Griffin keeps a full gear list at griffinhammond.com/gear – but 2022 brought some workflow changes, so it’s time to review and update his inventory. Plus, Nick decides to buy a new electric vehicle, and picks it up the very same day!

Didn’t realize I needed a gimbal webcam!

Dec 29th, 2022 40m 37s

Griffin didn’t buy the Insta360 Link 4K Webcam because it has a gimbal. But it turns out, auto-tracking movement is its most useful feature. Even better, the image quality outperforms the similarly priced 4K Opal C1 ($300), which is marketed as

We look horrific as AI-generated art

Dec 1st, 2022 27m 59s

Nick has been writing prompts for AI images on Midjourney v4. Griffin’s been playing with DiffusionBee on Mac. Our faces may render horrifically in AI, but for many other use cases, the results are uncanny, with plenty of rapidly arriving ethic

The craziness of filming U.S. Election Night drama

Nov 23rd, 2022 43m 15s

Griffin shares his crazy experience filming Election Night in America—how much travel, expense and work hours go into building maybe 5 minutes of a television show. He earned a “Director of Photography” credit on Showtime, and safely navigated

Should I teach filmmaking in Zimbabwe?

Oct 31st, 2022 43m 19s

The U.S. State Department has invited Griffin to teach DIY documentary filmmaking in Zimbabwe—should he do it? Nick says yes.We apologize for the delayed uploads. It’s been a rough month—Griffin’s mom Carol died mid-October, and he wrote this t

Should I turn on YouTube memberships?

Oct 31st, 2022 55m 23s

Griffin asks for your input: Should he activate YouTube memberships, the paid tiers that allow creators to offer additional value alongside their existing, free channel? Nick offers his opinions, as they review the various monetization options

Controlling this Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Cam over Ethernet

Aug 31st, 2022 39m 7s

Griffin calls it a “Robo Camera.” It’s the Feelworld NDI20X, and it’s $6,244 cheaper than the pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera used at his former job (Panasonic AW-UE100). Nick helps Griffin set up his network to remote control this 1080p camera over

Don't use HDMI to stream from a Canon C300 Mark II

Aug 16th, 2022 37m 33s

Mac Studio—more ports, powerful M1 Ultra chip

Mar 18th, 2022 1h

Just launched: LUMIX GH6 camera features

Feb 22nd, 2022 41m 13s

Following Panasonic’s Monday night launch of the LUMIX GH6 camera, Griffin and Nick react in real-time, answer live audience questions, and put the new camera specs in perspective.

Finally, I’m set up for Twitch streaming

Jan 31st, 2022 39m 13s

This episode has it all: Jeff Goldblum, lighting via hotel room mirror, Batman-esque music, star wipes, and the equipment behind Griffin’s new Twitch channel.

My footage solved an IRONMAN mystery

Dec 29th, 2021 24m 24s

A surprising story from one of our listeners: Griffin’s documentary footage solves the months-long mystery of missing timing data at IRONMAN Wisconsin.

I was wrong about Monopods

Dec 1st, 2021 32m 24s

Filming a multi-hour celebrity interview in Los Angeles, Griffin finally finds a reason to try a Manfrotto monopod.

Nick convinced me to upgrade: M1 Max MacBook Pro

Nov 29th, 2021 40m 39s

Griffin travels to New York, with his new MacBook Pro M1 Max. Improved battery life, integrated SD card slot and HDMI port—much-needed features, but how did Nick convince Griffin to upgrade to the more expensive “Max” configuration rather than

Filming an IRONMAN in Madison, Wisconsin

Oct 31st, 2021 37m 4s

With a drone, a gimbal, and a hat-mounted light, Griffin and Nick explain how they filmed a 13-hour IRONMAN triathlon in Madison, Wisconsin—for their friend Matt.

How Freelancers Can Build Retirement Savings

Sep 26th, 2021 38m 51s

For self-employed freelancers – who don’t have access to an employer-sponsored 401(k) – is a SEP IRA the best option to save for retirement? Nick and Griffin share their savings strategies, and explain why a SEP IRA (Simplified Employee Pension

My home office renovation is finally complete!

Jun 30th, 2021 46m 5s

After months of recording the podcast from his bedroom, Griffin’s home office renovation is finally complete, though it still needs some audio treatment to eliminate reverb. Plus, a side-by-side comparison of the anti-reflective coating on the

Your questions about the new Lumix GH5M2, answered

Jun 14th, 2021 52m 30s

After Griffin released his short film “Texture,” shot on the new Lumix GH5M2 camera, you had lots of questions. We’ll answer those—plus, select moments from my interview with Lumix expert Sean Robinson.

Battery-powered Smart Bulbs for Filmmaking

May 30th, 2021

The Aputure Accent B7c lights are colorful, battery-powered, flicker-free smart bulbs for filmmakers. Not compatible with smart home automation—these 570-lumen bulbs aren’t intended for everyday use. They’re designed for portability, to take on

I shot a film on the new Lumix GH5M2

May 28th, 2021 4m 41s

A behind-the-scenes look at Griffin's latest film, and the upgraded features in Panasonic’s new Lumix GH5M2 camera.

Passing the FAA’s New Drone Pilot Test

May 5th, 2021 41m 16s

Griffin completed the FAA’s new free drone pilot course, and earned 93% on the exam. Turns out, it’s pretty easy to renew your Part 107 certification, through this new online method, introduced in April 2021.

Film Gear Garage Sale—items from $20 to $480

Apr 21st, 2021 38m 3s

Griffin is selling his unneeded filmmaking gear. Microphones for sale, a “pancake” lens, a 1700-lumen projector. Plus, your questions about ripping DVDs, and how to make sure clients pay you.

YouTube now performs copyright “Checks” during uploads

Apr 7th, 2021 45m 33s

Now when you upload a video, YouTube checks in real-time for copyright claims and ad suitability issues—before publishing. Griffin and Nick explain this new “Checks” system. Plus, your questions about copyright, documentary storytelling, and th

You can sell your videos as NFTs. Does it kill the planet?

Mar 24th, 2021 41m 55s

Video artists are minting their works as NFTs (non-fungible tokens) onto cryptocurrency blockchains. Sometimes selling for thousands of U.S. dollars. But what does it mean to own an NFT? And why is Griffin morally opposed to selling his videos?

The vintage lens known for its “swirly bokeh”

Mar 10th, 2021 27m 49s

Griffin purchased a 40-year-old lens on eBay, the popular Helios 44-2, known for its “swirly bokeh.” As Nick describes the effect, “Very strange. I almost don’t like it!”