Best Entry-Level Mirrorless Camera of 2024: Canon EOS R50

I haven’t done a camera review since 2011, but last month I spent dozens of hours researching digital photo/video cameras. I am really happy with my selection after road testing it during a trip to Greece last week. I’ve shared some compressed sample photos here.

The winner is an entry level mirrorless camera (the new alternative to DSLRs, which are bulkier) and it’s called the Canon EOS R50. It debuted this year (2023) and it’s relatively affordable, creates beautiful photos and video, and is fairly idiot proof. This is NOT a promotional post but I have included Amazon affiliate links. Of course this camera isn’t for everyone. Most amateurs are fine with iPhones and Androids and photography pros will want something with more features.

Here is my Canon EOS R50 YouTube review in case you can’t read:

So let’s talk about the winner, the process, the pros/cons and whether this camera may be for you… I’ve included some sample photos and a video that I accidentally created. It shows me taking 30 photos from the roof deck of our Santorini AirBNB (The Oasis Villa).

Why the Canon EOS R50?

The Canon EOS R50 is similar to my last digital camera (a Canon Rebel I bought circa 2012) but produces much better photos and is easier to synch with my phone. I paid $799 for the body and the RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens.

NOTE: Oct 10, 2024. With Amazon Prime, it’s now on sale for $699!

That’s not cheap but it’s way less expensive than the typical mirrorless cameras that run from $1000 to $3000. I knew I’d also need new accessories since the R50 is not compatible with my Rebel. So I reluctantly paid $350 for a zoom lense called the Canon RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 (a STM for Canon APS-C Mirrorless RF Mount).

It’s Overwhelming Selecting Good Entry-Level Digital Camera in 2024

Here’s the problem. Most people find smart phones good enough so the “real” cameras are either old models (circa 2018) or cost prohibitive and complex. I wanted something that launched this year because I wanted modern tech and easy integration with the iPhone. The Canon uses “Canon Connect” app, which was surprisingly good at connecting with the camera to my phone via Bluetooth or Wifi.

In my research I read more than 30 articles and about 500 Amazon reviews. I was frustrated that the best-rated cameras were released well before Covid. I almost settled on a really nice, small, adorable red waterproof camera (Olympus Tough TG-6). But I needed a nice zoom more than I needed another underwater cam. I’ve already got a GoPro 9. That’s, by the way, down to $229 (30% off) and it’s quite remarkable for its size. For reasons I can’t quite explain, I don’t often use it. But check out this turtle clip from Hawaii last year. And here’s a time lapse sunset I shot in Greece on the GoPro.

Why Buy a Digital Camera in 2024 When You Have a Phone?

That’s the question posed in just about every article on today’s mirrorless cameras. Can’t your Google or iPhone do better? Yes and no. I wanted a real camera for better depth of field (vs artificial portrait mode) and a nice optical zoom. For instance,.check out this video to see the 30 photos I took from the deck of an AirBNB we visited last week in Santorini.

The iPhones and Androids are nearly as good (or better) as today’s pricey DSLR video/photo cameras. Over the last 5 years, phones have become amazing. iPhones are beginning to adjust for light (in some ways better than the Canon for sunsets). Again- they’re good enough for most people. But they have their limits, and the most significant one is the limited optical zooms. Once you zoom too far, you’re using a digital zoom that produces lame, grainy photos. It drives me nuts when I see people zooming beyond the optical range (see more about that here).

I took this photo of the colorful fishing village in Klima, Milos- we stayed in the purple restored boat house on the far left. I can’t figure out how to upload the highest resolution possible, but the image below has no digital editing or enhancements. (c) Kevin Nalty

“The fully articulated screen makes it easy to monitor yourself while recording. It can also record 4k video at up to 30 fps and 1080p at up to 60 fps, with a slow-motion mode in 1080p that records in 120 fps.”

Source: Rtings.com Review (see post)

The Homework I Did

I read dozens of articles (like this one and this Canon R50 review and this one) and narrowed it down to about 10 cameras including the Fujifilm X-S10, Sony a6400, Nikon Z5, Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 and the Sony ZV-E10. Canon itself has many models that are hard to discern. I also put out an APB on Facebook and got some ideas.

Somewhere along the trip I got overwhelmed by all the options and uncomfortable with the prices. But I finally decided on the Canon EOS R50. Now let’s look objectively at the pros/cons to see if it’s right for you.

The Pros and Cons of the Canon EOS R50

For creators/vloggers/influencers who need more than a phone but don’t want to spend thousands, the Canon EOS R50 is a good choice. It is relatively affordable, takes amazing photos and videos, and it’s easy to use. But it’s not perfect- and my biggest beef is that it is so small that I often accidentally hit buttons like the dang 3-second delay button since that button is close to the grip.

Pros

  • It is relatively affordable at $799 – good for creators and influencers who need more than a phone but don’t want to spend $1,000-$3,000 on a camera that’s hard to use.
  • It offers beautiful quality video and photos. Some reviews gave lower marks to video, but I found it strong even though it lacks digital stabilization.
  • The R50 is easy to use with excellent auto settings- especially auto focus. I don’t have the knowledge or desire to learn about f-stops and advanced settings
  • The base is small and portable for travel (but once you add a lense, it becomes a bit cumbersome)
  • The Canon Connect app can also enable it to be a webcam for Zoom and Teams calls (see my post on cool accessories for home offices and video calls)

Cons

  • The R50 is not inexpensive. Heck it’s nearly the price of an iPhone or Android and it doesn’t do anything besides take photos and videos. I came close to settling on the Olympus Tough TG-6, which is one of the best rated waterproof cameras. The camera and accessories cost just a bit more than $500 but it’s more than 4 years old (see review). I liked the size for travel, but I needed a zoom and don’t need the underwater capabilities.
  • My greatest annoyance was when I gripped the camera and kept accidentally putting the camera into a 3-second delay! Dove me nuts. It took a while to get used to that- and since you’ve got to turn the dial to go between video and automatic setting, it’s easy to accidentally end up on one of the many complex non-automatic modes.
  • The R50 lacks advanced features like automatic digital stabilization. I would have liked some digital stabilization for the videos (like my iPhone 13 Pro Max with it’s cinema mode). Here’s an example– I used the Canon to get a clip of some lady in a giant dress in Santorini and it’s bumpy. But I don’t need all the fancy advanced options so I didn’t want to pay more for all of that.
  • Some reviews indicated the battery is limited so I picked up two spare batteries and a charger for under $30. But I didn’t need them- even shooting for hours.
  • In lower light, the R50 occasionally struggled with auto focus. I really wanted to take good sunset photos. And when the sun set too much, it wouldn’t let me take a photo for some reason. That said, here’s an example of a nice sunset photo
This is a photo I took while eating lunch. A few stray cats playing about 30 feet away. The zoom meant I didn’t have to get up from the table.

Is the Canon R50 Right for You?

DO get this if you are a creator or influencer who wants a pro look but doesn’t want to spend $1000 or more. It’s a good choice if you’re in the market for a modern, affordable mirrorless digital camera that produces professional looking photos and videos and is easy to use.

DON’T get this camera if you prefer the convenience of an iPhone or Android phone (as they say, “the best camera is the one you’re holding”). In the last 5 years a phone is good enough at photos for 85.6% of people. And, of course, if you’re a professional photographer you’ll likely want far more and are willing to spend $2000 or $3000 or more. Also consider switching costs- I was bummed to not be able to use my Canon Rebel lenses even with an off-brand adapter.

Hopefully this saves you some time and effort because there are so many damned options it’s easy to get into information overload and enter the dreaded “choice paradox.” I am curious to see how often I carry it around, but it almost paid for itself with the Greece trip.

Some Examples of Photos from Greece

Here are some of the photos I shot recently in Greece (although they’re compressed for sharing).

Some Best-Selling Camera/Video Gear from Amazon

Camera and Photos Best Sellers at Amazon

Where Do You Buy the Canon EOS R50?

To buy the Canon EOS R50 from Amazon, click here. You can find it other places but I couldn’t find it for much less as of this writing. If you end up selecting a different camera, I’d love to know your thoughts. If you end up buying this one, send me some photos to:

You may also be interested in my recent post about must-have accessories for video calls and home office.

Leave a comment!

The Top-Ten Must-Have Accessories for Your Home Office Video Calls in 2024

It’s time to step up your game for Zoom and Teams calls. Here’s my top-10 list of “must have” accessories for home-office video calls in 2024. These are curated equipment and gadgets to help you look fabulous during office video calls via Zoom and Teams. I’ve perused the best on Amazon for more time than I’d like to admit. So you can save some time making holiday gift list, and jump on some Amazon Prime week deals (some are on sale and these are affiliate links).

Like a nice suit, a pro setup for your home office video conference calls is a must – even if you don’t wear pants. -Nalts

So let’s jump right in with a “video call pro” Amazon shopping list that includes my favorite monitor stand, mic, webcam, mouse, and sweet dual ring light… I also so tossed in some bonus deals including some caffeine tips for when 8 calls turns to 12. This is an update from my 2021 post that seemed to help people find crap they need or want.

Best 2024 Home office accessories
I’ve spent countless hours surfing for office accessories for video calls… so you don’t have to.
  1. A well lit face is a digital hand shake. Treat your face well with this dual ring camera that also holds a webcam – and clips easily to your desk. No more silhouettes, which are the video-call equivalent of bad breath.
  2. Still using a built-in laptop camera? They stink. Try the Best budget webcam to mount on item 1’s mount. Pro tip: place it right in front a monitor so you can multi-task while appearing engaged in the call. You can even get away with reading while not appearing to read (be sure to break script occasionally).
  3. Want to splurge on camera? The best webcam is the Logitech Brio 500 and for $100 you’ll look great in 1080p- has really good ratings by Engadget and other neutral review sites. I use this Logi 1080p camera after going through about 5 cheap webcams… it does the trick.
  4. Forget the Zoom or Teams nasty virtual backgrounds that “chromo key crop” your hair. This 6×8 fabric backdrop is a fake bookshelf that make it look like you’ve got design taste – even if it’s hanging on a cracked wall. Alternatively you can go for the exposed brick look. People think it’s real.
  5. If you have two monitors, check out this dual stand that’s an Amazon best seller with 4.6 ratings. Watch out when you open it since it springs open. If you’ve got one monitor, clip this onto your desk so you can adjust your monitor.. and put that webcam (item 2) on your dual ring light (item 1).
  6. I’m a mousepad guy, but here’s the pro mouse (Logitech MX Master MS) that has great ratings, is fast and quiet, and can work on most surfaces. It’s one of C-Net’s reviews of good office/school gear.
  7. For great sound, the Blue Yeti is one of the best desktop USB mics– it’s around $100. These are used by musicians and podcasters and will beat the cheap mic on your Mac or PC laptop. You’ll sound smarter.
  8. I bought two of these standing desks that adjust electronically. This one is spacious, can support all the stuff above and is only about $200. I’m not gonna claim that I use it at full height often, but it’s affordable and gives me the option.
  9. Don’t know how I lived without a docking station for sharing laptop with multiple monitors and having enough extra UCB and UCB-C outlets. It powers with UCB-C and setup was pretty easy on my Mac. It’s a steal for about $60.
  10. Got my son this ergonomic gaming chair that he says helps him sit for hours without feeling like garbage. It’s got nice ratings, was easy to assemble, and is affordable at $99.

Bonus Items You Want But Don’t Need

A. Best air purifier because fresh oxygen is under rated.

B. A cool walking desk treadmill to put under the standing desk- we own one and, I mean, we have every intention of using it.

C. My favorite combo charger and portable charger in one. Plugs right into the wall and holds a charge. I think I’ve got about 5 of these.

D. Amazing automatic espresso maker for those of us who want the taste of Starbucks but don’t enjoy the labor. It’s $681 as of this writing, which is insane. But it’s as good as $2,000 ones. Probably spent two days researching this and bit the bullet on the price. Love it. De’Longhi Magnifica Eva with a little latte thingy.

E. Speaking of coffee… here’s a milk frother in case you want to stick with a reasonably priced coffee maker. I’ve been faithfully using San Francisco Fog Chaser K-cups until we got the De’Longhi. In fact I looked through my Amazon and I’ve ordered 2,320 of them- at 55 cents per pop. And if you drip brew coffee, here fun tip I learned from a coworker. Everyone says she makes the best coffee. Her secret? Choc full o nuts but she uses twice as much grounded beans. Now you can be your own budget barista.

Let me know if you’ve got favorites you like better- and I’ll update or add to the list!

Nalts 2024 home office favorite accessories
Don’t shame me for the mess.

The Ultimate 2021 Home-Office Video/Zoom Kit: Lights, Camera and Backdrop

GOOD News. I’ve updated this for 2024… see the top 10 list of my favorite video and office gadgets and accessories.

Let’s face it. Looking bad on Zoom is now the professional equivalent as having bad breath and a cheap suit. For the past few years I’ve worked remotely, and since Covid I’ve been experimenting with technology and production equipment to optimize the experience — for myself and to look professional to clients and colleagues. In this 4-minute read we’re going to cover lighting, web cameras, backdrops, audio (mic/headphones), monitors and some basic Zoom hacks.

Figuring all this out took countless hours since most articles about “best webcams for Zoom” or “best lighting for video calls” are mostly rubbish. I have the advantage of having YouTube experience as well as TV and video production experience that goes back to circa 1980s. Below is the following sections:

  1. How to light yourself well without spending a fortune
  2. What web camera to get (but it’s less important than you might think)
  3. Using a pro backdrop (no virtual Zoom backgrounds please)
  4. Extra monitor if you need one
  5. Audio (mic/headphones)
  6. Some important Zoom hacks (and a bonus hack to fake your attentiveness)

But first let’s call out the cheesy personas of video calls. Have you met “Nathan the Neck,” who plops his laptop on his lap so the camera reveals an unsightly upward shot? I did a parody video 15 years ago on how to lose 10 pounds in 20 minutes – it shows how much the angle matters. Or “Sean the Silhouette” whose backlighting is so bad he’s a black blur. Then there’s “Paul the Pop-Up” who frames his camera shot like he’s using his first computer. Who am I missing (comment below and I’ll add it)? I should add “Larry the Look Away,” who stares way off screen making him look distant and cold. And Chroma-Key Carl, who uses the stupid virtual background and so parts of his hair and face are missing.

What You Need for a Professional Zoom Call:

1. Lighting: A well-lit face is the most important thing you can do for a professional video-conference call. You don’t need hundreds of dollars of studio lights, but here’s an article about 3-point lighting (key light, fill light, and back light). All you really need is a room with decent lights and a cheap LED light on either side of your face. To avoid that silhouette stay away from any bright light sources (like a window) in the background. I have a lamp with 3 normal LED bulbs that I use to light the background. For the past year I’ve been using this $40 pair of LED lights that are adjustable. But they clutter the desk with wires and mini tripod stands so not ideal for smaller desks or a portable set-up.

Instead, I highly recommend this clever clip-on gooseneck LED pair with a tripod mount. It has two ring lights and a webcam stand and it clips easily onto your desk. You only need one of them, and you can easily position the two lights and adjust the brightness. It has a clip but you’ll want to be sure your desk has a place to clip it. This is the one video-call item I would recommend without hesitation. The best $29 I’ve spent for my home office. It has a mount for your webcam so you can adjust it to the place closest to where you’re looking (see hacks for more on that).

This thing is brilliant. Go get one for under $20. Mine arrived the next day.

2. Camera: The web cameras built into most laptops aren’t great but they’re usually good enough. After hours of research, I have learned that the highest-rated, reasonably priced webcam for 2021 is a “somewhat dated but high-rated” Logitech C922 (here’s the pack I bought with a mini tripod and USB adapter). This is the Logitech C922 alone I’d recommend it if you don’t mind spending nearly $100.

The BEST-rated webcam is the Logitech Brio at about $180).

The C922’s high resolution (1080p) and the default lighting/focus settings are solid. That said, I’ve experimented with a handful of expensive and inexpensive (like this $25 knockoff on Amazon) and they’re nearly as good. They do lack the Logitech software (Logi Capture) which allows you to make some modifications to the contrast/brightness and remove stupid Logitech watermark (can’t believe those are default). But Zoom and other video-conference software give you some options.

This is me with the vinyl backdrop, a Logitech C922 and a pair of $25 LED lights. Get a cheaper webcam and you’re all set for under $100.

3. Backdrop: If you have a beautiful home then show it off. Just do NOT use the virtual backgrounds that come with Zoom. (Unless you’re a sophisticated videographer with a green screen, it’s going to look ridiculous and annoying as parts of your hair and face get chroma keyed out).

Instead, pick up a $20 backdrop that’s about 5×7 or 8×10. They’re made of a thin vinyl so they hang like paper but don’t wrinkle and rip as much. My favorite is this fancy apartment loft backdrop and people almost always think it’s my real place. eBay also sells a variety of photographic backdrops that are inexpensive but sometimes take weeks to arrive. I think I own about 10 of them. Just check the ratings and make sure you don’t get something too small (with a 5×7 you’ll need to be very close to your wall or the edges will show. You can buy a stand that allows you to hang this anywhere but they’re either expensive or cheaply made and a wall is fine. Use painter tape to avoid ripping your wall like I’ve done.

4. Extra Monitor: If you don’t have a second monitor I highly recommend one. It took me months to invest in an external monitor and you’ll thank me. It allows you to multi-task while on Zoom and easily reference different documents while creating a new one. Here’s the list of best-selling monitors on Amazon and this Acer is an absolute steal at $100 (it has 39K reviews that average 4.7). You will definitely want an adjustable monitor stand, and this is the one I own and it’s still on sale.

5. Audio (Mic/Headphones): Audio isn’t as critical as video as long as it’s decent. In the beginning of the pandemic, the kids all wore their Apple AirPods (so I made some fake fake ones, pictured below, by clipping the wire off of a regular set of headphones). I strongly suggest staying away from Bluetooth headphones because they’re always failing. But if you want a decent pair, check out Cheapskate my favorite blog for cheap electronic deals. I would avoid headphones unless you need them to hear. As for a mic, I’m usually fine with the built-in one or the dual mic on the Logitech 922, but here’s the mic bundle I own (comes with the adjustable stand and stuff). For some reason I also needed this phantom power thing to convert it to my MacBook.

Make your own Apple AirPods by clipping the wire off a regular pair.

6. Zoom Hacks:

Stay on mute if you have noise, and you can press and hold the space bar to unmute.

Keep yourself at a safe distance. In the photo above I’m going with the typical TV-framed position, but you could actually back up a bit.

Stare into camera to replicate eye contact with your fellow meeting attendees. If you have an external monitor be sure to put your camera close to wear you’re looking. It’s bad etiquette to be staring off to the side. Imagine doing that in an in-person meeting.

If you want to record a Zoom video that’s somewhat professional, see this video I made about simply recording with an iPhone while conducting the interview on Zoom. I was recently in a documentary and the producer sent me an iPad mini and lavaliere mic that makes for a professional recording.

In Zoom settings (preferences>video) you can customize things like “touch up my appearance” which is like virtual Botox. 🙂

If you use Zoom, select “touch up my appearance” in the video preferences but stay away from that virtual background.

Use Zoom shortcuts. Might as well learn some… especially the space bar mute/unmute thing. Zoom has the full list here.

Bonus Hack: See my video below on how to create a seamlessly looping video of you paying attention. You can then cover your webcam and do what you’d like (but stay attentive in case someone calls on you).

In summary, here is the Zoom survival kit*

The dual $18 LED lights that clip to your desk (an absolute must)

The fancy apartment backdrop

The highly-rated Logitech C922 (or a $25 knockoff)

Extra monitor: $99 Acer

Decent wired headphones

* I use affiliate links so will make a small commission if you buy these things. But it doesn’t effect your purchase price and I’m not going to try selling you some crap that’s no good.

Now Your Comments: What am I missing?

When Are Pranks Funny and When Are They Mean?

Buzzfeed featured my YouTube prank antics in an article today titled “An Early Dad YouTuber Reflects On The Viral Prank Videos That Made Him Famous — And Ones He’s Since Decided To Delete.” It’s part of an ongoing series by Tanya Chen about YouTube and pranks.

I discuss some of my experience with pranks, and when they’re funny and when they cross the line. Enjoy. And comment below. This blog has been dark for years.

How to Loop a Video to Fake Paying Attention on Zoom Calls

Getting tired of paying attention on Zoom calls? Here’s how you can create a looped video of yourself paying attention… so you can relax.

While you’re here, this is my list of the top-10 “must have” accessories for work/class video calls including lights, cameras, backdrops and more. 

See the video here, and here are instructions:

  1. Record about 30 seconds of yourself using laptop (I hav a Mac so I use Photo Booth). Don’t make any extreme moves but move slightly and have your eyes peer across the laptop like you’re watching someone else or sharing a screen.
  2. In editing software (I use iMovie), import that footage in. Next, duplicate it so it’s in there twice. In iMovie, this option becomes available when you try editing the speed of a clip.
  3. Inverse the second clip (so it’s reverse). This ensures the 1-min clip has no “jump edits.” It begins and ends the same way, and the two clips show no edit.
  4. Open Zoom and go to “preferences”
  5. Select tab called “backgrounds and filters” (the same place as the virtual backgrounds).
  6. Import the completed clip (the one-minute one that combines the 30 second and the reverse 30-second).
  7. Importantly, cover your laptop camera (I use a post-it) or you’ll see two of you.

Here’s what’s important. You need to keep the preference window open and your mouse over the “none” option (no filter). That way, if you need to speak up, you can simply click it to remove background loop video and then remove your post-it (or lease cover) in a seamless, quick move. Another option is to turn off your camera, select no-virtual background, and then turn it on again. Pretend to have tried to unmute but you hit the camera button.

You’d be surprised at how few people notice this. Occasionally I’ll get a Slack that says “hey smile” because my face is largely flat.

Let me know how it works for you!

How to Hack Zoom Call with Fake Loop Video in Just 7 Steps

Getting tired of paying attention in Zoom calls? Here’s how to create a looped video of yourself to make people think you’re paying attention.

See video here (it’s only 2-minutes and it’s for Apple/Mac not PC)

1) record about 30 seconds of yourself using your phone or Photo Booth (using same shirt and background as you’ll have in actual Zoom call).

2) import it to iMovie and use clip twice.

3) Reverse second copy (so beginning and end of video are identical, avoiding a jump edit.

4) In Zoom preferences, select “virtual background” and import your video.

5) Note that you will see yourself AND your recording… so the camera has to be off. I cover it with a post-it for easy on/off

6) Practice the timing of simultaneously turning off the video background look and removing the post-it note. That allows you to rejoin, and simply looks like you turned your camera on and off by accident.

7) Stay alert during call and be sure you’re on mute since your lips aren’t moving in the loop.

Bert Healy from Annie: “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile”

My son and I were in Annie over the weekend, and I played Bert Healy, the host of the Oxydent Hour of Smiles. He sings “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.” Yeah I bought a Barber Shop hat (Skimmer) but the director wanted me in this little baseball hat.

The video is annotated to hopefully help others who are cast as Bert Healy. I found a ton of YouTube videos with great singers, but few that helped identify quirks to give the character.

Here’s the video that wifeofnalts took. 🙂

Here are the lyrics and dialogue…

Continue reading Bert Healy from Annie: “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile”

How to Create Killer Online Video for Marketing

Here’s an infographic from Entrepreneur magazine, in an article titled “7 Ways to Create a Killer Marketing Video” authored by Emily Conglin.  I have some additional thoughts, as a marketer (currently leading strategy for an Omnicom agency) and as an author of Beyond Viral,” which was written for marketers seeking to capitalize on video online. The book is now ancient in online terms, but still has some tips that have stood the test of time.

One of my key messages in Beyond Viral is that advertisers should not “over produce” videos. Go for volume of efficiently produced video rather than creating one or two expensive ones.  I still see a lot of that violation in advertising, where creatives want to shoot one single video and spend tens of thousands of dollars. As I still say, of my thousands of videos on YouTube as Nalts, I never knew which one would gain traction. For me, it turned out to be “I Are Cute Kitten,” a video seen 47 million times as of this writing.

So volume helps… especially since marketers can use online-video for a variety of stages in the consideration-to-purchase funnel.

The infographic urges marketers to begin by identifying the target market and the video’s business objectives. The intersection of those customer needs and business needs is the right way to begin.

Another temptation for marketers is to sell, sell, sell before providing value to the target customer. As the infographic points out, most viewers abandon a video in those precious early moments. We once did a sponsored video for Kodak, and the agency insisted that we open with a promotional slate. As a result, the viewers were basically told “this is going to be an ad” before they ever got to the story. I encourage marketers to resist the urge to force a business objective on the audience before providing them value.

What ya think? Comment below and check out the infographic. Any infographic with an orange monster must have some important information.

To see full infographic, click and visit Entrepreneur magazine

 

Online-Video Spending and Insights

Since I was dangerously close to having a “dark blog” here, I thought I’d share some recent online-video information that’s worth knowing.

Online-video ad spending continues to grow (May 2017)

Online-video ad spending continues to grow, with 2017 looking to be passing $9 billion this year (it was $6.8 Billion in 2016). That’s according to recent research by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) as reported in “Digital Content NewFronts: Video Ad Spend Study.” Advertiser Perceptions surveyed 358 US agency (47%) and marketing (53%) professionals to inform projections.

Secondly, Think With Google offers an infographic about some recent YouTube trends…

Top 10 Stats About Online-Video Usage and Advertising for 2016 and Beyond

What do you need to know about online video for 2016? Here’s a convenient “round up” for your viewing pleasure.

Here's a guy looking at mobile video. It's trending.
Here’s a guy looking at mobile video. It’s trending.

  1. Mobilization. Mobile advertising is growing 66% and desktop is just 5 percent. What’s interesting to me is that 36% of our time is spent on TV, and 39% of the ad spending is there. But we’re spending 25% of our self on mobile, while only 12% of ad spending is on mobile. Implication: watch for way more advertising in your apps, on mobile-enabled site, and perhaps even while you text. (KPCB Internet Trends, June 1, 2016)
  2. Mobile vs desktop tie. By 2020, online-video advertising will be about 50% mobile and 50% desktop.
  3. Pay TV is stuggling. About 86% US Internet users think pay TV is too expensive. Some forecast a decline (source: TVFreedom, : SNL Kagan as cited in Video Advertising Bureau, 2015).
  4. TV ain’t dead. According to eMarketer “TV will continue to grow and remain the top video advertising format through 2020.” That said, our time with digital video (versus TV) changed in 2012 and the gap has widened, with digital outpacing TV (Nielsen, eMarketer).
  5. Netflix is rocking it for time. The streaming time of Netflix is growing insanely. 600M hours in 2009 and 42 billion hours in 2015. And originals are the reason (Netflix and Cowen & Company, 2016)
  6. Digital Video Ad Spending is Growing But Slowing. We’re seeing about 30 percent growth in digital video ad spending this year, but in the next few years the growth will slow somewhat…. Down to 20 percent next year and about 10% by 2020. Still growing, just not as radically.
  7. Watch out. We're gonna block that online-video ad on mobile.
    Watch out. We’re gonna block that online-video ad on mobile.

    Video ads need help. Many Online video ads are ineffective. About 80% of us mute video ads, and the majority (62%) are annoyed with pre-rolls. And 93% consider using ad-blocking software (Unruly Future Video Survey, July 2015). Given mobile use behavior, online videos are going to have to adapt.

  8. Block You. You know that thing about mobile users being annoyed by ads? The growth of mobile ad blocking is happening radically faster than desktop (as cited by the KPCB report, PageFair & Priori Data 2016 Adblocking Report.).
  9. What works in mobile video ads? Keep it less than 10 seconds, shoot it for mobile, and try for full-screen delivery. (Snapchat and other sources).
  10. What makes for good video ads? Unruly’s recommendations: be authentic, entertain, evoke emotion, go personal/relatable, be useful, give viewers control… and work with sound off and in non-interruptive ad format.

See more at eMarketer. Or KPCB for internet trends. Or Invisia for more.

Online-Video Marketing