When people first get interested in filmmaking, one of the biggest misconceptions they have is that they need expensive equipment before they can start creating.

I used to think the same way.

Social media constantly showcases filmmakers using cinema cameras that cost thousands of dollars, paired with professional lenses, lighting setups, monitors, and accessories. Looking at those setups can make filmmaking feel intimidating, especially when you’re just starting out.

The reality is much simpler.

The best camera is the one you have access to.

For me, one of those cameras was the Canon Rebel T7.

By today’s standards, the Canon Rebel T7 is far from the most advanced camera available. It doesn’t shoot the highest resolutions, it lacks many of the features found in modern cinema cameras, and it certainly won’t compete with the latest professional equipment used on large productions.

But none of that stopped it from being a valuable tool.

The Rebel T7 allowed me to learn the fundamentals of filmmaking and photography. It taught me how to think about composition, framing, lighting, depth of field, and visual storytelling. More importantly, it gave me the opportunity to create rather than wait for the “perfect” camera to come along.

One lesson I learned early on is that audiences rarely care about what camera was used to shoot a film.

They care about the story.

A compelling story filmed on a basic camera will always be more memorable than a boring story filmed on expensive equipment.

That mindset continues to influence how I approach filmmaking today.

Ironically, there are still times when I don’t even use a dedicated camera. From time to time, I record footage using my Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. Despite being several generations behind the latest smartphones, Samsung built the camera system well enough that it continues to produce impressive results even years later.

Most people carry a capable filmmaking tool in their pocket every day without realizing it.

If you’re an aspiring filmmaker reading this and feel discouraged because you don’t own expensive gear, my advice is simple: start with what you have.

Whether it’s a DSLR, a mirrorless camera, or a smartphone, the most important thing is getting out there and creating. The skills you develop through practice, experimentation, and storytelling will matter far more than the equipment itself.

The gear will eventually improve.

What matters is that you start.