David Zhou Photography

01/08/2025

I shot with Sony's new $6,500 flagship camera, the Sony a1 II, for 2 weeks and I'm blown away with how incredible the camera is. 8k 30fps, pre-shooting, best-in-class AI-based autofocus, flippy-tilty-rotaty screen, it has it all. I'm super tempted to buy one...

For my first impressions and full thoughts, here's the full video!

Sony just released their brand new $6,500 flagship camera, the Sony a1 II. It has almost all of the latest and greatest features from Sony, from 8K 30fps vid...

12/28/2024

Postcard from Dunedin, FL 🌅
Shot on Sony ZV-E1 + Sony 28-70 f/2 GM

12/27/2024

I’m obsessed with how versatile the Sony 28-70 f/2 GM is! The depth you can get from f/2 is significantly shallower than from an f/2.8. I’ve been shooting tons of portrait sessions with this lens and it’s like being able to carry around a bag full of primes, all in one lens!

11/28/2024

I’ve saved hours every week using Narrative Selects, an AI-assisted photo culling software, to sort through all of my RAW photos to find the best shots. The best part? There’s a free version! 👇🏼
https://narrative.so/black-friday-extra?affiliate=david2164&ref=david2164

10/30/2024

Curious about which action camera rules 2024? In this video, we pit three heavyweights against each other: the Insta360 Ace Pro 2, DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, and GoPro HERO13 Black. They may be similarly priced, but their tech differences are wild! To make things even more exciting, I brought in two friends for a blind test—giving you the perspective of a beginner, an enthusiast, and a pro (yours truly!). Which one will come out on top? Watch now to find out!

Today, I wanted to find out what the BEST action camera is in 2024. We compare the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 against the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro and the GoPro HERO13 ...

10/22/2024

Say hello to the Insta360 Ace Pro 2, a new action camera with an impressive 1/1.3” 8K sensor, Leica f/2.6 lens, and buttery-smooth stabilization. If you're interested in capturing epic slow-mo shots at 4K 120fps, vlogging and capturing memories, or mounting it for a POV adventure, this might be one to check out!

Say hello to the Insta360 Ace Pro 2, a new action camera with an impressive 1/1.3” 8K sensor, Leica f/2.6 lens, and buttery-smooth stabilization. If you're i...

10/08/2024

As Hurricane Milton approaches, I hope for the safety of everyone in its path. It’s heartbreaking to see another potentially devastating storm so shortly after Hurricane Helene had just done so much damage. Let's hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

10/02/2024

These lenses genuinely feel like a "cheat code" for instantly getting a more "cinematic" looking image. Anamorphic aspect ratios, beautiful bokeh, and bold lens flares, they've definitely inspired some of the coolest scenes I've shot in the past year. You don't want to miss this one!

These lenses genuinely feel like a "cheat code" for instantly getting a more "cinematic" looking image. Anamorphic aspect ratios, beautiful bokeh, and bold l...

09/24/2024

Camera gear can get expensive as you build out your kit and lighting can cost you hundreds or thousands, depending on what you need. But "need" is the key here, because yes you want good lighting to create beautiful images, but too often I hear "I use my light between 1-10% output". So, before you think you need big, powerful video lights, let's look at how small, portable, and affordable video lights might be the better choice. While we're at it, we're also going to take a look at SmallRig's new RC100B and RT25 RGB tube lights and how I used them to create cinematic lighting.

Camera gear can get expensive as you build out your kit and lighting can cost you hundreds or thousands, depending on what you need. But "need" is the key he...

09/15/2024

Two wireless microphone systems contend to be the BEST wireless microphone system for creators. The RODE Wireless Pro and the DJI Mic 2. Both systems can record 32-bit float internally, have unique strengths and features, and different value propositions. Today, we're going to compare everything, especially the difference in their audio quality!

Two wireless microphone systems contend to be the BEST wireless microphone system for creators. The RODE Wireless Pro and the DJI Mic 2. Both systems can rec...

09/05/2024

Being invited to this event by Sony was surreal (I almost missed the e-mail lol). Sony Kando has been on my bucket list for over 5 years now and I think this video turned out to be one of the most fun ones I've uploaded. Getting to play with Sony cameras and lenses, shooting at the cool sets that Sony set up, and hanging out with ALL the camera creators we love... the hype was REAL.

It's been a bucket list item for over half a decade now to get an invite to Sony Kando... and it was everything I could hope for. For three days, I got to sp...

08/17/2024

After years of investing in camera gear, I was shocked by how a single piece of filmmaking equipment unexpectedly improved my workflow—want to know what it is? 👀

After years of investing in camera gear, I was shocked by how a single piece of filmmaking equipment unexpectedly improved my workflow—want to know what it i...

08/14/2024

This is the best part—celebrating the milestones in your life with photos to remember 🎉

📸 Sony a7C II + Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM + a secret lens

08/10/2024

This week’s video just went up! We’re talking about the Laowa Ranger S35 Cine Zooms, plus I shot a fitness spec ad with my talented friend, Ethan Kiddoyak! Let us know how we did!

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to go check out this new pirate-themed speakeasy 🥴

I’ve been blown away by the Laowa Ranger S35 Lite Cine Zooms! These compact lenses deliver sharp images with just the right amount of character. On top of th...

08/07/2024

Check out these stills from my shoot yesterday with Ethan Kidd-Oyakhilome! We filmed an action-packed spec ad which will be in this week's YouTube video. 🔥

🎥 Sony FX30 + Sony ZV-E10 II + Laowa Ranger S35 Lite

08/03/2024

I’ve been deep in full-frame cameras for so long now, that I genuinely wasn’t expecting the ZV-E10 II to be THIS good.

The Sony ZV-E10 II is a fantastic camera that can be a perfect camera for beginners all while being able to grow with you and produce incredible looking resu...

07/26/2024

NEW VIDEO + GIVEAWAY! 🎁

DJI just came out with a new video transmission system—tailored for filmmakers, from solo creators like myself to teams working on small-to-medium sized sets—and here’s everything YOU need to know!

I'm also giving away a a set of the brand new DJI SDR Transmission Combo Kit (which includes a TX, RX, a phone mounting accessory, and a tablet mounting accessory)! Instructions on how to enter are at the end of the video (because of course I must extract some watch time out of you, it's only fair 🤪)

DJI just came out with a new video transmission system—tailored for filmmakers, from solo creators like myself to teams working on small-to-medium sized sets...

07/16/2024

Filmmaking gear is expensive. Everything from cameras, to lenses, to tripods, to gimbals, to lighting. But, Synco has been a brand that has consistently delivered high-quality tools at affordable prices (such as their $200 Synco D2 shotgun microphone that can stand up to the quality of my much pricier Sennheiser MKH416). And now, Synco is tackling the wireless intercom segment with their new X-Talk Wireless Headsets, but at a remarkable price of $99 per headset.

Filmmaking gear is expensive. Everything from cameras, to lenses, to tripods, to gimbals, to lighting. But, Synco has been a brand that has consistently deli...