You’re Overthinking Gear (Here’s the Real Secret)
Let’s be honest.
Every creative hits that moment where you stare at your setup and think:
“If I just had better gear… everything would change.”
Yeah. Been there.
In Episode 6 of Dynamic Range, Alfredo and I went all in on that question every filmmaker and content creator asks sooner or later:
Does gear really matter?
And here’s the truth — yes.
But also… not the way you think.
When Gear Doesn’t Matter
If you’re just starting out, your phone is enough.
Your uncle’s old camcorder? Enough.
Because at that stage, the goal isn’t perfection — it’s reps.
You need to learn the fundamentals: framing, lighting, storytelling, editing, and most importantly, finishing what you start.
The iPhone can’t make you consistent. Only you can.
That’s why so many creators waste time chasing equipment instead of mastering execution. They think the next camera will fix their workflow, when in reality, discipline would.
When Gear Does Matter
Once you’ve built those reps, once you know your rhythm, that’s when your tools start to make a difference.
Different projects demand different setups.
Just like a chef needs sharp knives to plate a five-star meal, a professional needs the right tools to deliver five-star quality.
Your clients might not know what camera you use…
But they’ll feel the difference in how fast you work, how good it looks, and how confident you are using your tools.
That’s when gear matters. Not before.
Rent vs. Buy: The Grown-Up Conversation
Here’s where most creatives get tripped up.
They buy everything they might need instead of renting what they actually need.
Then they’re broke, stressed, and still editing on a laggy laptop.
In my experience, the smart move is this:
👉 If it’s for a one-off project, rent it.
👉 If it’s something you’ll use every week, own it.
When we traveled to Israel, we rented gear there to avoid travel stress.
When we shot a big music video, we rented a grip truck because spending $20K on lights for one project makes zero sense.
Gear should serve your vision, not bury you in debt.
The Real Upgrade
Let’s talk about the boring side of gear: your computer.
When I upgraded to my M1 MacBook Pro, it completely changed my workflow.
No lag, no overheating, no wasted time.
It wasn’t a flashy upgrade, but it added hours back into my week.
And that’s what real gear upgrades should do: buy back your time, not just buy you views.
What About Beginner Cameras?
2025 is wild.
You can get a great setup at almost any price point.
Sony, Canon, Nikon. It doesn’t matter.
What matters is finding the ecosystem you want to grow in.
If you’re starting out:
A Sony ZV-E10 or A6400 will give you killer quality.
Add a fast lens.
Learn to light.
Learn to tell stories.
That combination will take you further than a $5,000 camera ever could.
The “No ND Filter” Story
Here’s a quick one.
In Texas, I realized I forgot my ND filter right before shooting a moment I couldn’t recreate.
I could’ve panicked. I could’ve said, “Forget it, I’ll just use my wife’s phone.”
Instead, I cranked my shutter speed way past normal and made it work.
Was it technically “wrong”? Sure.
But the shot still looked great, and nobody watching noticed.
Because at the end of the day, people don’t care what settings you used.
They care that you showed up.
So, Does Gear Matter?
Yes.
But not as much as you think.
If not having the “right” setup keeps you from hitting record, that’s on you, not the gear.
Gear helps you refine your story.
It doesn’t help you start it.
So stop waiting for the perfect setup.
You already have what you need.
Now go make something with it.
💡 Key Takeaways
Gear doesn’t make you creative, reps do.
Invest in tools that buy back your time.
Rent when it’s rare. Buy when it’s consistent.
Stop letting perfection paralyze your progress.