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Hey,

I hope all is good.

Will Video gear prices go nuts?

This is a politics free zone, but obviously with all the tariff shenanigans escalating, I pose the question .. what might happen to the cost of video gear?

What do you think?

Sony, Canon you name it come from Japan, iPhone's and popular video accessories and lighting are made in China which is also DJI's Headquarters, Rode originates from Australia. .. I could go on.

If I was based in the USA and needing gear soon I think I'd jump in now and snag what I could before prices go up.

And the same can also happen outside the USA.

"Experts say the cost of Apple products in the US could rise by 43 per cent if Apple is able to pass that on to consumers.

An iPhone 16 Pro Max, with a 6.9-inch display and 1 terabyte of storage, which currently retails at $1599 (£1,239), could cost nearly $2300 (£1,782) if a 43 per cent increase were to be passed to consumers.

This could also have an impact on prices in the UK, if Apple decides to increase the price by the same amount in Britain – or it could increase both UK and US prices by a smaller amount." (Daily Mail)

Maybe it will make the pre-owned market more competitive and lucrative too if you have video gear to sell.

Who knows, it could all change next week after negotiations.

👉 Watch a video via Ordinary Filmmaker

You can learn from ANY sales video!

So I noticed this make money product called The Emergency Income Kit and to be clear I have NO IDEA if it's any good or just a waste of time, not my cup of tea.

BUT .. I do like to study a range of Video Sales Letters (VSL) because you can learn from them.

One positive thing I like about this video is the two product creators get out and about on location at for the opening of the VSL and don't make it just a dull zoom chat start to finish.

You only need to watch the first minute to get what I mean.

They obviously scripted it and planned how to cut between the two of them in different locations to keep it moving and interesting.

They added sound FX and some humour too.

So ... if you are partnered with someone remotely you can still make an interesting JV Sales Video by getting out of your office and cross cutting between you.

👉Watch the video​

Video minamilism

Talking about gear, I was looking into how to create a very minimal video/ course recording set up that used gear I owned and also had portability for content creating whilst travelling.

Not only for laptop/computer use but also vlog style and sit down talking heads shot on my iPhone.

1. I didn't want to be using a dedicated podcast mic and stand. Too much hassle for travel.

2. I didn't want to use the inbuilt webcam on my macbook as it doesn't cut it with resolution and clarity.

3. I didn't really want to carry an external webcam when I already have an HD camera in my iPhone 16 Pro.

So I am trying this:

The DJI Mic Mini ($199 currently) - the receiver plugs straight into my macbook:

And the magnetic clip on mic with a wind muff attaches to my top:

The DJI mic Mini is tiny and very portable, I chose the 2 mic (transmitters) version since I might need to interview someone and mic the guest too.

It comes in a small handy case that charges your transmitters and receivers when you put them back in the box.

But you can get a cheaper version with 1 mic (transmitter).

I can also plug the receiver into my iPhone for filming talking heads direct to phone, vlogs, shorts etc.

My iPhone is connected to my macbook wirelessly via the continuity camera feature, set on portrait mode to throw the background out of focus like a mirrorless cameras.

I don't even need a tripod or mount as I can stick the iPhone to a wall with blu-tac (in the USA think its called sticky putty or quick tack).

Or I could use this Belkin mount that clips onto the computer and attaches to the iPhone (via MagSafe).

Tip: raise your mac higher, put books under it so your eyes are level with the iPhone lens so the camera is not looking up your nose.

All of this goes into ScreenFlow to capture audio, screen and camera. Of course you can use this set up on zoom, and other apps.

So in terms of minimalism ... just the camera I already own, plus a versatile wireless mic. Add an LED light for your home set up to add some polish or use soft daylight.

Scarcity mindset

I keep seeing comments on videos that are teaching skills via video courses.

They go something like:

"Why would you teach these secrets rather than just keep them to yourself and benefit from them?'

Those people don't grasp that if you are good at something you may ...

• Actually enjoy helping people by teaching and seeing their results - it makes you feel good.
• Want to leave a legacy for others to follow.
• See the value of having multiple income streams, one day you might not be able to do what you do - but you can still teach.
• Want to grow your income.
• Enjoy diverse work, doing what you do and teaching what you do gives you different challenges which can be rewarding.

Of course there are people who teach stuff without actually having the experience or results to back it up. Not cool.

Now that's all words but I can shoot back more simply. If these guys are willing to share their skills so should you ...

​David Blaine teaches magic!

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​James and Kirk from Metallica teach you how to to play guitar!​

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Gemini Live AI updates

Share your camera and get answers (for Android people)

"Have a squeaky chair? A glitching record player? With Gemini Live’s camera input, you can show Gemini what you’re seeing in real time and get quick input while you work. Just point your camera at the issue and chat with Gemini to figure out a plan."

👉 Watch Video ​

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Speak soon,

Jules

​VideoHero​

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