My Gear
The gear I’ve been carrying to capture my videos and photos throughout the years has been an ongoing evolution. Check back periodically for updates, and if any major changes are made, I’ll send out a newsletter.
Digital Photography
Sony A7RV - my primary digital photo camera for several reasons. I’ve listed a few below, but much of this list is secondary to the simple reason of being pleased with the images produced by this camera.
High resolution allows for cropping without loss of detail
A plethora of customizable buttons, nobs, and wheels
Incredibly fast and accurate auto-focus for lifestyle or animal photography
Flippy-tilty back screen and high res viewfinder for accurate focus at different angles
Colors are well represented and RAW files are easily edited
Reliable weather sealing for outdoor photography in any condition
Ergonomic for handheld shooting and lightweight for hiking and travel
I have 3 primary lenses for the Sony E-mount system. The Sony 24-70 f/2.8 GM II is my most used lens. It is incredibly sharp and versatile. I also invested in a Sony 100-400 f4.5-5.6 GM since long lens photography is one of my favorite styles for landscapes, and with the 400mm reach, I can even photograph some wildlife. The Sony PZ 16-35 f/4 G lens is a small and lightweight lens that I only use occasionally if I really need that ultra-wide look.
Fujifilm X100F - I purchased a used one because new X100 series cameras are near impossible to get ahold of. This is my “EDC” camera. It goes with me almost everywhere because it is light and produces high quality photos for its size and age.
Analog Photography
My journey into analog photography began in 2022 when I made the new years resolution to spend the entire year shooting primarily film. Today, I would say I am a 50% digital 50% film photographer. If I had unlimited funds and unlimited time, I would continue shooting primarily film, but because I run a YouTube channel and have an unreliable income, I need a faster turnaround and a cheaper approach when creating tutorial-style content. These are the four primary cameras I use for film photography:
Polaroid I-2
Minolta CLE (35mm Format) with a Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4
Mamiya RZ 67 Pro II (Medium Format) with a 250mm f/4.5 and a 75mm SB f/4.5 with a shift/tilt adapter
Chamonix 45F-2 view camera (Large Format) with a Fujinon 180mm f/5.6
Along with those 4 that are used more often, I also have a collection of other film cameras like a Canon AE-1 Program, Minolta SRT 202, and a Pentax 6x7. Accessories include cable shutter release, dark cloth, Da-Yi 6x12 adapter, etc. But one of the most valuable pieces of kit I have in my Analog Photography arsenal is my Pentax Digital Spotmeter (the one Nick Carver uses). This lightmeter is integral to my manual metering approach. I like it so much better than any app or chart that I’ve tested.
YouTube Video Kit
It’s certainly not a prerequisite for a photographer to have a YouTube channel, but it’s been really helpful in getting my photos in front of people who would never have known I even existed. It’s also given me opportunity to receive criticism and helpful advice to improve my approach.
Fujifilm X-H2S - the heart of my video kit, this camera should be everything I need to create my YouTube content except it’s only rated to temperatures of up to 72ºF (23ºC), and I live in a northern desert where it regularly hits 90-100ºF all summer long…
This is why I’ve added a DJI Osmo Pocket 3 to my video creation kit. This camera, along with a couple GoPro Hero 11s, will capture the bulk of my video when the Fuji X-H2S needs a break. The video footage out of the DJI Osmo is so good that it is becoming a regular piece of my YouTube kit all year-round.
In conjunction with the Fuji X series camera, I use a Fuji XF 10-24 f/4 lens. It’s wide enough for that handheld “vlog look” but can zoom tight enough for b-roll or tripod shots. And f/4 is plenty for outdoor videography. I’ve also added the Fujifilm Fan-001 to help with the overheating issue.
My iPhone 15 Pro Max, which can shoot 4K Log files, is excellent for extra handheld footage. It captures surprisingly high quality video, especially for a phone, and allows me to get extra b-roll without having to carry another dedicated camera.
For audio during my filming on location, I have been using two different systems.
On-camera with the Rode VideoMic GO II
DJI Wireless Microphone System (version 1)
For voice-over audio once I’m at home editing, I use an inexpensive Fifine USB Microphone with an adjustable boom arm.
Photo/Video Accessories
No kit discussion is complete without the accessories that go along with our primary gear!
Accessories for video, besides extra batteries and cards, are Variable ND Filters for shooting in bright settings with a shallow aperture. I use Freewell filters for my Fuji 10-24 and my DJI Osmo. They have pretty good color representation and are high quality glass.
Here’s a bulleted list of all the photography accessories visible in the flatlay above:
Shimoda Action X50 (older version)
Bellroy Venture Sling 10L
Kase Magnetic Filter Kit
Peak Design Slide Lite Neck Strap and Capture Clip V3
Post Production/Data Management
As a video creator and photo editor, I need to consider the post production of my creative process. For that, I use a MacBook Pro 2019 Ed. and the Adobe Creative Suite.
Don’t forget SD Cards, CFExpress B Cards, card readers, hard drives, solid state drives, extra monitors… so much stuff…
I also recommend a good pair of blue light filtering glasses for comfortable workflow and a standing desk for posture and overall health. I use Felix Gray Non-Prescription Glasses and an actual workbench.
To help me keep track of projects and take notes in the field of ideas, I also want to include a notepad and pen on this gear list.
Outdoor Gear
Having quality outdoor hiking, backpacking, camping gear is essential to keeping you functioning while out exploring the backcountry for photography. In my area, we have some of the most remote wilderness to explore in the Continental US as well as some - if not all - the major predators and dangerous critters to contend with. As such, my kit has to be capable of not just supporting my photography adventures but also keeping me alive should a survival situation strike unexpectedly.
Some of my regularly used kit in no particular order:
Haven XL Tent
REI Quarter Dome Tent
Nemo Air Mattress
Zenbivy Sleep System
Tilley Hat
Grayl Titanium Bottle
Hydroflask Insulated Bottle
Titanium Chopsticks
Toaks Spoon
Leatherman Rebar
Outdoor Vitals Jacket
North Face Waterproof Jacket
Grip6 Socks
Anker Battery Bank
Koho Cooler
Ecoflow Delta Max
Garmin InReach
Olight Headlamp
AeroPress Coffee