DigitalRev TV
DigitalRev TV is a popular YouTube channel, created by its producer, Richard Yu, and its co-producer and presenter, Kai Man Wong. DigitalRev TV routinely publishes videos with photography related how-to guides, photography parodies and reviews.[1] The channel has over 234 million upload views from over 600 videos, as of 29 April 2015, the date that the channel hit 1 million subscribers, making it the most subscribed to photography channel on YouTube.
Background
The channel was originally created in 2007, with a format that simply involved a lone reviewer's hands showing the viewers the details of a particular photography product. In each video, there was an un-boxing of a product and run down of some of its features, to promote products currently on sale on their mother site, DigitalRev.
The format changed in December 2009, when Kai Man Wong - became the lead presenter at DigitalRev TV. Kai was previously a presenter for another YouTube channel, before being hired by DigitalRev TV. He brought with him a new style of presenting and new features for the show. Lok C was also brought in as a cameraman and Alamby Leung became the project coordinator, while also occasionally appearing in the show.[2][3]
The channel has gained a great deal of popularity for moving beyond the 'straighter' and 'clinical' camera reviews found elsewhere on YouTube, incorporating elements of comedy in a similar style to the BBC television show Top Gear. Kai often comments on camera's 'tilty flippy screens', in homage to Jeremy Clarkson referring to 'flappy paddles gearboxes' found in many modern sports cars. DigitalRev team have gone on a number of road trips to various locations, such as London and Taiwan, where they are tasked with challenges set by the 'bloody producer', in a similar manner that the Top Gear presenters do.
The episodes sometimes have bizarre off-the-cuff moments and play off certain unpredictable elements, such as when Kai got an electrical shock from the camera he was dismantling[4] or doing a review in Typhoon strength winds.[5] Given its light hearted tone and international audience, some YouTube viewers have been confused and, invariably, there are comments about common features like Kai (intentionally) using the wrong camera strap or even no camera strap at all, or dropping things and generally destroying camera equipment (which are most likely broken, returned or mock-up products).
Presenters
Kai Man Wong (2009-present)
Kai W, real name Kai Man Wong, started presenting for DigitalRev TV in December 2009 and took over the role of the original presenter completely. He is also the writer / co-producer of the show. Kai's signature look soon became a customary flat-cap and a shirt/blazer. He has contributed to popular photography sites such as Steve Huff Photos.[6]
The style in which he reviews products is in a more light-hearted manner, with less emphasis on the technical elements and more on the way of conveying everything in an entertaining way. Videos are often interjected with somewhat off-tangent happenings and muses about things around.
Lok Cheung (2010-present)
Lok C, real name Lok Cheung, is the cameraman at DigitalRev TV, and often makes an occasional appearance in front of the camera. His role injects another comic element into the show and is often the fall guy in the show. His voice is characterized by a distinct Hong Kong Cantonese accent.
Alamby Leung (2011-2013)
Alamby was the project co-ordinator on DigitalRev TV, She often appears on the show with Kai and Lok. According to her LinkedIn profile, she left DigitalRev in October 2013.[7]
Rita Law (2015-present)
As of 2015 Rita Law has started appearing occasionally in Digitalrev videos, Rita is now credited as fulfilling the role of project coordinator.[8]
Special episodes
Battle of the Bokeh
Introduced as a video that involves the community in deciding on the bokeh quality of a lens and if it betters another comparable lens or not. The video is published on the channel, but Kai leaves it up to the viewers to vote which one they think is better.
Cheap Camera Challenge
A professional photographer is set the challenge of taking a demanding photograph with an inadequate and just plain bad camera. Each episode has a different challenge and camera and serves to show how a professional can still create an arresting image using their skills and quick thinking. Philip Bloom guest starred in an episode of one these as well as Chase Jarvis, and Zack Arias.
Analogue Rev
Digital Rev's pre digital, analogue cousin.
References
- ↑ DigitalRev TV publishes video guide to painting a DSLR pink - ZDNet
- ↑ "10 Photographers to Look to for Inspiration". Fstoppers. June 15, 2011.
- ↑ "A Newbie Photographer’s Inspiration". techstopMY. September 6, 2012.
- ↑ Guide on how to paint your DSLR pink
- ↑ Canon 5D Mark II vs Canon 7D Field Test Hands-on Review
- ↑ A Leica 35mm Summilux Classic Review by Kai Man Wong - SteveHuffPhotos.com
- ↑ Project Coordinator of DigitalRev for 2 years and 8 months
- ↑ Rita Law, Google+