With all of that being said, it doesn’t mean your current model is of bad quality. It just means that we as consumers always want the next best thing (probably because the producers make them seem simply irresistible – Apple I’m talking to you.) After taking photos for a few years now, my camera bag is now two camera bags…and you wonder what I do to keep fit while traveling. Curling various bags while crossing the globe totally counts.
Without further adieu, here’s the camera gear I’m working with at the moment. Of course that could change soon…as with every DJI newsletter, I can feel my bank account starting to tremble.
Nikon DSLRs
Above are two of my favorite – and only – DSLRs I’ve shot with. Allow me to introduce you to my Nikon D7100. I highly recommend this camera as it shoots amazing quality photos and videos (full HD movies at 24, 25 or 30 frames per second). The weather-sealed body eases my mind when I’m taking shots in the rain, it has incredibly fast auto-focus detection, and I’m in love with the dual SD card slot. If you’re just beginning your quest as a photographer, you may want to look at this entry-level Nikon D3200. This is the camera I started shooting with, and I still use it to this day.
Lenses
If I had to choose only one lens to carry around, it would be the Tamron AF 18-200mm lens for Nikon. THE BEST. For indoor photography and landscape shots, I adore my Tokina 11-16mm. Up-close-and-personal (food or fashion-related captures for example) pair well with my Nikon AF 50mm. Lastly, my Tamron AF 70-300mm is perfect for wildlife and sports photography.
Sorry, Nikon. Did we just break up?
Break-up with Nikon? Never. Maybe two-timing though. A downfall to these two DSLR cameras is their size. Sure, they are bulky. I chalk it up as a daily arm workout. If they are too much for you to handle, check out the Canon Powershot G3X. I know, I know…they say you’re either a Nikon person or a Canon person, but I like straddling the line. For a compact camera, the G3X delivers with a longer zoom range (24-600mm equivalent lens), tilting LCD screen, weather-sealed feature and full HD movie capture in 24, 30 or 60p frame rates.
Geeking Out: DJI Obsessed
Y’all. I think I’m in love. Have you SEEN the aerial footage my DJI Phantom 3 Advanced captures? GAME.CHANGER. Yes, it’s a bitch to travel with, but again – have you SEEN this footage? Worth the extra weight. And I’m just as obsessed with my new DJI Osmo that captures the smoothest videos I’ve ever seen. Smoother than your newborn’s booty. Smoother than melted buttah. Smoother than Jay Z’s lyrics. It shoots 4K video AND you can take photos on it, just like you can with the drone over 3 miles away from its starting point. MIND.BLOW. God I love technology.
GoPro + Accessories
You got the GoPro. You purchased the DSLR. You bought the drone. You think you’re done. Hahahahahahahahah. AHHHahahahahaha. Wrong! If you went so far as to pay up for these high dollar items, you might as well make it to the finish line with the much needed accessories to make the outcome even better! Happy photographing 🙂
I’m a Canon girl – love my Canon and just bought a new lens for a recent trip, what a difference in photo quality. I’d love to hear your thoughts on tri-pods. Do you own one? What are the features? What do you suggest?
Just updated the accessories section to reflect my exact tripod – Mefoto 😉 Check it out!
Great article! Your last article you posted about camera equipment actually encouraged me to get the Nikon D3200 , which I got last summer! I love it. It’s so easy to use and learn from. I still haven’t quite figured the camera out 100% but I’m working on it. I have upcoming trips to Cartagena and the Italian Riviera so I definitely have my eye on a go pro!
Yay! So glad to hear it. Enjoy Cartagena and Italy! Both amazing destinations 🙂
this is awesome – thanks for sharing. Where did you get your bathing suit from though?!
That photo was taken in Cuba, and it was handmade by the locals there 😉
What would you suggest for water proof cameras? Not looking for anything crazy but something to take on a honeymoon. Thank you!
GoPro cameras are great for underwater shots. This might be your most affordable option vs. buying a housing for a DSLR. Have a blast on the trip!
Great article! I have a Canon Rebel and I love it – but I definitely would’ve looked into the Nikon if I read this article 2 years ago 🙂 Quick question – one thing I struggle with is finding a good camera bag; I’d love one that’s not TOO bulky, but is also cute! I got one as a gift last year that was from Best Buy, but I just couldn’t bring myself to keep it. What do you use?
I love ONA Bags and Think Tank (exact bag is linked inside the post) + I have another post all about Ona. Check them out 🙂
We LOVE the Osmo too!!!! And it’s small for travel!
how did you find taking a DSLR around South America? did it make you a target?
Like any other city when walking around with electronics, you need to be aware of your surroundings. We were in a lot of remote location around South America, so we weren’t at risk in those destinations.
We love our DSLR!!
I’ve got my GoPro mounted on my bass boat – love it for so many reasons! Guess I need the drone LOL…
Hi Lesley, do you have a favorite photo editing program?
So excited to have found this blog (and geeking out a bit since I’m a Bachelor fan)! We are in the midst of booking a trip with Sara & Daniel from Peru Eco Expeditions. We will be doing the 3 day trek, so it was awesome reading your experiences. Now I’m trying to figure out what camera lenses to bring with me on our trip. I have a Canon 70D and an 18-50mm lens and a 70-300mm lens. Did you find you used your 70-300mm often for Peru, or will a smaller lens suffice? I don’t want to regret leaving mine at home, but also dont want to lug it with me unnecessarily.
AH! So excited you’ll be going on a trip with them soon! They are my favorites. Totally feel you on the camera equipment…which is why I just switched to Sony. I’m a bit intimidated, but I like it a lot. Just very different from my Nikon. As for lenses, I believe I did take some shots with the 70-300mm because I wanted some closer imagery of those jagged peaks 🙂 It does take up some space and adds weight, but I just hated the thought of getting there and not having it if I needed/wanted it.
What would you suggest for a beginner photographer, wanting to travel? I have had someone suggest to me Canon Rebel T3i. Didn’t know if you had any suggestions.
I do! Check out my camera equipment post. I started with a Nikon D3200.
Help! I bought a used Nikon 3200 it is great condition but didn’t come with lenses. Going on a US cross country drive this summer. Suggestions for lenses for someone with no camera experience at all?
I love my 24-70mm and 11-16mm wide angle (linked in this post)! That will get you lots of varied shots!