When it comes to creating content, you don’t need a million different gadgets to get good crispy videos, especially when you’re just starting out. You may even be surprised at how little equipment my partner & I use to shoot our travel content. Our rule is to keep it simple so that we can enjoy the vacation and capture moments quickly.
My boyfriend is a professional photographer and I’m a video producer/journalist so our travel content is simply an extension of what we already love to do on a professional level. While we know how to operate higher-end cameras, we’ve kept our travel camera bag to only five budget-friendly items. Here’s what’s in my camera bag:
1. Video Camera: iPhone 13 pro with a ton of storage
The camera on the iPhone 13 pro is incredible. I like using it as my main camera because I can pull it out quickly during unexpected moments and still get stunning imagery. Also, you’ll always have your phone on you. This was the only camera used for my Costa Rica IG stories, and many people thought I was using a DSLR camera.
2. Drone: DJI Mini 2
This isn’t essential but totally worth the splurge. I feel like this drone alone has made my travel content look 1000x better. We added a drone to our kit during our southwest road trip since we knew we’d be in some incredible locations. I recommend getting the fly more pack (extra batteries) because it takes forever for the batteries to charge. Also, make sure to get insurance!
3. Camera: Fujifilm xt20 with a 16-50mm lens
The majority of the breathtaking photos of me are all thanks to the artistic eye of my boyfriend. This is the camera he shoots on & we have no complaints
4. Underwater Camera: iPhone 13 w/Cali Case
This case is so underrated. For only $30, you can get dope underwater shots. The case also floats, so no need to be worried about losing your phone in the water
5. Tripod
I highly recommend getting a tripod for solo traveling or for those photos you want to take with your boo. The worst feeling is getting a stranger to take your pictures just for them to be terrible. Honestly, for the average user, any $20 tripod from amazon works.
EXTRAS
1. Video Editing: Adobe Premiere Pro
There are a ton of editing apps now so you can directly edit on your phone. But for me, it’s a lot quicker to edit in Adobe premiere pro.
2. Nice Apps to Have: Dazz Cam & VSCO
You’ve probably heard of VSCO before. I use this to do quick photo edits. I paid for the pro subscription because it lets me quickly color-grade videos and pictures.
I recently used Dazz Cam to add a film camera feel to some photos & videos. It’s not something I use often but if the story calls for film, it’s a great app the use.
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