How to Build a Career as a Freelance Cameraman | Cranky Cameraman

What does a working freelance news cameraman actually carry—and how does he prepare an on-location news hit when there are no second takes? In this episode of Field Tested Media, I spend the day with veteran freelance Director of Photography and broadcast photojournalist David Winters, better known as Cranky Cameraman, and his son Beck. David and Beck build a complete mock ENG—Electronic News Gathering—setup while David breaks down the real-world workflow he uses for on-location news assignments. This is more than a gear tour. David explains how the equipment works together, the camera settings and setup decisions that matter in the field, and how an experienced broadcast crew prepares to deliver reliable results under pressure. While we build the news setup, David also discusses: • How and why he started the Cranky Cameraman YouTube channel • His current workflow for on-location news assignments • The camera gear and settings he depends on • How ENG and broadcast production have changed • The business realities of working as a freelance DP • What younger filmmakers misunderstand about professional production • Staying relevant as technology, automation, and AI reshape the industry This isn’t a polished studio conversation or another camera-spec review. It is a hands-on look at how an experienced working cameraman approaches the job—from opening the cases to getting the shot ready. 00:00 News Hit Staging 00:44 Camera Setup 06:02 News Hit Lighting 07:17 News Hit Audio 11:04 Buy Once Cry Once 11:42 Breaking News Setup 11:58 News Stringer vs Freelancer 12:46 Son Beck Employee 13:58 Client Purchased Equipment 15:49 New Sound Kit Sound Devices MixPre 8 II 16:38 Cable News Audio 17:26 What is the Story? 17:58 Sony FX9 News Settings 18:22 Windy Day Audio 18:53 Behind to Front of the Camera 19:30 Interview plus Tesla 20:17 Standard News Setup 21:45 News Hit Lighting 23:04 MAXIMA LED Rapida IP54 23:57 GENTREE V Mount 390W 15a 24:55 Cranky Cameraman Beginning 26:34 Current Core Business 28:15 New Audio Skillset 29:14 Sony VND High Base ISO 31:11 News Stories Backgrounds 31:56 Sony Z300 vs Z200 33:39 Eyepiece Importance 35:16 Tips for New to Media ENG 38:20 Reliable Transportation 39:39 Local vs Non-Local Assignments 43:23 Tesla FSD 44:19 Field Tested Media Tesla Model X 46:28 Beck, David and Walter High Five 47:58 Like and Subscribe What part of David’s workflow would you like us to explore in greater detail? Leave your question below. We may use it in a follow-up episode with David. ▶ Watch Cranky Cameraman:    / @crankycameraman   ▶ Subscribe to Field Tested Media:    / @fieldtestedmediapro   ▶ Featured equipment: https://maximaledamerica.com/collecti... #CrankyCameraman #ENG #BroadcastVideo #CrankyCameraman #DavidWinters #ENG #BroadcastNews #Photojournalist #DirectorOfPhotography #Cinematography #FreelanceFilmmaker #VideoProduction #FieldTestedMedia ‪@maximaled_italy‬ ‪@Sony‬ ‪@CrankyCameraman‬ My Complete list of gear: https://waltervandusen.com/gear On Location Production Gear: • Studio Titan America https://studiotitanamerica.com/produc... • Maxima LED America https://maximaledamerica.com/products... • Sony FX6 https://amzn.to/3Z5KFSA • Sony FE PZ 28-135mm f/4 G OSS Lens https://amzn.to/4f0kWUN • Sony FE C 16-35mm T3.1 G PZ https://amzn.to/3Nuz4d6 • Sony FX3 https://amzn.to/3YZb6sU • Sony 16-35mm f/4 Power Zoom https://amzn.to/3LbzTqB • DJI RS 5, Gimbal Stabilizer https://amzn.to/42Ud8g0 • Sennheiser EW-DP ENG Set Camera-Mount Wireless Combo https://amzn.to/4v8b9AQ • Sennheiser Pro Audio EW-D Charging Set https://amzn.to/49g0k7s • Atomos Shogun Ultra https://amzn.to/4jLERr1 • Atomos Ninja TX https://amzn.to/4sJLRsc • Atomos Shinobi 7 RX HDMI/SDI HDR Monitor https://amzn.to/4vRArn7 • YC Onion PINETA Pro Monopod https://amzn.to/3LlezPs • SmallRig Carbon Fiber Video Monopod https://amzn.to/4svZdbo • SMALLRIG Upgraded V Mount Battery Plate Kit https://amzn.to/4vclOL0 • Atomos Shinobi II Monitor https://amzn.to/49i1gHu • Ultra-Thin HDMI Cable https://amzn.to/4qCHyx9 • Adapter Mount Plate Top Adapter Plate https://amzn.to/49oGA0m • Camera Monitor Mount with QR NATO Clamp https://amzn.to/4qKmntf • Manfrotto XCHANGE Quick Release https://amzn.to/4bf51Qw • ZGCINE V Mount Battery Plate VM-VP4 https://amzn.to/4sz8L5O • Saramonic Ultra Wireless Audio https://amzn.to/4ssknXU • Saramonic SR-CA | Digital Shoe MI Adapter https://amzn.to/496h9ls • Saramonic SR-USB-C02 for Sony FX3/30 https://amzn.to/4qGX9M9 • NEO Timecode System https://amzn.to/49E5gTT DISCLAIMERS & AFFILIATIONS We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This video was not paid for by outside persons or manufacturers. The content of this video and my opinions were not reviewed or paid for by any outside persons.