I feel ya! Don’t be discouraged, the Canon t2i is a great camera, and I know TONS of great filmmakers using it. In fact, the video capabilities of the Canon cropped sensor DSLR’s hasn’t changed much since the t2i. So you have the same basic video capabilities as a t3i, 60D, 7D, etc! So I guess what I’m getting at is it’s more about who’s behind the camera than what gear you have. I could own a RED camera (I don’t)…but does that mean I’m going to be good at using it…NO! I honestly started on a Canon Vixia, the cameras poor capabilities actually forced me to become a better filmmaker, pushing me to be creative in new ways. One of my favorite parts of filmmaking is making DIY stuff, you can make jibs, sliders, fig rigs, cable cams, steadicams, and all for a pretty small budget. All you have to do is type in “DIY ________ tutorial” in Google and fill in the blank with what you want to make, there’s hundreds of different tutorials out there!

I have an assignment for you: read and watch the videos below from Freddie Wong.

We’ve always said that the best thing about filmmaking in 2012 is that equipment is far less important than an idea and execution. You guys have repeatedly told us to put our money where our mouth is and make a video using only a camera phone and easily accessible software. After hearing this challenge, T-mobile urged us to attempt it and sent us one of their new Galaxy SIII phones for the shoot.

And then make sure to watch the behind the scenes below:

Your t2i is much better than that camera phone and they used easily made gear. (fig rig tutorial here, or here) Plus easily accessible software to edit. So use what you have, and keep pushing yourself everytime you hit record. Make it a goal to improve on one thing with every shoot and edit. Seriously, take a look at my YouTube channel, and scroll back to my OLD vids (like page 8), they are seriously horrible. But then watch my new vids…all it took was practice and perseverance. So don’t be discouraged, be encouraged! You got this! Keep at it!
-Stephen