I Have More Camera Bags Than Kim Kardashian Has birkin Bags!
Cameras
Canon
New York City, Central Park
Canon EOS Rebel T5i
canon EOS rebel t5i body
$549.00
My very first camera was a Canon Elph, and I took that camera everywhere. I was documenting my teenage life. Great times!
Over the years I’ve transitioned through a few Canon cameras, and although there are newer models available, I’m but currently happy with my T5i. It’s perfect for travel not too bulky with the right mix of beginner to intermediate.
PROS:
- Great entry-level camera and the first essential piece of photography equipment for beginners or anyone looking to take their photography to the next level Even when the camera is set to automatic, you’re pretty much guaranteed a great picture.
- The learning curb is minimal or at your own pace. Use the Automatic settings for Beginner, the Half Automatic / Half Manual settings for Intermediate and the Manual settings for Professionals.
- You can change its lenses; which is great as it adds more dimensions to your pictures and videos. Plus, when you upgrade to a newer Canon camera you can keep your lens.
- It records 1920 x 1080 HD Video
- 18 Mega Pixel Picture
- External microphone jack
- The price is not cheap but you are getting more bang for your buck when you consider everything you get with the Canon EOS Rebel T5i. Consider it an investment.
Cons:
- The size will always be an issue for some, especially those who came from using a point and shoot or smartphone. Some will say It’s too bulky, too big and too heavy. For me, the size is fine. When its the only camera you need to take both pictures and record videos, I think its size is a good trade-off.
- The battery: When I bought this camera, it came with a camera bag and an extra battery. I honestly can not count how many times that extra battery was needed. Typically, when I’m travelling, I’m taking pictures, not just for myself, but for this blog and social media. In addition, I’m filming short clips that I will later edit together for my YouTube Channel’s travel vlog. Typically, the battery will last me all day but when I film for an extended period of time (an expected or unexpected interview, someone making or preparing something etc) then the battery drains really fast…
- When creating video sound is extremely important and the built-in microphone is not that great. In fact, if you’re planning on filming any type of talking or interview you will most definitely need to invest in an external microphone.
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Canon XA10
Canon XA10
$1,849.00
As I developed my skills as a videographer I needed to upgrade from the smaller, consumer-style video Canon camera to a professional camera with more options, better lens and sound options for interviews with guests. I bought this camera initially thinking I could bring it with me when I travel and I brought it to Spain and Greece but it proved to be too cumbersome. I have since bought my Canon EOS Rebel T5i and retired this Camera for videography jobs and projects locally here in Toronto.
PROS:
- Professional Camera with professional features. When you walk onto a job site with this camera and microphone attached the client knows you mean business
- Tons of pro feature packed into a small body. The camera is small and agile.
- 64gb of onboard memory plus two slots for additional memory cards of any size.
- It records 1920 x 1080 HD Video
- The battery lasts long. You can get a bigger battery for extra-long filming.
- 2 XLR jacks for microphones
- Large sensor for great night videography
Cons:
- Although the size is small for a professional camera it's too big to walk around with when travelling.
- Huge learning curb.
- Price. The camera is not cheap.
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Barcelona, Park Güell
Lenses
EF-S 18-55MM F/4-5.6 IS STM
EF-S 18-55MM F/4-5
$85.00
This lens is a standard zoom lens and usually comes with EOS Camera. A standard zoom lens captures images the way your eye sees it. It's not heavy and has a little bit of zoom, which makes it perfect for spending the day exploring a city. This lens is always with me, it's usually already on my camera, and it typically is the lens I use when I first start taking pictures.
Specs
Focal Length & Maximum Aperture
18-135mm f/3.5–5.6
Lens Construction
16 elements in 12 groups
Diagonal Angle of View
74°20'-11°30'
Focus Adjustment
AF with full-time manual
Closest Focusing Distance
1.28 ft./0.39m
Filter Size
2.6 in./67mm diameter
Max. Diameter x Length, Weight
3.1 x 3.8 in., approx. 18.2 oz.
77.4 x 96mm, approx. 515g
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EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
Florence, Italy (Without & With Zoom)
EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
$299.00
My second lens was this telephoto lens. At this point, I've travelled to a few different countries, and I noticed that on occasion there were situations where a cathedral or a castle was just too far in the distance. It close enough to see but my standard lens couldn't zoom in enough. At this point, I decided to add this lens to my arsenal of photography gear.
Specs
Focal Length & Maximum Aperture
55-250mm 1:4-5.6
Lens Construction
15 elements in 12 groups
Diagonal Angle of View
27° 50' - 6° 15'
Focus Adjustment
Rear focus system
Closest Focusing Distance
2.79 ft. / 0.85m
Filter Size
58mm diameter
Max. Diameter x Length, Weight
2.8 x 4.4 inches, approx. 13.2 oz. / 70.0 x 111.2mm, approx. 375g
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EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM
EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM
$199.00
The third lens in my arsenal is this wide-angle lens. While in Copenhagen, I stopped into a camera store looking for a memory card for my camera as I was running out of space. While talking to the employee, I learned that they had a great sale on this wide-angle lens. I never knew how much I needed it until I started using it. It's great for landscape shots as it fits more into the shot, but it's also incredible in tight spaces like rooms and narrow European streets.
Specs
|
Focal Length & Maximum Aperture |
10-18mm 1:4.5-5.6 |
| Lens Construction | 14 elements in 11 groups |
| Diagonal Angle of View | 107°30' - 74°20' |
| Focus Adjustment | Rear focus system |
| Closest Focusing Distance | 0.72 ft. / 0.22m |
| Filter Size | 67mm diameter |
| Max. Diameter x Length, Weight | 2.9 x 2.8 in., 8.5 oz. / 74.6 x 72.0mm, 240g |
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Must-have Accessories
Kingston Penitentiary, Kingston
Capture
Capture
$94.00
As much as I love my camera - I hate carrying it. I love my hands to be free, especially when out all day exploring a new city. Trust me; I was never the tremendous romantic type as I never liked holding hands.
That said I was in a local camera store here in Toronto when I discovered Capture by Peak Design. It allows me to attach my camera to my belt or my backpack strap, which not only prevents theft, but it will enable my hands to be free!
Specs
The all-new Capture is the most secure, convenient, accessible way to carry your camera, period. Unlike a camera strap, Capture keeps your camera rigidly stable while hiking, biking, or moving around the studio. Unlike a camera bag, Capture keeps your camera instantly accessible with the click of a button. Includes 2 components: a metal clip that clamps to any backpack strap, belt, or bag, and an Arca tripod-compatible plate that screws into the bottom of your camera. Your camera locks into the clip, where it is held rigidly and securely. Press the lockable quick-release button to remove. Holds well over 200 lbs. (90kg), making it strong enough for the heaviest of pro camera/lens combinations.
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Capture Lens Kit
Capture Lens
$67.00
So after using Peak Design's Capture for my camera, I discovered the Capture Lens for the extra lenses I carry with me. Sweet. Easy to change lenses to capture the perfect shot!
Specs
Changing lenses is one of the most common workflows in photography. It’s also one of the most frustrating. Enter Lens Kit™. Lens Kit is an adapter for Capture that lets you change lenses rapidly, with just one hand, and holds your unused lens rigidly and securely. Now you can carry up to 2 lenses on any backpack strap, belt or bag, keeping your spare lens quickly accessible and freeing up the inside of your bag for other gear. Includes 1 Lens Kit adapter. Choose from Canon EF, Nikon F or Sony E/FE mounts. Under License in the US by Go Wing USA, LLC U.S. Pat. No. 9,634,396, Lens Flipper®
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Spadina & Queen, Toronto
MeFoto Backpackers Tripod
MeFOTO Backpacker S Travel Tripod/Monopod
$105.00
Every camera needs a good tripod. I have two. I love this tripod because of its size when folded and how light and easy it is to carry around.
Specs
- Anodized aluminum twist locks - CNC machined aluminum twist locks with deep ridges for a solid grip. Each lock is anodized to give it a clean and protective finish.
- Converts to monopod - the center column connects to the tripod leg to form a full-size monopod.
- Telescoping 2 section center column - the column can be extended for additional height.
- Accessory mount - a 1/4"-20 mounts are located on the shoulder for attaching additional accessories.
- Arca-Swiss style camera plate - this camera plate will work with Most other Arca-Swiss style heads.
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Clutch
Clutch
$54.00
I really need to stop wandering into camera stores. This time I discovered the Peak Design Clutch. It allows you to get a nice firm grip on the camera making it almost impossible to drop. IT also really helps me to keep the camera steady when filming.
Specs
The world’s first camera hand strap that is quick-connecting and quick-adjusting. Clutch gives you access to your camera’s controls but quickly cinches down when you need security. Hypalon exterior, microfiber pad, and aluminum adjuster hardware is ultra-durable and inspired by high-end climbing gear. Attaches to your camera at 2 points: your camera strap mount (via a reinforced Hypalon loop) and your camera tripod mount (via our low-profile Arca-compatible Standard Plate). Clutch can be used alongside other Peak Design straps, as well as the Capture Camera Clip.
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Montserrat Mountain, Spain
Memory Cards – Don’t Leave Home Without It
Always have more than one.
When I travel, I bring my laptop and a hard drive. As soon as I get back to the hotel or Airbnb I import all the photos on my MacBook and transfer all the video clips to my hard drive.
- TRANSFER SPEEDS UP TO 170MB/s: Delivers up to 170MB/s transfer speeds for a faster post-production workflow
- PERFECT FOR 4K UHD VIDEO: UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and Video Speed Class 30 (V30) rated for capturing stunning, uninterrupted 4K UHD video
- WITHSTANDS EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS: Built for and tested in harsh conditions, the SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-I card is temperature-proof, waterproof, shock-proof, and x-ray-proof
SanDisk 128GB
SanDisk 64GB
DJI
Queen’s Park, Toronto
Mavic 2
Mavic 2
$1729.00
Ever since I was a kid I dreamed of having a remote-controlled helicopter. The first time I ever saw a drone being flown was on a trip to St. John's in Newfoundland, Canada.
Let's just say at that point, I knew what my next toy was going to be!
Specs
PROS:
- Size: It’s like having one of James Bond’s toys. The Mavic folds up and becomes so portable it literally fits in a purse or backpack. This year I was able to fit my Canon EOS Rebel T5i, my MacBook Pro, my MePhoto TriPod and My DJI Mavic Pro (plus all cables, extra lens, extra batteries, remote etc) in my carry on backpack. Game changer
- Areal videography and photography. A new perspective and another way to make your content more diverse.
- It films in 4K which is the current standard. In addition, its Intelligent Flight Modes are great for selfies and flying by itself; following you, orbiting objects, etc…
- For travel bloggers especially, this is the best drone on the market…and my favourite helicopter
- Price: For what you are getting the price is great.
CONS:
- Huge Learning Curb: You have to learn how to fly. You have to think about safety (people and property). You need to practice flying in controlled, safe areas (like a small park or field) before taking out into the world. The Mavic can fly several kilometres away from you and at incredible heights. I’ve cut my fingers twice on the propellers and in both situations it was me getting excited and flying the drone indoors.
- Wind: The pro is its size but on extremely windy days it quickly becomes its con. It can deal with wind pretty good for the most part but I’ve had the drone drift off course ever so slightly when flying straight. Wind behaves differently at different altitudes and in different environments (cliffs, valleys, alleys etc)
- Rules: Although we see tons of drone footage on YouTube, they are still pretty new for most countries and every country has different rules about flying them. In addition, you have to follow the rules for the country you live in. Here in Toronto (Canada), you cannot fly around airports, sporting arenas, world heritage sites, crowds of people, buildings, fly higher than 120 meters and the drone must always be in your line of sight.
- It attracts attention. Always. So if you’re trying to be discrete when you’re launching it…forget it. That being said, once its high enough in the air no one can see or hear it. People are fascinated and will always want to ask questions or look at your phone to see what the drone sees.
- Price: For what you are getting the price is great but it’s definitely not on everyone’s budget.
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Osmo Pocket
Osmo Pocket
USD 319.00
As the cameras in our mobile devices get better and better the more people are using their phone to film, document tell their stories - otherwise known as vlogging. Although the camera has improved, stability and shakiness did not. With my latest toy, I have the best of both worlds.
Specs
PROS:
- Size: It’s like having one of James Bond’s toys. As the name suggests the camera fits in your pocket.
- For those who are starting to vlog for the first time and might be shy as this is your answer.e around you stare at you as you talk to a camera - The Osmo Pocket is your answer. Whenever I use it no-one knows that I'm filming or filming myself. In fact, they think I'm vaping 😉
- Steady footage
- A small screen on the device to see your shots
- You can attach your mobile device for a bigger screen and better access to features
- Slo-motion, object and face tracking, timelapse, motion lapse, hyper-lapse and panoramic shots
- Vertical and Horizontal filming
- 4K Video
- Price: For what you are getting the price is great.
- Variety of attachments (including one for a lapel microphone, one for underwater etc)
CONS:
- Cannot zoom in
- The screen on the device is handy but too small to detect if your low-light shots are in focus
- Price: For what you are getting the price is great but it’s definitely not on everyone’s budget.
Rudderless is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Velika Gorica, Croatia
Must-have Accessories
Osmo Pocket 3.5mm Adapter
Osmo Pocket 3.5mm Adapter
USD 39.00
Just as important as video quality is sound - especially when vlogging, and when you have such a small, discrete vlogging camera like the Osmo Pocket you need a small microphone. With this 3.5mm adapter, you can attach a lapel microphone like the Rode SmartLav +
Rudderless is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Osmo Pocket Wireless Module
Osmo Pocket Wireless Module
USD 69.00
This little guy allows me to connect my iPhone to my Osmo Pocket so that I can control my Osmo Pocket without physically connecting to my iPhone. Brilliant.
Rudderless is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Osmo Pocket Accessory Mount
Osmo Pocket Accessory Mount
USD $22.00
My very first camera was a Canon Elph, and I took that camera everywhere. I was documenting my teenage life. Great times!
Over the years I’ve transitioned through a few Canon cameras, and although there are newer models available, I’m but currently happy with my T5i. It’s perfect for travel not too bulky with the right mix of beginner to intermediate.
Rudderless is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
PGYTECH Osmo Pocket Extendable Tripod
PGYTECH Osmo Pocket/Osmo Action Extendable Tripod
USD 30.00
My very first camera was a Canon Elph, and I took that camera everywhere. I was documenting my teenage life. Great times!
Over the years I’ve transitioned through a few Canon cameras, and although there are newer models available, I’m but currently happy with my T5i. It’s perfect for travel not too bulky with the right mix of beginner to intermediate.
Specs
- An all-in-one compact design freely transitions between an extension pole and tripod stand.
- The universal interface at the top of the pole, coupled with another universal interface with a 1/4" mount bolt effectively extend the connecting options.
- Magnets in the tripod and a retractable design enable fast collapse and convenient storage.
Rudderless is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Travel Gear
Skyroam Solis Lite (Portable Wifi)
Solis Lite
$119.99
Skyroam Solis Lite is perfect for short trips, weekend getaways and business travel. The Solis gives me another option for wifi.data in addition to local SIM Cards. The pay as you go prices and plans are reasonable - and worth it!
Specs
Connect up to 10 gadgets at once.
Keep your all your devices or friends online too!
Blazing Fast Speeds
Get the fastest 4G LTE mobile WiFi speeds worldwide
Keep your data secure
Ensure safe communication and banking, avoiding risky public WiFi networks
Long LastingStay powered-on all day long with 18+ hours of WiFi battery life
Pocket-sized
Less than 1" in height and just 5.5 oz
Global WiFi, No SIMs
Hassle-free Virtual SIM™, easy access to unlimited WiFi in 130+ countries
Rudderless is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Train from Gottingen to Cologne, Germany