All Our Photo & Video Gear
We document our lifestyle to share with the world, so naturally, we get a lot of questions about the camera gear we use.
After more than ten years of full-time travel and documentation (gulp), we’re pretty picky about our gear. But, our camera needs are directly tied to our shooting style and lifestyle. Let me explain…
Filming & Photographing Boat Life
We’re adventure travelers who live on a floating tiny house (minimalist) who sail across oceans and travel to some of the most remote places on earth. In other words, our needs are unique…but who’s aren’t?!?
We don’t consider ourselves cinematic videographers. We’re documentarians. We capture life as it happens, (guerilla-style) in the moment (not creating perfect moments).
The ongoing presence of water, sand, sun, and salt is an absolutely brutal environment. Not to mention the wind, which is a never-ending audio nightmare.
From land to sea, our camera and editing gear needs to be rugged enough to survive the adventure, yet be compact enough to fit in our backpacks.
We buy the best gear we can afford, but not necessarily always the ‘best’ gear on the market. After all, we’re not working for National Geographic (but maybe one day).
Ok, let’s dive into it.
Cameras
Sony fx3
This full-frame camera is relatively small and yet so powerful. It takes beautiful photos, videos, and the autofocus is hard to beat. Its a beast in low light and has a built in fan to keep it from overheating in the tropics! It’s our numero uno and is our best camera.
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3DJObY8
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/44VovUq
We also purchased the FX30 as a backup & second camera. I keep a long zoom on this body and the crop sensor helps extend the reach of telephoto lenses. Also the color science is the same as the FX3, which makes matching colors so much easier than a different line (i.e. a7, zv, etc).
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3QrQTsN
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/45gBPm8
DJI Mavic 3
Incredible quality, simple color grading from d-Log with the DJI LUT, and smooth gimbal movements. But most importantly plenty of speed to fight the wind and keep up with our boat while sailing or the dinghy when exploring. We always get the ‘FLY MORE’ combo because 1 battery is never enough. (We opted for the non-Cine version because we don’t need ProRes, the massive files would just clog up our workflow.)
- Buy from DJI: https://bit.ly/mavic3-wynn
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3QNWo53
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/3B93RSI
DJI Air 3
The goldilocks of drones. It boasts most of the features found on the Mavic, but weighs less, costs less and flies just as long. As always we upgrade to the fly more combo, added ND filters and the upgraded RC2 remote. We’ve just added the DJI Air to our kit and we’ll see if it ultimately replaces our Mavic.
- Buy from DJI: https://bit.ly/Air3
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3OpSBbo
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/3OIMUqx
DJI Mini 3 Pro
It packs a lot of punch in a tiny (and affordable) package. The size & weight make it easy to carry and the performance is surprisingly good. How about sailing shots…will I fly this while underway? No way! Terra firma or anchor only. Trying to land our powerful Mavic on the boat while moving at a slow 4 knots already gives me a mild panic attack. While the mini is a zippy drone, the higher the wind, the less stability and control it has. If you are looking to get shots while sailing or kiteboarding, this is not the drone for you. Go for the Mavic or Air.
- Buy from DJI: https://bit.ly/mini3-pro
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Ypxo6k
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/3OnKIn5
Sony rx100vii
Best pocket-sized point and shoot with A MIC JACK and affordable underwater housing. It produces amazing quality video/photo for its size, has a lens that zooms super far and a flip-up screen so it’s easy to snap a selfie or vlog.
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bMUaLR
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/2UT8fAz
Sony ZV Series
- ZV-E1 Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3KuV0R8
- ZV-E1 Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/45atlg6
Sony Handicam
The Sony ax43 was our first ever handi-cam! It has an impressive zoom, gimbal-like stabilization and it’s painfully easy to use: Open the screen, point and record! The video isn’t as sharp as the a7, but it’s a good tool to have in the kit. The updated ax43a is the newest version and the mi shoe makes it easy to add a shotgun mic.
LENSES
Sony 20 f1.8 G
20mm is the perfect lens for vlogging, selfies and capturing in cramped spaces. I researched off-brand lenses that are 20%-50% less expensive, I looked at zoom lenses, but none can beat the performance of this lens. Specifically corner distortion, pin cushioning, edge light fall off, and chromatic aberrations. Plus it’s lightweight so it’s easy to take on a hike.
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/44Qdtj8
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/3qlBJLa
Sony 24 f1.4 GM
A beautiful prime lens great for that added buttery bokeh, wide enough for landscapes, and a great low light lens (hello starry nights). TYI the “GM” means its Sony’s highest quality glass. This is the first fixed lens we purchased but I’m using it less because it’s not quite wide enough for run and gun filming.
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2X0LQnq
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/3dNKEtC
Sony 16-35 f2.8 GM
This lens allows us to get those wide-angle shots in small spaces (like our boat). It’s sharp all the way to the edges which set it a notch above most wide-angle zooms.
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bPmiOt
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/3dMSow4
Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II
This is the best overall lens. It’s what we have on the camera 70% of the time. The new II version focuses even faster and is slightly sharper.
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/44WxZhZ
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/3KsB7Kw
Sony FE 24-105mm f4 G OSS
Not quite as sharp as the 24-70 GM but it does have built in lens stabilizers and a little extra reach. This is the lens I use mostly for hiking or on the APS-C FX30.
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2UBA8OI
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/2hTqMNy
Filters
Video ND Filters 82mm
Coming from a photography background I kept trying to buy ND+PL filters for video. It just doesn’t seem to work! So I’ve dropped the polarizer and kept the ND which allows me to use the 180-degree rule to set my shutter speed to double my fps. When we upgraded to the fx3 I can set my shutter speed of 1/48 when filming at 24fps. PERFECT! PolarPro makes great filters but I found another brand called NiSi that I like just as much and costs (a little) less. I always purchase the 82mm size so it fits any lens, and I use step-up rings for my smaller lenses. I carry a 3-stop ND8 and a 6-stop ND64.
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/45fbc0N
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/44WyyID
ND16+PL Filter 82mm
For Landscape Photography I use an ND+PL. The ND allows me to use a lower shutter speed for capturing movement in water, you know those creamy waterfall shots. A must if you’re shooting outdoors in full sun or near water. PolarPro is expensive but the glass is sharp, don’t go budget when you buy filters it can reduce the quality of an expensive lenses like the ones recommended above.
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/39CXAiF
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/2X1B0gR
Circular Polarizer
For Action Photography I use a non-ND polarizer to cut the glare off water, glass and punch up the sky. I love the look a good polarizer gives to an image.
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3aCo70U
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/39AIme3
Step-Up Ring 67-82
I like to buy the biggest filter possible and use step-up rings. A bigger filter is better and multiple step-up rings are way more affordable than lots of filters.
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2yrShWs
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/3bBGV0m
Action Cameras
DJI Osmo Action 4
We’ve just ordered this camera for our kit. Going back to the rectangular ‘action camera’ format this camera keeps the magnetic mount that we love so much and adds a huge 1/1.3″ sensor. Better low light performance, 10-bit D Log M for enhanced color control, 160 min battery, Dual Touch Screens, Removeable Lens, it truly is the best Action Camera on the market.
- Buy from DJI: https://bit.ly/DJIAction-4
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/43XZA1c
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/3qbmvZ7
Insta360 One RS 1″ Leica
For those unique perspectives and hard to capture all in one frame shots. The “One RS” has the Leica lens and I feel it’s worth the extra expense for the quality and sharpness upgrade. Only downside it’s not as splashproof. If you want a more versatile version that’s waterproof go for the affordable Insta360 X3. For any 360 camera, I will warn you they capture a lot of footage and editing can be a beast if you don’t plan!
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3OnMJj9
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/43VO1aL
DJI Action 2
This is a great little camera, but it’s been updated with the more expensive Osmo 4 above, but the accessories make it a great starter system. We have the Dual Screen Combo which is great for self-filming or placing the camera in tiny spaces, or at the extreme front of the boat. We also have the macro lens, Mini-Tripod and underwater housing. If I could only have one action camera, this would be it. Horizon Leveling Stabilization, integrates with the DJI Mic for quality audio, and good cine-like color profile for video.
- Buy from DJI: https://bit.ly/action2-wynn
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3gnla93
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/3GziTlE
DJI Action 2 Accessories
Underwater Housing: B&H https://bhpho.to/3GBVm3K
Macro Lens: B&H https://bhpho.to/3HyrUg3 Amazon https://amzn.to/3HwGhl8
3 in 1 Mini-Tripod: B&H https://bhpho.to/3ou0UXz Amazon https://amzn.to/3rsC1xf
Audio
Sony ECM-B1M
The Absolute BEST shotgun microphone you can buy for run-and-gun filming. Seriously, it’s an amazing little mic that quickly selects between wide and narrow recording (only works if you have an mi hot shoe found on Sony cameras). If you’re using a compact Sony camera you might consider the smaller ECM-B10
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2UVihBa
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/2R4TjOC
DJI Mic
Brilliant in high winds and works perfectly for Voice Over. Connects directly to the DJI Action Camera for clear audio in extreme conditions and works with most any camera or smart phone through the mic jack, usb-c or iPhone plug. You can capture audio directly to the mic as a backup, this is especially helpful in loud situations like filming at the HH Factory.
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/49jrJ6S
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/335FwA
Zoom H6
Great for Voice Over…and if we ever start that Podcast this will be the brains of our system.
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2wYisn4
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/344xt30
Rode VidMic Pro+ (Backup Mic)
The go-to shotgun mic for most vloggers, it’s a solid choice and the “+” version turns on when you power on the camera helping to reduce the missed audio issues of the previous version of this mic.
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2wVafQK
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/3bKCTTr
Bags
WANDRD PRVKE 21 Backpack 21L
This is our newest bag and is our go-to for outdoor adventures. Rugged, water-resistant, rolltop, and comfortable.
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/342Bm8B
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/3bKtzz0
Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L
This a smart-looking, well-designed all-around backpack for photo/video, travel, as an overnight bag, or just touring around the city.
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2xK6TQp
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/2QYofA3
ONA Brixton Messenger Bag
Gender-neutral bag for when we don’t want to haul around a backpack. Fits enough camera gear for the day plus a safe spot for the iPad. Durable, water-resistant canvas and I love the double pockets in the front.
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/456WEQO
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/2wJP0RX
Accessories
ColorChecker
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/3cG1yt7
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2WdTWbs
High-Speed Card Reader
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/45hxTkO
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2WdTWbs
High Speed CF Express Type A Cards
Best for Sony a7S and FX Cameras
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/47jrure
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/43Y0drA
High Speed SD Cards
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2R469Nb
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/2UTd9gX
Micro SD Cards
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/46RRbP6
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/43Vk1Ma
Sony Z Battery (buy at least 2 extra)
For Sony a7 and FX
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2X2NHbi
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/3dOTOpR
Sony NP Battery (buy at least 2 extra)
For the RX100
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2yxmnZb
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/2X7i2Uu
On-Camera LED Video Light
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/44TPyiY
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/3OF5wHT
Peak Design Slide Lite Strap
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bN1mrl
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/2X1ChVb
Tripods & Gimbal
Manfrotto Befree Video Tripod
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3KxCrvx
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/43Vle6a
Gorillapod 3k Pro
You must buy the “PRO” version if you want it to last
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/39HezAA
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/2UB9wNC
RAM Mount Twist-Lock Suction
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2UWT3lE
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/2w5zQ96
Affordable Vlogging Camera
I’ve shot with these cameras and lenses, but I don’t own them. If you want a compact, affordable alternative to the full-frame Sony a7 series you should check out the a6 series and lenses. Gimbal sensor plus stabilized lenses make it great for vlogging. And since they are lightweight they are easier for travel.
Sony a6700
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/47hDiKF
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/3QmhuaI
Sony E 16-55mm f2.8 G
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Jz7Opy
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/347KJUr
Sony E 70-350mm f4.5-6.3 G OSS
- Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/39D454U
- Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/2wTnFws
👩🏻💻Full Office Set Up Here
🎶 MUSIC IN OUR VIDEOS
- We Use Artlist and you can get 2 Months for FREE with this link: https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW
🎨 CREATIVE ASSETS FOR VIDEO (SFX, TEMPLATES & PRESETS)
🙏 THANK YOU!
Thanks for reading, watching, commenting, and sharing! Each item is handpicked and we never recommend anything we don’t personally use or love.
The links above are affiliate links. An affiliate link simply means that if you click through and purchase (it costs you nothing extra) we get a few pennies too. If you enjoy what we do here, shopping through these links is a great way to support our work…so thank you!
Chris Whyte
Can you remind me of the royalty free music service you use and if you have a discount code. I remember it from one of your videos, but could not find it. Thanks.
Curious Minion
At the end of any recent video, scroll toward the bottom for a special link that’ll get you 2 months free! https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/end-of-boat-life
Curious Minion
Nikki Wynn
Here it is, Get 2 Months for FREE: https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW
tcvideosennistexas
if your already a ‘panasonic’ guy,,,,try the lumix fz1000 or fz2500 with built on lens, 20 mega pixel and video camera style DSLR camera,,,I love mine,,,,( you tube,,,,,,, tcvideosennistexas
S. Terry Woods
I’m trying to convince my wife that we have been given a sign to buy your boat. She ain’t goin’ for it. Our farm is called Highfield Farm, we are cheesemakers. Good fun but time to try something new.
Question – what do you use to edit your videos?
2Mbaumanns
I am also interested in what software you use for video editing. I know you reviewed it in one video but I can’t find it now. Please Please include it in Your “gear” section. Love watching your videos and seeing our next adventure. I say ‘our’ as I really feel like a virtual guest on all your adventures. 😊
Sean
Hey guys!,
Just wanted to thank y’all for this post. I wanted to get a little more serious with my photography and appreciate you taking the time to make up this list. While I didn’t end up with the cameras on the list (I did say a “little” more serious) I did go with the Polar Pro filters and a step up ring as what you said made a lot of sense. Probably saved me a few hundred cruising chips as I may not have thought of that. So thanks!
Sean
s/v Dutchess
Don Calhoon
Do you have any preference for a dash cam?
Melina Groso
hey !! I am looking for a camera to start out and I’ve looked at your website and went to check out those cameras at the store and there’s so many options I’m just struggling to choose so I thought maybe I’d shoot y’all a message and see what y’all think. So I’m trying to decide between the “Sony alpha a7 II full-frame mirrorless video camera with the 28-70mm lens” and then the “ Sony alpha ZV -E10 APS interchangeable lens mirrorless blog camera kit with lens” and I would add with that one a “Sony 55-210mm lens” i went in the store and the guy was showing me all this I was omg so many options he was saying it just depends what you want. so what do you guys think?
Thank you !!
Nikki Wynn
That really is the issue, it’s all about what YOU want and how YOU plan to use it. What matters most to you? Quality? Ease? Portability? Is video or photo your priority? There are so many options because there are so many different types of creators out there looking to capture the world. Figure out what you want to do with the camera first. Then go find the one that best suits that goal.
tcvideosennistexas
well,,,as someone who likes videos and making them,,,,not to mention ‘simplicity’ ,,,I like the panasonic Lumix line, with the lense ATTACHED,,,,the lumix FZ1000 or the FZ2500 have 20 megapixel processors with 16 and 20 zoom video camera style with great smooth zooms ,,,,the FZ1000 is already out of production but the FZ2500 is around 900 bucks new,,,,great video and great still shots,,,go to you tube and search videos for them !
Luke Thomas
What kind of watch does Jason wear?
Curious Minion
It’s a Garmin Quatix. https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/quatix-5-marine-watch Don’t forget that shopping through the links provided won’t cost you anything extra but it will throw a few pennies into the sailing kitty! So when you’re ready to buy, click through from this link and thanks for the support!
Curious Minion
Stephen Delzer
We have been watching you for a while now and love watching your blogs. We are also nomadic and travel all over the US. Question about your gadgets and gear. Looked through your page and didn’t see the Tablet holder that you had in the Road Trip Story part 3. If you wouldn’t mind sharing a link it would be appreciated.
Marty Hawke
I have followed you for years. If you are near Hawke’s Bay and find a sign for same, would you take a photo for me? Sailing New Zealand is still on my bucket list. Thank you, Marty Hawke.
Melody
Would love the “office update” on your computer set up your use for editing photos and videos! Saw Niki’s new Asus computer on insta a few months ago. Interested in how it is a great unit for photo editing.
Patrice
Hi,
You guys have any experience with DJI POCKET 2?
Great adventures, thanks for sharing all the Info about the tech stuff.
Thank you!
Scott Slotterbeck
Just came upon your channel. I’m a production sound mixer and wanted to comment on the good sound quality of the videos I’ve watched. The Zoom H6 is a solid choice I carry for a back up, it’s a good little recorder, rugged, good sound quality and has never failed me. Your microphones are good ones as well. I have a dozen mics and have a couple of Sonys around somewhere. The sound quality is good for the price.
Your videos are well made and edited. That can be time consuming and frustrating!
Robert Huff
Your story-telling and production skills are awesome. But how did you upload gigabyte-size videos when traversing the Pacific? Thank you.
Curious Minion
Great question! The answer is: they didn’t. At the time their videos were running anywhere from 2-6 weeks behind real life, so in addition to prepping the boat for the crossing they worked non-stop to get a few videos “in the can” and scheduled for posting. Uploads were complete before they set sail. Their trusty assistant, Curious Minion, made sure everything ran smoothly and uploaded on time, and could communicate with them in text-only e-mails to ask questions and keep them posted on feedback and such. From your perspective it was pure magic! ;o)
Curious Minion
Behind-the-Scenes Magic Maker
Rene van Dockum
I would love to know what brand the laptop is that is so beautiful white?
Rene
Telicia
Out of interest which camera would you recommend to start with for videoing? I want to change from my GH5 because the autofocus is driving me crazy and your videos always look fantastic.
Scott Slotterbeck
Sony or Canon have great auto focus, which is vital for video and vlogging.
Bill
Do you have a NAS onboard, if so, what brand/model/configuration? If not do you just use a bunch of USB/SSD stand alone drives to backup all your videos?
Glenn Adams
Just wondering what video editing software you are using
Curious Minion
They edit with Adobe Premier Pro, but if you’re a beginner you’ll want to start with something a little easier to use. Jason usually recommends the basic video editing program that’s offered by MicroSoft or Apple (depending of course on who makes your computer).
Curious Minion
Jeni
A few episodes ago Jason did an advert for something he really liked for videos. It was a program for music and lots of other cool stuff. I’ve looked through some episodes but can’t seem to find it. Could you please point me in the right direction?
Nikki Wynn
For sure! You are most likely thinking of the site we use for our SFX, Templates & Presets: bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW
If that isn’t it, let me know and we’ll try again.
Kevin H
We have two Sony Alpha 6000 camera’s and love them. Small and powerful and mirrorless. How do you like your DJI drone?
Martin
I like your videos and the quality as well. Which picture profile are you guys using on your sony camera?
Nikki Wynn
Thank you Martin! We use the PP10 which is the HLG setting. Not the best if you are new to color corrections but great if you want a better dynamic range. Our friend Gerald Undone on Youtube has a great series on HLG (and a huge library of other things too).
Martin
Nikki, Do you use the standard PP10 with no modification? Do you prefer color mode 709 or BT.2020? How do you expose for HLG2? I have been following you guys for a while now (as well as Sailing La Vagabonde). I am familiar with Gerald Undone channel. Keep up the good work and keep posting new videos.
Ron Parr
What video editing software do y’all use?
I have been using Pinnacle Studio 22/23, but it freezes up occasionally and gets this weird Gray Circle thing sometimes too. Anyway, we came by your channel from S1K a couple years ago as we are aviation YouTubers as well. No where near Steveo1Kinevo’s or yalls quality, but learning….
Thanks…
Ron & Janis Parr
AKA: Parr 4 the Course
Ps
LOVED the dog hanging out during you’re recent video on monthly costs!!!
Curious Minion
They primarily use Adobe Premier Pro.
Curious Minion
Janet
I’m looking to get a new computer and am wondering what you have in order to put together your videos, etc. We are sailing too but haven’t been doing much with the videoing, etc. but want to get with the program. Lol
Curious Minion
Hey Janet. Jason has what is basically a PC designed for gaming. That would get you upgraded graphics processing, more memory, & a few other goodies that result in the PC being able to handle huge graphics files. If you look at specs for gaming PCs that should get you started.
Best!
Curious Minion
Ian B
This is funny… I have been watching your videos and reading your website for years. Just last week I was hoping you would update your camera gear blog or vlog with the latest info. Thanks for this!
Bob S
Wow!
How much does all that stuff weigh and what percentage of it do use on a walkabout shoot? I bet most of it remains on Curiosity unless needed.
nikki wynn
It doesn’t take up as much space and weight as you think. So much of it is tiny bits. It all fits in the three bags mentioned above.