You want to start creating a Travel Vlog but aren’t sure what gear to use. We’ll review all our gear and why it’s important, to us at least. Be warned, having the right equipment for travel videos seems to be one-part advice, a large-part practice and an even bigger-part luck.
Here’s a modern phrase rarely said, but traveling is easy. At least when compared to traveling with a YouTube video in mind. We’ve found vlogging can be taxing, adding layers of complexities from packing to managing the logistics of visually capturing a trip. Don’t take this as a complaint, we’re very lucky to be able to share our travel adventures and even luckier viewers take the time to watch them.
But the additional vlogging challenges are important to consider when discussing equipment. Quite frankly, any travel video needs should be balanced against the ultimate goal of your vacation. Some may spend traveling time specifically to create moments for a travel video. We’re of the mindset to enjoy our travel time, capturing what we can, when we can.
Divide and capture!
There are many reasons we’re a perfectly matched couple, in the area of traveling our passions complement each other. Wendy has an amazing eye for still photography and Laurence enjoys the energy of video. Outside the first few years of traveling, we always had both types of cameras at hand and consequently enjoy well-documented vacations. Between Wendy’s perfect photographs to the hours of video captured by Laurence, our Dropbox is full of incredible memories.
Aside from working well for memories, the division of passion influences the equipment used. Decisions around each medium always lies with the person with the passion. Wendy enjoys the final say in which camera she uses for photography and Laurence for videography.
Then and now
In the past, we never traveled with the purpose of making YouTube videos, or Travel Vlogging as it’s called by the cool kids. The first time a YouTube channel was discussed came after a trip to Peru. Although the trip wasn’t taken or shot with a travel vlog in mind, the amazing scenes and breathtaking beauty gave us the push to jump into the crazy world of YouTube.
What captured all those incredible images? Two iPhone 12’s and a Nikon D3500, also known as a Costco special! Aside from keeping the iPhones charged and uploading the large video files to a Dropbox account, it was a low maintenance and stealthy set up. So why change?
Smartphone or Camera?
An honest conversation with anyone in the camera industry will quickly uncover concerns of just how well smartphones take pictures and video. Modern smartphones capture images with such clarity, casual viewers feel they enjoy the same quality as with broadcast television and in some cases, blockbuster movies. Only when watched at high resolutions or during the editing process are the differences seen in smartphone videos.
Cameras excel at picture quality, noticeably so when images are magnified during any type of editing. Smartphone images on the other hand, lose quality pretty quickly in these instances. Sure, camera enthusiasts will talk about aesthetic flourishes such as the bokeh effect that blurs backgrounds and other artistic looks achieved with interchangeable lenses. But the foundational quality of images captured at any distance or in low light using a quality camera is far beyond those captured on any smartphone.
Our smartphone’s limitations were frustratingly apparent while traveling in Peru and even more so during the video editing process after returning home. These were the drivers behind upgrading our travel vlog equipment!
Let’s go straight to number one
Once the decision was made to upgrade, the goal was to grow into the new travel vlog equipment and avoid the need and cost of continuously upgrading. Basically, buy cameras we’d still be using five or maybe ten years later.
This isn’t a new philosophy, the same approach was taken with Laurence’s previous video camera, a Sony HDR-CX580. It was one of the more expensive video cameras at the time and lasted for years. The trusty Sony was only left behind during the Peru trip because it couldn’t record in 4K resolution, something we really wanted to do.
So, what does future-proofing travel vlog equipment look like? First, our iPhones were upgraded to the 15 Pro Max which offered much better image quality, ‘real’ optical zoom, and records so much better in low light. It even has a codec, or the way the image is saved, that captures a wider range of colors which can be graded or adjusted during editing with even better results.
Wendy’s gear
Wendy really enjoyed the convenience of her iPhone 12 Pro and used a telephoto lens on her Nikon D3500 for longer shots. But she also wanted the flexibility and quality a better camera and lenses could give. Working with experts at a local camera shop Wendy was shown a Sony Alpha 7C that fit into her budget.
Since buying the camera Wendy has built up the following kit:
- Sony Alpha 7C
- SEL2860 E-Mount lens (FE 4.5-5.6/28-60)
- Tamron F5/6.7 150-500mm
Laurence’s gear
Laurence’s primary needs were high quality video, a ‘run and gun’ ability as well as the opportunity to capture footage in low-light levels. Working with the same local camera shop, Laurence enjoys the following kit:
- Sony FX3
- Sigma 28-45 1.8F DG DN
- Sony FE 4/24-105 G OSS
Additional equipment
Between camera bags, batteries, chargers and cables to manage the two cameras one would think that would be enough, but no, there’s more:
- Sony ECM-M1 Camera Microphone
- GoPro Hero 12 Black
- Ulanzi F38 Quick Release Travel Tripod
- Ulanzi MT-08 Extension Pole Tripod
- DJI Pocket 3
- DJI Mic 1
- DJI Mic Mini
- DJI Mini 2 drone
There are a variety of quick release systems for both the cameras and GoPro.
Good sound, great videos
One of the most important ingredients of a travel video is the quality of sound being recorded. Whether a clear voice describing a beautiful waterfall, or capturing the roaring water of the fall itself, sound makes a big difference to the viewer. Many ‘expert vloggers‘ agree good sound delivers a better viewing experience than top of the line 4k footage.
We initially improved the sound of our travel videos with the DJI Mic 1 system. It was purchased after experiencing sound issues during our Big Adventure and specifically, our time in Dubai. Based on how our travel adventures are managed, and as advanced as the DJI Mic 1 is, it quickly became apparent the system came with its own challenges.
Not all DJI Microphone systems are equal
The DJI Mic 1 system consists of two clip-on microphones/transmitters and a receiver. The receiver is usually connected to a camera to capture the incoming audio. All the incredible options for the wireless system are controlled through a small touch screen on the receiver. Unfortunately, it’s easy to accidentally touch this small screen while mounting the receiver on a camera and unintentionally change the system’s settings. Of course, this usually happened at the start of an incredibly exciting adventure, essentially bringing everything to a halt as the options were checked and if need be, corrected before heading out. Pretty frustrating.
Also, the clip-on microphone’s weight pulls on light t-shirts, affecting your appearance as well as the sound quality through annoy rustling noises or even muffled audio. An initial fix was to use lavalier microphones, but they add even more initial preparation as well as a setup others take notice of, neither of which suited our style of enjoying the travel first and capturing everything in the moment second.
On paper, the DJI Mic Mini seems to overcome all of this, but at the time of writing has yet to be fully tested, so we’ll let you know by updating this article. But to be clear, there’s no doubt the DJI Mic 1 is an incredible system. To prove this point, we haven’t sold it, instead use the DJI Mic 1 for prepared shots such as relaxed, longer conversations while talking to the camera.
Do you need any of this gear?
A simple answer to this question is, no!
Quite truthfully, both Wendy and Laurence started with little technical knowledge around photography and videography, leading to a steep learning curve in order to use the equipment effectively. This involves research and tutorials, then spending time applying that knowledge while wandering local parks and cute, nearby towns. Rinse and repeat. Quite a bit of rinse and repeat actually.
We would be lying to say at the time of writing we’re completely confident in using these cameras to their fullest potential. Fortunately, both cameras feature ‘easy buttons’ allowing us to use the cameras while learning. A great example of letting the camera do much of the work can be seen in our night shots in our Discovering Dubai’s Hidden Gems on our BIG Travel Adventure video both for photos and video. These same night shots also demonstrate the radical difference in image quality between the Sony FX3 and the iPhone, or even the GoPro 11 Black for that matter!
Many incredible travel vlogs are created with just smartphones and actions cameras, allowing the creators to pack and travel light. The decision around equipment may come down to a desired look for the travel video but more importantly, what do you want from your vacation or travel adventure? What should it feel and look like outside the efforts of capturing images and video for a YouTube projects?
And that my friend, is a question only you can answer.
