This list is our tried and true gear after filming and photographing various settings and events for 7 years! From travel to weddings, this is our essential gear thats almost always in my camera bag (and Chris’) and we always know we can count on how well this performs. Disclaimer: We definitely didn’t acquire all of this gear overnight! Challenge yourself to create and film with less. Camera gear is NOT cheap. Be super selective on items that can serve multiple scenarios and keep it minimal. The less you bring, the less you have to worry about getting damaged while lugging your life around too! I learned this lesson while vlogging on tour too (3-4 cities a week!)
Okay! Lets get into it:
What we personally use & why:
cameras
iPhone (the camera we all always have with us! hone in on your photography & videography 101 skills – such as lighting, movement, composition – and the latest iPhone could easily pass for a high end camera)
SONY A7iii (highly recommended for your 1st full-frame camera if you’re wanting to jump up into full frame! Bundle with the full frame kit 28-70 kit lens and save too!)
SONY a6000 (my first mirrorless camera and now my go-to 3rd camera or vlogging camera! VERY AFFORDABLE and you can bundle with the kit lens for under $600)
SONY a6500 (a step up from the a6000 and has great slow motion capabilities such as 120fps. The a6000 only shoots 60fps but that’s still perfectly fine for slow motion)
GoPro Hero (on the go underwater or action camera!)
lenses
SONY 24-70mm f/2.8 GM (favorite all around lens for travel, weddings, and even portraits using natural light! If I had just one lens with my a7iii, it’d be this!)
SONY 35mm f/1.8 (my favorite portrait lens for my a6000!)
SONY 18-105mm f/4 (awesome multipurpose lens for the a6500!)
Rokinon 12mm f/2 (our go-to lens for landscapes and travel!
essential accessories
DJI Mavic 2 Pro (DJI loyal for drones! we used to have the Phantom 4 pro, but this image quality is just as good but travel friendly)
Joby GorillaPod (portable & magnetic tripod. used for vlogging and on the go! it holds my heavier a7iii too!)
SD Cards (fast writing and reliable)
MacBook Pro (the 16GB RAM configuration. The minimum for quicker video editing and this one is perfect!)
External Hard Drives (not as reliable as a solid state, but if you treat it well you get more storage for the money)
PolarPro Drone Filters (A MUST for bright landscapes, especially here in Florida)
bags
Kattee Camera Backpack (for everyday & travel)
Jototes Leather Camera Satchel (for weddings and dressier events)
Black Leather Fanny Pack (perfect to hold my phone, extra batteries and SD cards when filming weddings. one like it at Target )
Thats pretty much it! Remember a good videography can make amazing videos with even a bad camera and some quality storytelling, but it doesn’t hurt to level up with high quality equipment! We’ve built up this gear over the years so try not to be overwhelmed.
