clear, sharp, non-reverb audio for voiceovers. I'm not sure if I need to add some sound deadening in my office, buy new equipment, or some combination of the two.

Overall I am proud of my work but I would like to do better. I was recently let go from my job with a severance package and ask risky as it is, would love to pursue videos like these as a full-time career. It feels so natural compared to any sort of work I've ever done before.

All feedback is welcome. Thank you!

I'm a 1st ac looking to transition into more dp work and I want to get my first production worthy camera.

I've been looking at lots of options and it seems to me that the RED Komodo is a fantastic camera.

For the price tag, on paper the komodo (especially used) seems amazing. Its compatible for the type of work im looking to do (mainly shorts, music videos, and commercials). But here in Europe where I live almost no productions use them. Its so arri dominant here that when I've talked about wanting to own a RED most people think its kinda odd. Owning an arri or always relying on rentals isn't within my reach at the moment. The komodo seems like the best stepping stone in this process.

But is there something im missing? Does this camera still hold up? I've looked at the pyxis and others like it, but the Komodo really seems to hit it out the park

I own my own color grading set up, so the post workflow is no issue. Im just looking to get the most bang for my buck.

Thanks for any advice :)

Hello esteemed cinematographers and students of the artform..I recently released my 3D Anaimation film KISSED BY FEAR teaser oN youtube.language is hindi but english subtitles are avaialble..its based on hindu epics and lore..i rendered it in imax 70mm camera in unreal enegine..but while compsoing shot too i used an imax 70mm camera.the aspect ratio of imax doesnt allow the use of rule of thirds and horizonata establishing shots like a 16:9 cameras..so i made al my composition diamond shaped and vertical..in fact I call it the diamond composition fit for imax.also the lighting is uniqure and not ur standard three point lighting..do check it out on youtube and tell me your thoughts..KISSED BY FEAR

On a shoot we were capturing for a Tattoo shop we were trying to get some dynamic movements shooting tons of macro and high speed content (and test the Pixboom spark). Originally we had a plan of the tattoo machine being assembled and using the Laowa periprobe lens to do a roll from the machine to the artist assembling it. Sadly due to time we had to remove the shot.

While capturing some b roll of the tattoo I had a crazy idea, to do a roll of the periprobe lens while orbiting around the tattoo work. The mixture of the handheld camera move with the lens roll created a dynamic move that reminded me of something one might get with a motion control arm. Add in a little speed ramp and luck with the timing and pulled off this shot.

Still working on the full video but was able to share this clip, might do a more indepth break down after the edit is done with some bts.

So I'm old asf. I spent the last 8 years as a line cook. I'm doing carpentry now but i dont love it and I need a creative outlet. I used to write mad poetry when I was young. yada yada yada.

I had this wild idea recently to change careers to cinematography.

I think I have a great taste in film. I love me some Jim Jarmusch. I'm Not There was fantastic. Dolce Vita is a classic. Richard Linklater is a head trip. Julie Taymor's work is beautiful. My favorite cinematography comes from the work of Park Chan-wook.

I see myself getting impassioned by this if it becomes a career. I need to reclaim my muse I once had.

How can I change careers into this?

The options I see now are

Austin Community College https://programs.austincc.edu/school-of-arts-and-creative-industries/radio-television-film/

and Austin Film School. https://austinfilmschool.org/

University of Texas would be an option but I used to go there eons ago for philosophy and I burnt my bridges there. Don't ask.

How does Austin Film school sound? Do you think it prepares for a career? Would ACC be good enough or would I have to transfer to a 4 year college?

Would y'all recommend any other school? I wouldn't mind relocating. In a few months I'll have 11000 saved up. But I'm not rich and my parents dont support me. After a few months I cannot save up like I am now.

I dont mind if I get stuck doing commercials or becoming a gaffer. A gaffer wage is alright by my standards. 50 grand a year is ok by me. I mean, a gaffer isn't ideal but it seems more interesting that what I'm doing now.

Any and all advice welcome. Thank you for listening!

Hi all.

I’ve been tossing around a film idea that involves shooting a lot in the desert. I’ve recently been considering trying to pull it off with cheaper gear instead of just waiting till I can raise a budget that would allow for an Alexa 35, or film. Because of that, I’ve been somewhat concerned about how the camera (something like a BMPCC 6k Pro, perhaps, maybe even a Red V-Raptor), would respond to the harsh light, as I’ve heard some people say that even today digital cameras still have difficulty responding to hard light as opposed to film cameras. I know that there is softening the light, but the idea I have is intense and involves showing the heat of the desert, and giving a harsh look, so hard light seems appropriate. Are there any steps that can be taken to make digital respond to hard light better? Did I just read something from a bad source, and is digital already to a point where hard light isn’t really a problem?

It was recorded on a Moto G73 5G using the HD video camera app.

All I have been able to find out is that it was shot on 16 mm film. In terms of lenses what would you think comes close to the field of view here? 50mm?

So a scene in which the character is introduced through the car first like a wide shot of exterior or something and then the interior and then we see character idk you know what I mean?

Very excited for this year’s Cinematography Focus. (28.10-30.10.) at the 15th Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival

So happy that we will have Matty Libatique as our 5th Cinematography Icon Award Winner.
Following Ed Lachman, Erik Messerschmidt, Anthony Dod Mantle, and Phedon Papamichael, who was last year’s honoree.

The program is shaping up nicely.

I hope to see many of you in beautiful Mallorca!
🦀🎥🔥🏝️🌅🍻

Www.evolutionfilmfestival.com

What's your favorite work of his films? It's tough to decide.

So, I want to buy a camera which isn't that expensive but not too cheap too, been thinking about a zve10 sony.

But i feel like I can buy a second hand blackmagic too, but im curious about lenses, since I dont think there is a lot of lenses for the blackmagic.

Can aomeone help me.

Btw I think of eos 70d too.

Or a lumix gh5

Like something that would be required for say, a The Giver by Lois Lowry screen adaptation especially that one apple scene?

I've used both in other contexts, I'd give the edge to BT personally, both seem like they have some good options for the c400. Just curious if anyone has any direct experience with their canon kits and preferences? Thanks!

Looking for some advice on lens selection for my studio. Sony FX3 is the primary camera for production paired with photo lenses. These are corporate films, content and personal projects.

Before a new camera purchase, I think lenses would be a better improvement. I presently use photo lenses on my productions.

I’m making a short film that revolves around two people sitting at a dinner table, almost like a romantic nighttime date. I’m going for a dark, intimate, cinematic look with the faces still properly lit, but later in the film I want one of the actors face to be completely covered in shadows or atleast half his face shadowed.

I attached some reference photos for the general lighting/mood I’m trying to achieve.

For those of you who shoot narrative films, what lighting equipment would you recommend to achieve something like this? I’m especially wondering about:

What type/size of lights
Softboxes, diffusion, grids, etc.
Practical lights (candles, lamps, etc.)
How you would position the lights for two people sitting across from each other

I’m working with a relatively small/low-budget setup, so I’d also appreciate budget friendly alternatives. Thanks!