Whether you are interested in specific gear we used in one of our YouTube videos, are looking for beginner content creator gear, or are just simply curious, you have come to the right place! Here is every piece of content creation photography and videography gear we have in our collection as part time content creators.
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David’s Camera
David is a huge Nikon fan and he uses a Nikon Z6 for all of his photography. This camera was actually in David’s possession prior to us starting to create content, so note if you are a beginner a camera of this caliber is probably going to come further down the road, and only if you are serious about photography. It’s so easy to create quality content on your iPhone or a vlogging or action camera, that we definitely recommend waiting to purchase a professional grade camera.
For our travel photography, David prefers to use a 24-70mm lens as it is extremely adaptable and also gives that “influencer style” look in 24mm. He started shooting with a f/2.8 lens that required an FTZ Adapter to connect to his camera, but recently he upgraded to a new f/2.6 lens that fits his camera body without adaptation after the connection started failing on the old one. Additionally, he also has a 50mm f/1.8 lens that doesn’t get used as often.
For accessories, we can’t live without a wireless shutter release that is compatible with the Nikon Z6. This shutter clicker is what allows us to get all of my flying dress photos as well as our couples photos. A tripod is also a must, and we prefer a Mansfrotto brand tripod because they are high quality and hold up well. Additionally, a camera strap is a must have and we recently purchased a pack of lens filters for David’s camera as well.
Stella’s Camera
After starting to vlog with just my iPhone, I eventually decide to invest in a professional vlogging camera. Being a part of a Nikon family, I decided to go with the Nikon Z30 vlogging camera, which features a screen that flips backwards so you can see yourself while filming. I not only use this for videos, but I also take a lot of photos with this camera as well.
The most important part of my camera is the Creator’s Kit. This includes a microphone with windshield, mini tripod, and wireless remote. In my opinion if you buy a vlogging camera, then you must buy these accessories with it to use it to its full potential. I also have the same camera strap that David does.
A camera gimble is essential if you want smooth shots. We made the mistake of attempting to film vlog footage and room tours by hand, and the footage was barely salvageable! Now I will note this gimble is bulky and takes up a lot of space in our luggage, and it also can be a pain to put on the camera. For that reason, we don’t use this particular set up too often and have been reverting back to using a phone and phone gimble.
iPhones
You would be surprised at how often we shoot and film content on our iPhones! We’ve used everything from the regular iPhone 11 to the 12 Pro Max and the 14 Pro Max. Honestly I can’t even tell the difference in video footage on our YouTube channel between when we filmed with our phones versus my vlogging camera. Plus it’s easier to pop a phone in a gimble or to take steady freehand shots, plus most beginning content creator already have a phone they can readily use.
We now had two phone gimbals. The one we started with one from Amazon that is basic but does the job and was a good price. However, we recently upgraded to a DJI Osmo Pocket 6 gimbal and are obsessed. For just a bit more, it has an auto-tracking feature that will move the camera to follow it’s subject when shooting video. This is a game changer for solo creators or couples creators.
We also recently purchased a microphone for our iPhones but I managed to break it on our first trip with it.
Go Pro
Although its now considered and older model, we have the GoPro Hero 8 action camera and love it. Honestly I am not sure it would have been worth the money the newer models cost, because this one works amazing. We take our Go Pro in the ocean, snorkeling, etc and we have even attached it to our vehicles to do drive arounds. If you are looking to take those iconic half-in, half-out underwater shots, then you will need to get a GoPro Dome to get that effect. Otherwise, your Go Pro can go straight in the water up to a certain depth.
Insta360
Recently we started renting an Insta360 camera to take on some of our larger trips. This camera films in 360degrees which can allow you to do 3D tours and walkthroughs of a location. Apparently you can even post 360degree videos on YouTube! Mostly we wanted to experiment and see if the camera would be worth the investment to purchase. So far we haven’t done too much with our Insta360 footage but we will be playing around more with it soon.
Drone
We have one of the smaller, more lightweight drones, the DJI Mini SE. This is a fantastic drone that takes up very little space and meets the weight restrictions on drones that many countries have. We will probably be sticking with this drone for a long time to come as the footage is excellent and upgrading to a heavier drone can be problematic to use in other countries.
Ring Light
A ring light is essential to get good lighting for filming vlogs, TikToks, etc. We not only have a large ring light we use at home but also a foldable travel ring light to take on trips with us. Our foldable travel light eventually broke sadly and I haven’t replaced it, but it was so convienient for quick selfies and couples photos with our phones.
More info coming soon on:
- Camera lens filters
- Camera flashes
- Backpacks & luggage
Stay tuned! 🙂