cameras

Steven has a Canon 1D Mk. III and his backup Canon 1DX has lost its autofocus capabilities. Should he repair it for $1800 or buy a new one. Leo says that the 1DX is a pro-grade camera, and that makes it worth repairing. But if you have gear acquisition syndrome, you can certainly sell that camera on eBay and let someone else pay to repair it

Rich is looking for a camera that will allow him to edit in camera. He wants to be sure he can post videos to youtube and protect his rights. Leo says that YouTube is a private company, and so they can cut you off if you violate their terms and conditions. Only the government is prohibited. However, police can arrest you if you record a police officer. You have to record them openly, not in secret. 

To record, edit, and share, Leo recommends using a smartphone. It's really an all in one solution. 

Constance likes the "no blur feature" on her Samsung mobile phone camera, but after the latest phone update, it doesn't work! What can she do? Rich isn't sure what happened with the update, but she can do face tracking by using her finger to tap and hold on the face of her subject, locking the focus. There is also tracking autofocus in the camera settings. Look under the Bixby features setting icon. There's also a shot suggestions and optimizer feature. 

Brian has a series of VIVOTEK IP cameras. But he can't cast to Safari, Chrome or Firefox. EDGE and Explorer work though. Leo says that he may need to install an extension, and it may not be available. VIVOTEK may not have written plugins for it, or it may use a technology which other browsers don't support. Browsers have depreciated some of those plugin technologies lately. And chances are, they aren't secure.

From the chatroom, there is a way and here's a video on it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEPuhmPIzm4

Trochelle wants to become a YouTuber. Can she make a living at it? What camera should she use? Leo says that 99% of people don't make a living at YouTube, and nobody really knows the formula in how to do it, other than content being king. You have to find a niche and offer consistent and high-quality content. But will it be enough to pay the bills? Well, that's the question. Pick something you're nutty passionate about and do that. The camera for getting started is the MEVO.

Bill bought a Canon camera and lens and he's taking it on a cruise and he's worried about it being stolen. Leo says that first thing to do is take your Canon strap off and replace it with one that doesn't advertise the make and model. Camouflage the camera with a case, and put it around your neck like a tourist. Also don't use a camera bag. Use a diaper bag. Be aware of what goes on around you. Some will use misdirection to get you looking one way, while their partner is stealing you blind in the other direction.

Ruben wants to know what lens he should use for portrait vs landscape photography. Leo says it depends on what he's taking pictures of, and what lens he has. A 24mm lens is great for shooting landscape. It's a great story telling lens. A portrait style lens, though, is a different animal. Leo likes a longer lens, like an 85mm lens. That way he won't get distortion or have to get too close.

Jay's daughter wants to get into photography. What's a good, entry level DSLR? Their budget is $300 to $500. Leo says that it's a great idea to get her a kit zoom lens, but there is a debate that people should learn with a 50mm first before going with additional lenses.

Dan's church is looking to live stream their services, and they are looking for the best cameras to use. Leo suggests going cheap with the cameras. Leo got consumer-grade Canon Vixia cameras for the TWiT studio, and they only cost $400 to $500 now. Dan could just get four or five cameras that can cover every angle, and then he'll just need a video switcher so they can switch between cameras while streaming. He can go look at BlackMagic, which has specialized cameras that are fairly affordable.