A question we get asked all the time...
"Whats in your camera bag?"
As some of you know, Walker and I, took our first trip to Asia in 2017. It was this trip that made us realize we love traveling and making content that we could look back on for years to come. Of course, during this trip our skills were lacking, but you have to start somewhere! We did the best we could at the time, with little to no experience. It's an amazing process to see how far we've come and how much our skills have grown.
Anyways, the vlogging world was really just starting then. At the time, there wasn't as much info out there like there is now. We started with the typical gear: A GoPro 8, A Canon g7x and a Phantom drone (who remembers those giants?) My, how the times have changed!
Fast forward to 2022, our backpack has become our second home. It's important for us to not only have good equipment that lasts, but a backpack that wont fall apart, keeps our gear safe and can withstand all the weight. 30 lbs of weight to be exact. And because we both create content for different things, we have quite a bit of equipment for different jobs. All the links to these products are listed in gold.
Cameras:
We use the full-frame mirrorless Sony A7IV for pretty much everything we do. Some of the key features of the A7IV include a full-frame sensor with a resolution of 33 megapixels, a fast autofocus system, 5-axis in-body image stabilization, and 4K 60fps video recording capabilities.
We use it to vlog, make cinematic videos, take photos, its our main workhorse. We love this camera so much! It produces the most beautiful photos and has amazing video quality. We'll be using this camera for a long long time.
We also have a mid-range mirrorless Sony A6400. Its a smaller, more light weight camera great for beginners and is well suited for travel and everyday photography. Some of the key features of the A6400 include a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, a fast and accurate autofocus system, 4K video recording capabilities, and a flip-up touchscreen LCD. The A6400 is a good choice for photographers who want a compact and versatile camera that can deliver high-quality images and video.
Lenses:
We have a ton of lenses, so bare with us as we list and generally explain what they're used for. Starting strong with our favorite lens, The Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM. Some of the key features of the 35mm f/1.4 GM include a fast aperture of f/1.4, which allows for low light shooting and shallow depth of field effects, as well as a number of advanced optical elements, including ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and aspherical elements, which help to reduce distortion and produce sharp and detailed images.
Our everyday wide angle lens that we love is the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8. It has good low light performance and shallow depth of field. The lens is great for vlogging, and whenever you need a nice wide angle like at a waterfall. It has a more compact and light weight body, making it easy to keep in our bag at all times.
Next on our list is the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8. It has all the same specs as the 17-2, but is a zoom lens. Most of our professional work, like weddings and commercial work has been done using this lens. It's so versatile and the reason why we can't live without it!
Up next, we have the Sony 85mm f/1.8. We use this lens primarily for portraits and videos where the subject may be in motion. It has a great auto focus feature and amazing background blur.
The Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 is a telephoto zoom lens that we use for isolated subject like animals or landscape shots.
Lastly, we have the Sigma 30mm f/1.4. This is the only one we have for the Sony A6400 and think its the best overall lens for this camera. Because this camera has a cropped sensor, it comes out to be more of a 45mm lens. It has amazing autofocus and is great for shooting product, portrait or reportage photography.
Drone:
This powerful device has revolutionized our aerial videography with its exceptional features. We're in awe of its 10-bit HLG video recording capability, allowing us to capture breathtaking footage with stunning color and dynamic range. The 5K resolution is a game-changer, providing us with versatility for our YouTube content. We can easily crop and adapt shots for vertical formats without sacrificing quality.
Since its release, the DJI Mavic Air 2s has remained our go-to drone, consistently delivering impressive performance. Its durability and reliability have stood the test of time, making it an indispensable tool in our creative endeavors. From epic landscapes to immersive storytelling, this drone has elevated our content to new heights.
Action Camera:
This compact powerhouse has become an essential tool in our content creation arsenal. One standout feature we can't stop raving about is its incredible stabilization technology. No matter the adventure or fast-paced action, the Hero 10 delivers buttery-smooth footage, ensuring every moment is captured with astonishing clarity.
Size matters, and the Hero 10's compact design makes it incredibly convenient to carry and use. Whether we're chasing spontaneous candid moments or diving into thrilling action, this lightweight camera is always at our side, ready to capture the excitement.
One area where the GoPro Hero 10 truly shines is underwater. With its 4K resolution at 120fps, we're able to capture mesmerizing footage beneath the surface, bringing the underwater world to life with stunning detail and vibrant colors.
But the Hero 10 doesn't stop at capturing epic adventures. We also love using it for vlogging, especially with the Media Mod mic. The combination of high-quality video and crystal-clear audio elevates our vlogs to the next level, ensuring our storytelling is immersive and engaging.
Whether you're a thrill-seeker, a travel enthusiast, or a content creator looking for versatility, the GoPro Hero 10 is a game-changer. Its exceptional stabilization, compact size, underwater capabilities, and vlogging-friendly features make it the perfect companion for capturing unforgettable moments.
Backpacks:
Introducing our go-to day bag for protecting our gear: the trusty dry bag. While it may not win any beauty contests, it excels in functionality and keeping our camera equipment secure, and SAFE.
One of the standout features of this dry bag is its convenient water bottle holders, allowing us to stay hydrated on our adventures without compromising gear storage. It's the perfect blend of practicality and protection. When it comes to organizing our gear, we've developed a clever system. At the bottom of the bag, we place the dedicated drone bag that came with our drone, ensuring it remains well-padded and protected. On top of that, we utilize a small shopping bag to house our lenses and camera, keeping them easily accessible while maintaining their safety.
The real star of the show, however, is the dry bag's 100% waterproof design. Unlike camera bags that claim to be water-resistant, this bag provides unbeatable protection against the elements. Even in heavy rain, we can confidently carry our gear without worrying about water seeping through.
Our other camera bag is big enough to hold all of our gear, has all the proper organization and has a waterproof cover. We typically only use for professional shoots because it fits all of our gear and has better organization.
Accessories:
The purpose of a polarizer is to get rid of glare. It helps especially when shooting around water, helps diffuse really bright light and makes colors more rich. We use it on a lot of our photos especially if there is water or bright sunlight in the scene.
We only use the Sony batteries for our Sony Camera's. We don't want to risk causing problems with our expensive gear by cheaping out on batteries.
When it comes to reliable and high-performance memory cards, our go-to choice is the Samsung PRO Plus. These memory cards have been our trusted companions for the past four years, and they have never let us down.
One standout feature of the Samsung PRO Plus is its compatibility with a wide range of devices. We've used these memory cards across multiple cameras, drones, and other devices, and they have seamlessly worked with all of them. It's a relief to know that we can rely on these cards regardless of the device we're using.
Not only are the Samsung PRO Plus memory cards versatile, but they also offer impressive speed and reliability. With fast read and write speeds, we can quickly transfer files and capture high-quality footage without any buffering or lag. These cards have handled our demanding shooting needs with ease, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted recording.
What truly sets the Samsung PRO Plus apart is its exceptional value for the price. These memory cards provide a generous 256GB of storage capacity, giving us ample space to store our photos, videos, and other media files. The best part is that despite their affordability, we have never experienced a card failure. We can confidently rely on these cards to safeguard our precious memories.
This we just recently added to our bag. We have the Fuji Film Instax Mini 11. It is so cute, small and portable. We like to bring it with us for fun, especially if were going to be hanging out with out friends.
It's important to choose the gear that will help you get the most out of your camera and meet your photography needs. Whether you're a professional or passion photographer, having the right gear can make all the difference in your photos. Take the time to carefully consider what goes into your camera bag, and you'll be well-equipped to tackle any photographic challenge that comes your way!