nikki and jason wynn with travel camera setup

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All Our Photo & Video Gear

By Nikki Wynn

May 9, 2020

4.99k

39 Comments

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 a7iii

This full-frame camera is relatively small and yet so powerful. It takes beautiful photos, videos, and the autofocus is hard to beat. It’s our numero uno and is our best camera.

Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2USGTuh
Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/3dHjKnf

We are planning to upgrade to the Sony a7sIII as it performs better in low light and various other improvements. B&H: https://bhpho.to/3L8VHOR

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/3L8WAa9
Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/3B93RSI

DJI Mini 2

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.

Sailing shots…will I fly this while underway? No way! Terra firma or anchor only. Trying to land our Mavic on the boat while moving at slow 4 knots already gives me a mild panic attack. While it’s a zippy drone, the higher the winds, 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.

Buy from DJI: https://bit.ly/mini2-wynn
Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2IDMaU8
Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/3eYM6Ky

Sony ax43

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.

Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDkx6G
Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/2Jxp0Md

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 ZV1

Similar to the rx100 but its a simplified version aimed at video creators. Unlike the RX100, this camera has a vlogger-friendly fully articulating touchscreen display and a quick background defocus function. This means I can quickly switch between two levels of background blur at the push of a button, even while recording. This is a great camera for someone that doesn’t like to fuss with too many manual settings but still has the option (AKA Nikki). Plus, with the wireless grip/tripod and the Multi-Interface Shoe for our shotgun mic, it’s a killer setup.

Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3npQgy5
Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/3f2gfsI

LENSES

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).

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

This is the best overall lens. It’s what we have on the camera 70% of the time.

Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/39CXAiF
Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/2X1B0gR

Filters

ND16+PL Filter 82mm

A must if you’re shooting outdoors in full sun and 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 lens like the ones recommended above.

Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/39CXAiF
Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/2X1B0gR

Circular Polarizer

If it’s not full-sun 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 Action 2

A HUGE upgrade from our old Osmo Action (which we loved). 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

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

Insta360 One X2

For those unique perspectives and hard to capture all in one frame shots.

Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3J9QkNd
Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/3JaDs9V

Audio

Sony ECM-B1M

The Absolute BEST shotgun microphone you can buy for run-and-gun filming. Seriously, it’s an amazing little mic (only if you use Sony cameras).

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 VO. 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 or usb-c plug. Or capture audio directly to the mic as a backup to the on camera shotgun.

Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3uJxAAz
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

Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone (for ZV-1)

Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2C2TEgt
Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/2EOgn0C

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/2w5ZBWS
Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/2wJP0RX

Accessories

Sony Z Battery (buy at least 2 extra)

For the a7iii

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

Ikan Onyx On-Camera LED Light

Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2R5WNjI
Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/2xMgZ3h

Tripods & Gimbal

Manfrotto befree Video Tripod

Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bV6lq3
Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/3bGSCTq

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

Zhiyun-Tech Crane M2

Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Jywj6s
Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/2KHOPKy

RAM Mount Twist-Lock Suction

Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2UWT3lE
Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/2w5zQ96

Monopod for Action Cameras

Buy from B&H: http://bit.ly/sony-selfie-stick
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2gw4vz4

Splat Flexible Tripod

We were looking for an alternative to the Gorilla Pod and a way to capture underwater timelapse, then we found this little flexible tripod. There are no moving parts like our Gorilla Pod, it’s just one solid flexi-bendy piece.

Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Klcjnr
Buy from B&H – https://bhpho.to/2FAkuxz

Wish List

Sony 10Gbps USB Card Reader

Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3gsCgSY
Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/3uxZdw6

Peak Design Slide Lite

Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bN1mrl
Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/2X1ChVb

GNARBOX 2.0 SSD

Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2UWgX0K
Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/2ysnrwW

Other Lenses I Like

Sony FE 12-24mm f2.8 GM

Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/34FlL3j
Buy from B&H:https://bhpho.to/3rugPHt

Sony FE 20mm f1.8 G

Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3aBIUBL
Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/2UQ5gbY

Sony FE 24-105mm f4 G OSS

Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2UBA8OI
Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/2hTqMNy

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 and stabilized lenses make it great for vlogging.

Sony a6600

Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2UAJLNp
Buy from B&H: https://bhpho.to/2Jwrsm7

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

🙏 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!

Comments (39)

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.