Re: David Imel says the quiet part out loud about Hasselblad
This is nothing new, nor is it limited to Chinese companies. As far as I know (and I might be wrong here), every single camera manufacturer sends out review copies. Most of them also have those special events @SlowDriver mentions. If you are a YT influencer with even a minimum amount of brains, you know what to do to get the review copies, and be invited to the events, on which your business model relies. See, for example: https://petapixel.com/2024/05/28/panasonic-reacts-to-controversy-concerning-its-lumix-s9-event/
I also recall hearing about editorial meetings at respected photography related publications way before YT or influencers even existed, where it was discussed how to review a piece of equipment without endangering the revenue stream from advertising by its manufacturers. Way before Chinese companies entered the market.
It should be pretty clear by now that most of what is on YT is for entertainment only, and cannot be taken seriously. Of course, there are exceptions. Dustin Abbott comes to mind.
Edit: the example is not meant to imply that Gerald Undone or necessarily Panasonic did (or is doing) anything dodgy. Just to highlight that this discussion is nothing new.
Sep 17, 2026 at 02:07 PM
Previous versions of mranger211's message #17108224 « David Imel says the quiet part out loud about Hasselblad »
