What Happened at the Panasonic Event? | A Real Talk about Camera Reviews

Crazy week with some drama action going on after the Panasonic launch event of the S9. Today I share my thoughts on what other creators like Gerald Undone have initially started and hopefully create a conversation on the state of the Camera YouTube community and reviews of camera products during major releases.

In this video I give my initial thoughts on Panasonic's newest entry level full Frame Camera and who should look into this for video.

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My Studio Gear Used:

00:00 - Introduction
01:48 - What Started it all
07:12 - My thoughts on Gerald's Comments
09:25 - Where was all this energy before
10:22 - Why my Review Videos are the way they are
11:43 - Keep the Same Energy
13:17 - Does the State of Camera Reviews need to change?
16:52 - Creators find your identity voice
20:39 - Manufactures need to change tactics
23:17 - The REAL problem with these camera launches
27:33 - My Final Thoughts

[bmefilms]

100% agree...where was this energy when sony and canon does it. Keep that same energy when sony drops the A7S4 &. FX4.

[SpaceZeee]

This is why Camera conspiracy is the true camera channel

[kevindiossi]

I think this was just a powder keg waiting to be sparked. Gerald had an opportunity to be briefed on the camera ahead of the event and was at least somewhat aware of the products shortcomings and limitations. I read about the camera and after watching 5-6 or more videos on the S9, very VERY few people spent much time discussing these limitations or highlighting how the camera is held back. It paints the camera in a more flattering light than it may really deserve. The S9 is honestly a niche camera and its restrictions in photography, video record times, lack of headphone jack, no hot shoe for ANY flash because it only has an electronic shutter….yeah, the product is HIGHLY limited in who it would work for. Sadly, many of these reviews I watched didn’t really talk too much about how severely limiting these attributes could be - and you bet your butt there was an affiliate link in the descriptions to hopefully get some kick back from a sale.

[PeteBreen]

Too much drama anymore with camera channels. Between the whining about not being able to make millions/year anymore and arguing over who has the 'honest' reviews - cripes. They're just cameras. Relax. 😀(not directed at you James) It's why I love Camera Conspiracies' channel. He gets it.

[carlosq]

Thanks for the commentary. I in some ways am happy that it sparked open conversations. Like you I don't think we need the drama but feedback is usually valuable. If I was changing camera systems and making videos about how great my new camera is or how it's the best ever every week...it would be fatiguing to the audience and I would hope that someone would call me out so I could learn and evolve. I think that is what was the driving force behind the drama that unfolded. People are kind of over the "I'm switching to" or "the ULTIMATE XYZ" from some of the creators who took the brunt of the comment hits. Back to Gerald's video though, I think he made an excellent point about censorship and that to me is an even bigger topic because of the way it implicates the "YouTuber reviewers". From some of the comments it looks like some of the YouTubers got defensive which helped spark the flames. Personally, I'm like if the shoe fits...and if it doesn't then don't shoehorn yourself into the mix. IRL none of this actually matters right, we're all adults and we should all have the ability to reason and make decisions for our selves without seeking validation for our purchases.

[jaegerschtulmann]

You didn’t hear criticism on Sony cameras? Really? Confirmation bias is real dude! No other camera manufacturer has received more mixed feedback than Sony (from rolling shutter, awful ergonomics, lackluster led panels, menus, same sensors, the list is endless) Gerald’s dead on with his video on all fronts

[SlavGuns]

They are only complaining about it because it is Panasonic event.... No one dare piss off Sony, Nikon or Canon. cutting those off, you are DEAD as a camera youtuber. Picking on Lumix that has 2% market share? you can come off getting more views. Try finding ONE critical or constructive critical review from a big YouTuber about CaNiSoni. You are not. Every time they release a camera, it is THE BEST CAMERA EVAH!

[AllThingsFilm]

I've seen so many videos on the LUMIX event. Personally, I think it's gotten out of hand. After hearing about the Insta360 issue - which I think is much worse then LUMIX's situation - I am not surprised by what's been happening. LUMIX, along with other camera manufacturers, are businesses. Businesses will do what they do to generate sales, etc. Sometimes they get carried away, like Insta360.

But, I think the LUMIX situation has been beaten like a dead horse. One YouTuber even went as far as saying that LUMIX is "dead". Sorry, but, that is total hyperbole. Other businesses, not just camera manufacturers, have behaved in similar fashion and paid the price. But, they tend to bounce back after correcting their course.

For myself, I am more concerned with the content creators reviews. Too often content creators treat their reviews as if they're factual and more than their opinion. I only trust a few YouTube content creators myself when it comes to camera and lens reviews. LUMIX will recover I believe. But, I am still more critical of reviewers more so than manufacturers.

[robertm]

My biggest problem is that these companies bring in influencers who are not in the target market of the product.
I don't think it would have been too difficult with the S9.
If the focus of the camera is short-form video then invite people who make YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Reels.
However, it would mean shorter and less thorough reviews.
I think that would fit the target market anyway.

[magic]

It's happening now because subjectively consumers are saying the S9 is rather disappointing, but the YouTubers who were flown out are just making hype videos without proper authenticity and honesty. The fear of being cancelled as Gerald mentioned by a brand for being too critical of their products. Unfortunately, the YouTubers who went got bad comments because they seemed like shills without having a true voice. That's where the big issues come up.

[KUBEBARZ]

Also if Gerald and others say Youtubers should not do this any more.. i hope they return all the money they made with their previous reviews and affiliate links... if they say they are really humble ... i dont think they will hahaha

[natureredux]

Well factor in the Cost of actually buying a Given product as opposed to being flown over to places like Japan. So I am not buying into the theory of flipping the cost in that context. Factor in waiting wayyy after the Gear Launch and then using YOUR own Money to buy or pay for a loaner. Also, any REAL so call Pro isn't go to have an real issue using a CAMERA. It's not Rocket Science.

Now setting up a Cinema camera, sure, most reviewers likely can't just do that. But I am speaking of not those types of cameras. But Non Cinema. This is literally what BUILT the fame and fortune of many of the Big YTube Channels. But sure, now it's costing them money, well don't go, problem solved. Buy/rent and review the Gear after you have used your own funds, problem solved. So I don't want to hear all the yTubers, crying me a River.

[ItsWillLee]

If ppl cant see through the "Milli Vannili" youtube "reviewers", its on them.
Takes me one look to know who is trustworthy and who are trying/doing it to get views.

What (most) youtuber "creators" have is zero experience in business, marketing &/ advertisement, you tube is basically ads for the brands, nothing more.
No Major brands (very few) use YouTube as a outlet to buy their products.

"Free trip" - its on you (tubers) to capitalize on these events, find doors to open and advance in the "business".

Youtubers need to be held accountable for creating this "drama", , FUN FACT: There is no drama.
Absolutely zero...

Its kinda more of sour grapes imo, Gerald is late on this... i know Gerald dont need "free" trips, but to say it cost money to go on these events, then you failed to capitalize on it, and thats on them...

Take responsibility should be the message..

[rickseigh]

I think camera reviewers take themselves too seriously. Jerry goes on a rant because he felt left out.... I've been purchasing and using cameras for 50 years and I've never purchased a camera because a reviewer loved it, nor did I ever not purchase a camera because they hated it. I watch reviews to see what the product looks like and I make a decision based on how I would use it. I used to watch the CC guy way back when he was in another country then moved back to Canada but I watched him for entertainment and never took anything he said seriously. I got tired of him and unsubscribed years ago but most reviewers have their own deal and if they can make money from it then good for them. They don't want to hear this but nobody needs them anymore as you can return anything you don't like so if you need a camera then just buy one. Don't like it return it and buy something else. We should do a go fund me to send Jerry to Japan.

[waynerm]

I'll agree with the repackaging of sensors by Sony gets not much attention but, when the others do the same, they get flak. A 12MP sensor camera for $3, 500? The other guys would get roasted over this however, it was waved off as "good enough" for photos as who needs more than that, lol! Later came the FX3, FR7 and ZV-E1 (I think there is another PTZ that uses that sensor, don't remember the name), with some additional software features, which Sony will not add to existing cameras as they want to sell the new camera, at inflated prices for the class it competes in. All manufacturers from what I've seen use similar sensors in their line up or their newer camera, they shouldn't get grief if the other guys isn't.

[ItsWillLee]

Gerald thinks manufacturer's are going to list their weak points??
Da'Fuq'??
C'Mon Man..

No company us telling you what is "wrong" with their product...that was so....weird to even say, , ok it was stupid LoL..

[madedigital]

I stop trying to hear what reveiwers are trying to sell i try to get and overview of the product features and mostly a good review would take 30mins so if its less than 15min its a pitch,

[robvision]

People trashed a camera that THEY DID NOT HAVE ON HAND TO TEST. In short, some reviewers like Gerald got butt hurt from way back at the S5ii release when LUMIX didn’t invite him to Japan. Stop being emotional lol

[GregCarrick]

Perhaps the difference this time was the product, the S9, was not worth all the praise that was heaped on it. Other camera launches had something worth launching, but not this time. The S9 has so many normal things missing that it was just embarrassing to praise.

[YouSnoozeYouNooze]

Panasonic f'd with the wrong one when they didn't invite Gerald. He came un.. glued