When one browse dvxuser, a leading video/cinematography forum, for advise on what equipment to purchase, it is very likely that he would deem all the results outrageous–outrageously expensive that is. dvxuser is littered with comments like “$2500 beginner kit”, and mind you Hong Kongers that’s US dollars. Not that those commentators are wrong, for they are just giving their genuine opinions; I would say they are just the wrong people to ask. Photography and cinematography are not that far from fashion–a small selling point could command a significant price. What beginners need are often tricks and tips that allow results a layman would not complain about. I can make a big fuzz on my peers’ photos–and I am sure my photography mentor can do the same on mine–but that would not be helpful; in fact it is more likely to be counterproductive. So allow me to suggest the following: ask someone close to you who knows nothing about photography or cinematography–a stereotypical suggestion would be your mother or grandmother–whether your work looks good; if they think so then you’re all set. Do not try to accommodate the “pros” for it will never work. It sounds somewhat ironically to say so when I keep upgrading my gear, but just think about it–as much as I complain about the low (sub-amateur in times I would say) standard of Hong Kong’s television dramas they never lack audience.

So yes I prefer better gear, but no I don’t think they are necessities.