Aaron’s Animals, a popular YouTube channel with over 7.5 million subscribers and 2.4 billion views, has adopted the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K for shooting its videos. The channel, which focuses on documenting the life of Aaron Benitez’s cat Prince Michael and other animals, uses the camera’s high resolution and dynamic range to capture detailed footage even in challenging outdoor conditions.
Benitez's Transition to Blackmagic Design
Aaron Benitez made the switch to Blackmagic cameras in 2018 after seeking a solution that could provide better image quality for their diverse shooting scenarios. “We often shoot outdoors where weather can change rapidly,” said Benitez. “The Pocket Cinema Camera 4K’s resolution and versatility with Blackmagic RAW format make it easier to tweak layers even if conditions aren’t optimal.”
The channel relies on specific plate photography to achieve unique visual effects, a process that requires capturing precise expressions from live animals. The flexibility of the camera’s frame rates allows Benitez to shoot in various speeds, including true slow motion and slightly slower real-time footage, which is crucial for capturing animal reactions.
Post-Production with DaVinci Resolve Studio
The transition to Blackmagic Design’s DaVinci Resolve Studio for color grading was suggested by fellow YouTube influencer SoKrispyMedia. “Sam (Wickert) was very convincing, and having seen the quality of his work, I decided to give it a try,” Benitez said. “Now we use it exclusively for all our finishing.”
Avery Peck, the colorist responsible for grading each project, appreciates the camera’s image quality and color science. “I generally work on the color page but occasionally switch to Fusion for advanced visual effects like sky replacements and shot cleanup,” Peck explained. “Blackmagic RAW is particularly useful for fast-paced indie-style shoots due to its flexibility and efficiency.”
The pleasing color science of Blackmagic cameras, especially in skin tones, provides a strong starting point for grading, according to Peck. This feature, combined with the camera’s dynamic range and resolution, ensures high-quality footage that translates well into finished videos.