Paris Holmes: Cinematographer, director and director of photography in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Sadly they are probably expecting an actual Cinematography camera. Example: Red, or black magic ursa. Its expensive and not really worth the money since cameras are updating all the time. But if you want more gigs I would suggest to start out with the mini black ursa.

They saw you had a dslr and thought their bts photos on instagram wouldn't have looked as cool.

i'm getting the ursa mini in two weeks. looking forward to it.

The cinematographer creates the image, not the camera. The choice of tool however is not the same as a painter's because film by and large is a collaboration not a solo art.

That said, there are compelling reasons to chose a camera(s) over another based on project parameters, and intelligent producers allow a seasoned DP in on that decision. There are non-compelling reasons one may have to accommodate based on economic decisions, delivery parameters, or mere tastes of those with the checkbook.

The idea that a cinematographer "is" the camera he uses or owns is widespread, and people of that mindset cannot be dissuaded as they are utterly in the dark about the craft.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhMHBoCIIV0