How do I make my T2i look pro for cheap?

[tackyattack]

Is there any way I can make my T2i look pro for less than $100? I want to do this so people don't look at my camera and say, "Your shooting with that little thing?"
Thanks

[nicksnow]

Focus on your reel looking pro as opposed to your rig. People don't care what equipment you use when they're confident you're going to be delivering pro-level material.

[El Director]

Get a viewfinder for $50 on ebay

[Michael Carter]

For less than $100? I dunno, you might find a screw-on matte box.

But if you're not using an attached magnifying loupe, a matte box (personally I'd add a follow focus and rods to that) what kind of people are you shooting for that would even know the difference? I'm sure you can get great footage without those attachments, but do you have clients that are paying at the "i have limited gear" level that still expect to see a big pro rig? And have been on enough sets with big rigs that they see a difference?

Make a great reel, show it to clients, and be clear upfront that you get your look in a specific way with specific gear. If you're getting paid big commercial rate $$, go buy all that stuff, it makes a difference. If you're getting paid peanuts, tell 'em they're paying for a peanuts rig and you'll deliver amazing bang for their buck. Spend your money on stuff that improves your footage.

Seriously - are you killing yourself with BMW or Mercedes payments so people will think you can afford a luxury car? Don't worry what people think unless they're thinking of your footage and your professionalism.

And yeah, there's plexiglas rod setups on eBay and lots of plans on line for cardboard n' duct tape matte boxes, so... knock yerself out! But I'd really ask myself if my tripod head is capable of smooth moves, if I have proper ND and a case that organizes and protects everything, if I have all the focal lengths I need at the f-stops I want for my particular look. And then there's lighting and grip...

[life4eva]

Is there any way I can make my T2i look pro for less than $100? I want to do this so people don't look at my camera and say, "Your shooting with that little thing?"
Thanks

The most important part is working on your material. Once customers see your work they will respect you. Yeah they might ask if that's the camera you use, but you need to be confident with your self and work. For a $100 you can get a cheap mic to place in the hot shoe + a 3rd party battery grip.

[nicksnow]

Here's the bummer: you can't buy set experience and "set presence" so once you're on set, if you're with other pros and are an amateur with a dressed up camera, they will know.

But for cheap, instant credibility, never underestimate a massive AC hip-bag http://www.filmtools.com/filmtools-jumbo-ac-pouch.html

[Pietro Impagliazzo]

Here's the bummer: you can't buy set experience and "set presence" so once you're on set, if you're with other pros and are an amateur with a dressed up camera, they will know.

But for cheap, instant credibility, never underestimate a massive AC hip-bag http://www.filmtools.com/filmtools-jumbo-ac-pouch.html

Wow, that's very useful! I've been needing one of these for quite sometime.

[David W. Jones]

How about a black T-Shirt that reads..."Film Crew".

[Noel Evans]

You can buy a cap from Panavision :P Kidding.

[Ren Tachino]

People keep saying to work more on your technique and a good reel to show off your talent, but you can't deny the fact that look DO matter. Of course, what you do with the camera is most important, but so is your image. Trust me, most clients don't understand the technological side of these things, so they don't necessarily know what DSLR's can do. Especially if they recognize this "rebel" is what their 14 year old daughter uses to take pictures of her friends. And if they don't think your equipment is adequate, they won't think much of you. How would you feel if someone came to shoot your wedding ceremony with a $200 tiny video camera. Sure, you can have all the technique in the world, but you still won't think much of them, professionally. I've had clients question us shooting with DSLRs, unaware that they were actually able to take video. So just don't disregard the importance of appearance like some people have stated.

That said, I think the best and cheapest way to give a more professional appearance would be a viewfinder. Best case scenario would be to add some rails, or shoulder rig, but that might be a bit out of your budget.