It’s been too lengthy, far-far-far too lengthy, since I’ve up to date my very outdated Images Gear I Use publish. All this, regardless of lots of you reminding me on a fairly often foundation. A part of the issue is that I exploit a lot totally different gear for various eventualities. Whilst you seemingly consider me as a sports activities tech geek, I’m additionally a little bit of a digital camera geek. Or at the very least, a digital camera accent geek.
If there’s a nifty doohickey to purchase for my digital camera, there’s a strong probability I’ll purchase it. But conversely, I don’t overthink the digital camera itself. Through the years, I’ve slowly transitioned from being hyper-picky on images, to being extra sensible on images. And on the identical time, telephones have improved immensely of their photograph and video qualities. I shoot simply as many images and movies on a telephone, as I do on a devoted digital camera.
Nonetheless, I’ve divided up this into roughly three chunks: The principle cameras themselves, the Motion Cams & Drones, and the Studio Stuff.
As with anything, you don’t purchase this all at one time. A lot of the studio stuff is built-up over the course of a decade plus. Thus, let’s get into it!
(Oh, and as a observe: I’ve bought all the things you see on this checklist with my very own cash.)
The Fundamental Cameras:
As I famous above, I’ve closely shifted in the direction of utilizing telephones in my video and photograph manufacturing workflow. I nearly by no means journey with devoted DSLR/mirrorless cameras anymore to occasions (e.g., commerce reveals, an Apple/Google/SRAM/and so forth occasion). As an alternative, I principally simply use secondary telephones, devoted to capturing video. The telephones value lower than a mirrorless digital camera would, take up much less house, and customarily talking for many informal eventualities, will lead to higher footage. I additionally use the DJI Pocket 3 as properly (extra on that down beneath).
Nevertheless, most product pictures (stills) I take are nonetheless on devoted cameras. I discover the portrait modes on my iPhone (even the iPhone 16 Professional) to be a bit finicky for watch pictures. It’s typically high quality for issues like trainers and such. However I can shoot far sooner with devoted cameras, by way of getting the 50-100 pictures I want of the watch or bike pc menus/consumer interfaces.
For video b-roll in a studio or exterior, it’s nearly solely phone-based now. I exploit devoted secondary cameras in a studio for my overhead rig (extra on that beneath), in addition to when capturing consumer guides, as I can focus lock higher on messy display screen menus.
For my sitting on the desk/workbench pictures, there are two Panasonic GH5 cameras that just about by no means depart. In reality, the one dealing with me hasn’t been moved because it was put in there a few years in the past. The overhead one sometimes will get moved round if I want it in a pinch as an additional digital camera, however in any other case, it’s simply plugged in through fixed energy (extra on that down beneath)
With that, listed here are the linked merchandise for what I exploit:
| Product | Amazon | Word | |
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DJI Mic 2 (Twin Mic Bundle) | Amazon | That is the mic I exploit, which I usually use in an offline configuration the place I saved the recordings to inner storage and I obtain later. It will also be used as a Bluetooth mic, in addition to usually to the receiver plugged right into a digital camera. I principally use only one mic, however generally for interviews I am going to use each mics. In addition they promote it in a single-mic config. |
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DJI Osmo Pocket 3 | Amazon | I exploit this primarily for capturing a-roll video out and about, issues like commerce reveals, launch occasions, and so forth… That mentioned, I did use it for a 3-day hike as my main digital camera, and regardless of being not even water-resistant, the dumping rain didnt kill it but (I additionally purchased the additional protection, for after I do kill it). |
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Nikon D500 DX DSLR Digicam | Amazon | That is my oldie, however continues to be used within the studio as a nonetheless/pictures digital camera usully for unboxing pictures and a few watch UI pictures (and generally in a pinch for video after I really want a number of additional angles on a motorcycle or coach for one thing). It is pushing a decade outdated now, however hey, it retains on clicking! These days, I principally use it with a Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G lens. |
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Panasonic LUMIX GH5 4K Digital Digicam | Amazon | I exploit two of those as my major always-mounted studio cameras. One dealing with me (so that you see my face), and one mounted to a ceiling rig pointed down on the desk for watch pictures/and so forth.. |
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Rode Lavalier GO Skilled Wearable Microphone | Amazon | That is the mic I plug into the DJI Mic transmitter. I do this so I haven’t got an enormous transmitter pod hanging off my shirt, permitting me to cover it. Additionally, this works nice whereas biking and for all my 70KPH drone wind checks. |
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Sony Alpha 7 IV Full-Body Mirrorless Digicam | Amazon | That is now my major photograph digital camera for critiques, and generally b-roll digital camera. I moved to it this fall, and years of eyeing switching to Sony. |
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Sony SEL2470GM E-Mount Digicam Lens: FE 24-70 mm F2.8 G Grasp | Amazon | That is the primary lens I exploit with the Sony Alpha 7 IV digital camera. I’ve additionally acquired a 50mm/1.8 that I exploit sometimes as properly. |
Lastly, you’ll see the DJI Pocket 3 up there. That’s a freaking superior little digital camera, although, one I nearly solely use at occasions – and primarily for a-roll (the half dealing with me as I speak). The quick charging is essential (about 80% in 20 minutes), so I can shoot the varied speaking bits shortly, and it syncs to the DJI Mic 2 as properly. I’ll use this at locations just like the Tour de France, commerce reveals, launch occasions, and so forth… I used to do these through mirrorless digital camera, then I did them through GoPro (in linear mode), and now, through the DJI Pocket 3.
Oh, and I caught the mic + lav up above in that checklist as properly. I exploit a DJI Mic 2, together with a Rode lav for all of my recordings (besides the FIT File Podcast, the place I exploit a really outdated Rode NT-USB Microphone, although, nonetheless sounds nice!). The DJI Mic 2 + Rode Lav combo works exceptionally properly whereas biking as properly, and naturally my well-known drone wind checks (in 70KPH excessive wind circumstances). I principally file to the mic’s inner storage, after which sync the audio afterward. I do that quite than recording to the digital camera with the receiver, in case there’s a mic challenge, then at the very least I’ve a backup audio monitor that is likely to be salvageable.
Motion Cams & Drones:
I exploit motion cams just about each single day. It’s the primary factor I exploit on runs/rides/swims to seize movies of gadgets (or me). For many bike computer systems close-up, I’ll use a telephone, because it tends to seize {that a} bit higher. However in any other case, actions cams on a regular basis.
Usually talking, I exploit a GoPro, primarily for 2 causes: First, the standard and 5.3K decision means I’ve loads of flexibility. Certain, GoPros don’t have superior night time high quality (Insta360 & DJI are higher there), however I shoot the overwhelming majority of my stuff throughout the day (95%+), since irrespective of the digital camera, footage of watches and bike computer systems received’t look good at night time.
The second cause is basically the GoPro cloud backups. With a lot footage, I really like simply having the ability to plug a digital camera in to cost, and have it add all the things to the GoPro cloud as a backup. With a lot footage (typically on a number of cameras), this helps guarantee SD playing cards (and their related movies) don’t get misplaced without end. That mentioned, I want GoPro made this on-line footage simpler to entry for video manufacturing functions, both as a Dropbox-style share or some plug-in to Last Reduce Professional/Premier.
That mentioned, I’ve been utilizing the Insta360 cameras increasingly typically these days. Each the Insta360 Ace Professional (and now Ace Professional 2), but additionally the Insta360 GO 3S. Insta360 has superior options for overlaying sports activities information, the place it pulls in your information out of your Garmin account (or Apple Watch, COROS information, and so forth…) and might overlay coronary heart fee, energy, and so forth… Tremendous cool, and requires you do completely nothing by way of file administration, it ‘simply works’. I solely sparingly use the Go 3S digital camera, primarily after I want one thing tremendous tiny. The truth that the primary case/charging unit isn’t waterproof is basically the most important draw back right here, and I’m at all times fearful I’ll overlook and convey it into the water. Nonetheless, it’s in my assortment to make use of.
| Product | Amazon | Word | |
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GoPro Hero 13 Black | Amazon | I’ve lengthy used GoPro motion cameras as my major go-to motion cam, and the Hero 13 has taken that spot since later summer time. I can rely upon the standard being spot-on, and the GoPro Cloud backup for all my footage. |
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Insta360 Ace Professional 2 | Amazon | I have been utilizing the Insta360 Ace Professional 1 (and now 2) over the past 12 months with their sports activities information from Garmin/Apple/and so forth overlay characteristic being my favourite bit of their cameras. Thus, if I want to point out pace/energy/and so forth, I am going to most likely attain for this. |
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Insta360 GO 3S Tiny 4K Motion Digicam | Amazon | I have a tendency to make use of this after I want one thing to slot in a *very* small house, or, for some pictures the place I need to chest-mount one thing with out the majority of a standard chest harness (it has a small magnetic clip that goes beneath your garments). |
With regards to drones, I’ve principally settled on three drones. Although, I actually solely use two of them with a lot frequency: The Mini 4 Professional and the Hover X1. I primarily use the Mavic 3 Professional after I have to shoot one thing actually fairly at a a lot larger decision and sure with one of many secondary zoom lenses (because it has three lenses onboard). Whereas the Mavic 3 began as a dumpster hearth when it first launched, DJI did an awesome job of finally making it superior. However for my sports-focused solo-person utilization, it has restricted software.
As an alternative, I’m principally utilizing the Mini 4 Professional and the Hover X1. The principle attraction for the Mini 4 Professional is the small measurement, portability, and exceptionally good high quality (and stability in all climate circumstances). It’s what I’ll take with me on holidays and such, because it takes up about the identical measurement as half a shoe. It does annoyingly require a devoted controller, however that does slot in my biking jersey pocket if I want it to. It has ActiveTrack for following me, which is nice throughout the board, and might normally keep away from obstacles too. I have a tendency to make use of this for faster-moving eventualities (e.g. driving quick).
Nevertheless, over the past 12 months, I’ve switched nearly solely to utilizing the Hover X1 (base unit) for operating drone footage and different slower-moving eventualities (e.g., going uphill mountain/gravel biking) Principally, something beneath 25KPH. This folds up and suits in my operating shorts pockets (no controller is required), and I can deploy it in about 15 seconds. It’s superior. The footage isn’t as wonderful quality-wise (topping out at 2.7K, however realistically being 1080p), however utilized in social eventualities or snippets of b-roll, you’d by no means discover. I’ll be reviewing the X1 Professional & X1 Max, however they’re nonetheless caught in customs.
| Product | Amazon | Word | |
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DJI Mavic 3 Professional | Amazon | Whereas I exploit the DJI Mini 3/4 for motion pictures, I even have the Mavic 3 Professional I have a tendency to make use of for pictures the place I would like/want the zoom lens. So extra for fairly trip pictures, however even simply folks pictures from a distance. |
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DJI Mini 4 Professional Fly Extra Combo with DJI RC2 | Amazon | The Mini collection has been my go-to drone for years, with the DJI Mini 3 Professional the majority of the previous 12 months, and now the Mini 4 Professional. Having the complete impediment avoidance is tremendous useful for all of the silly stuff I do. It is what I are inclined to take for longer treks with extra epic surroundings views, or eventualities the place I want larger speeds than the Hover X1. |
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HoverAir X1 Drone | Amazon | This has grow to be my go-to drone for operating, particularly path operating, in addition to slower pace biking stuff (e.g. gravel, some MTB, and so forth…). I’ve crashed it at the very least 100 occasions, and it nonetheless retains on ticking! |
Oh, and in case you’re questioning why not the DJI NEO? Effectively, whereas it claims 4K footage, it’s merely not of regular 4K footage high quality. The web all agrees upon that (thus, there’s not a lot to realize over my 2.7K high quality Hover X1). However extra importantly, is that it’s simply too huge to simply slot in my operating shorts pocket, it doesn’t fold up. Sure, I can *technically* match it in there, in addition to my biking jersey, but it surely requires some effort to get in/out. Thus, I discover I simply don’t use it as a lot. Plus, it’s restricted to a mere 20KPH top-speed, making it impractical for nearly all eventualities, heck, I may even out-sprint it operating. That mentioned, the monitoring is healthier than the Hover X1 collection, and the video stability (weaving in/out) is healthier. However total for me, I’m simply utilizing the Hover X1.
Within the Studio:
(Word: I’ve acquired a newly up to date DCR Studio Tour, that DCR Supporters can entry instantly, which is what a few of these pictures are taken from.)
There are seemingly lots of of pictures issues I exploit in/across the studio, however I figured I’d spotlight just a few of them actually fast. First up, is the primary desk setup:
Basically, what I do right here is I’ve acquired an Ikea rolling work desk, with a twin monitor stand on it. From there, I’ve acquired two low cost $69 pc displays hooked up to it. Numerous folks spend foolish cash on loopy costly video displays (that are nearly normally 5-7″ tiny, although, in fact, they produce other useful options). However for me, I’d *MUCH* quite have a really huge pc monitor to make sure correct focus. The left monitor reveals my overhead/top-down shot, and the best monitor reveals me. There’s additionally a secondary charging station with a bunch of messy cables floating round.
Sandwiched in between that’s the Elgato Prompter. All of my movies are primarily off the cuff. I’ve a set of notes to recollect to speak about issues, however none are scripted. I’ve tried doing scripted stuff, and it simply isn’t my cup of tea. Nevertheless, what I *actually* use the Elgato Prompter for is the podcast. It permits me to see Des by wanting straight into the digital camera. Thus to you, the viewer, it seems like I’m you whereas I speak to him. In any other case, it’ll really feel like I’m at all times wanting off to the aspect at my laptop computer.
All the cameras are linked through HDMI to these displays, and in addition linked through fixed energy. There’s additionally a backup Rode VideoMicro mic combined on that overhead rig, which is hardwired to the primary A-Roll digital camera, that I can use in case all the things goes to crap. Nevertheless, given the concrete field nature of the DCR Cave, it requires some echo-removing in post-production, so it’s actually solely used for dire conditions after I merely can’t re-shoot. In any other case, I exploit the aforementioned lav mic for all the things. There’s an XLR mic connector setup as properly, for when Des of DesFit is on the town and brings his mic setup.
From a lighting standpoint, I exploit a silly quantity (11) of Neewer overhead softbox LED lights. That is supplemented by some extra LED mild panels I put in above it. All the lights are linked to low cost DLink/Kasa HomeKit switches, so I can flip them on/off individually.
The secondary portion of the studio I normally shoot in is for bike trainers/good indoor bikes. For this, it’s comparatively easy, I exploit a wide range of tripods and put the cameras on them. Nothing fancy. Nevertheless, I do have one other Ikea rolling desk that has one other monitor on it, that I can connect through HDMI to any digital camera so I can see/validate framing from throughout the room (since most occasions to be able to get a large sufficient shot of me atop a coach, the digital camera must be fairly distant).
All of that is wired through energy to the ceiling, so the Ikea rolling bench can go anyplace inside a couple of 3-meter radius.
Lastly, I’ve some automated digital camera gear/robots that frankly, I very sparingly use. These embrace Edelkrone’s automated jib, automated HeadPlus, and automated sliders. Heck, I even have one that may roam across the ground and take numerous pictures. Sadly, mentioned ground Roomba-style pictures had been by no means easy sufficient to make use of. And sure, the remainder of the setup is superior, and I really like making tremendous inventive pictures for openers/intros. Look, there was an awesome Black Friday deal just a few years in the past, and I acquired sucked in.
However alas, I’m at all times tight on time to get critiques out, so when push involves shove, I spend that point on supplying you with extra element and depth, than making a reasonably shot. Sigh, one in every of today I’ll determine constantly do each.
Anyway, I’m certain there are one million little issues I’ve not talked about or that you simply need to know, so be happy to drop feedback beneath – and I’d be comfortable to talk about it!
Thanks for studying (or, watching!). Oh, and many of the hyperlinks above go to Amazon, thus, should you purchase one thing through these hyperlinks, as a member of the Amazon Associates program, I’ll earn a fee without charge to you, but it surely does assist assist the positioning! A lot appreciated!
(And P.S. – Don’t overlook, if you wish to go to the DCR Cave, we’ve acquired only a handful of spots left for the DCR Open Home on November twenty third. It’ll be the final one in Amsterdam!)
