What's In My Camera Bag

As a seasoned photographer, my camera bag is my toolkit, my lifeline, and my constant companion on every shoot. It's filled with carefully selected gear that helps me capture the perfect shot, every time.

I often hear questions like, "What's in your camera bag?" and "What camera should I buy?

My personal advice: Start with what you can afford and learn everything about your camera. You don't want to be scroll through menus when a beautiful sunrise is about to happen. Remember, your skills are more valuable than any camera.

Cameras

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV (full-frame)

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is my primary camera. It's a powerhouse of performance, delivering stunning image quality and unparalleled versatility. Whether I'm shooting landscapes, portraits, or action shots, this camera never disappoints.

Canon EOS 60D (crop sensor)

Though it's no longer my main camera, the Canon EOS 60D holds a special place in my heart. It was my first DSLR, and it taught me the fundamentals of photography. For long time it was as a backup, and sometimes, for a touch of nostalgia.

Lenses

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM Lens

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Lens

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens

Canon EF 50 f/1.4 USM

Filters

Lee Filters: ND Filters with 6, 10, and 15 Stops

Lee ND filters are essential for controlling exposure and achieving creative effects. Whether I want to smooth out water in a landscape shot or capture motion blur, these filters are my secret weapon.

Tripods

Manfrotto beFree & Manfrotto 055

Stability is crucial for sharp images, and my tripods provide just that. The Manfrotto beFree is perfect for travel, being lightweight and compact, while the Manfrotto 055 offers robust support for heavier setups.

My Spy Tripod: Platypod

When a full-size tripod is impractical, the Platypod comes to the rescue. It's incredibly versatile and allows me to stabilize my camera in tight spots or unusual angles and you can go unnoticed in spaces where the tripods are prohibited.

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo

For smooth, stabilised video footage, I rely on the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. It's compact yet powerful, making it ideal for vlogging and on-the-go videography.

Essential Accessories

Remote Control & Lens Kit Cleaning

A remote control helps me avoid camera shake, especially during long exposures. Keeping my lenses clean is equally important, so I always carry a lens cleaning kit.

Backup Batteries, Car Charger, and SD Cards

Running out of power or storage is a nightmare, so I always pack extra batteries, a car charger, and SD cards to ensure I'm prepared for long shoots.

Rode Directional Compact Microphone

Good audio is just as important as good visuals in videography. The Rode microphone captures clear, directional sound, making my videos more professional.

Headlamp Petzl Tikka2

For early morning or late-night shoots, the Petzl Tikka2 headlamp is indispensable. It keeps my hands free and lights the way as I set up my gear.

First Aid Kit

Safety first! A first aid kit is a small but crucial addition to my camera bag, ensuring I'm prepared for any minor injuries or accidents.

Backup Camera Hero: iPhone 15 Pro

When I need a quick shot or a backup, my iPhone 15 Pro steps in. Its impressive camera capabilities make it a reliable alternative to my DSLR.

My Go-To Apps

Lightroom and Photoshop

For editing, Lightroom and Photoshop are my top choices. They offer powerful tools to enhance and perfect my images.

PhotoPills

Planning a shoot? PhotoPills helps me calculate the perfect time and place for my shots, considering the sun's position and other factors.

CapCut and Premiere Rush

For video editing, CapCut and Premiere Rush are my go-to apps. They offer intuitive interfaces and powerful features to polish my footage.

Filmic Pro

When filming with my iPhone, Filmic Pro gives me greater control over exposure, focus, and other settings, ensuring professional-quality video.

Google Map

Navigation is crucial, especially when exploring new locations. Google Map helps me find my way and discover new spots to shoot.

Editing Powerhouses

Mac Studio

The Mac Studio is the heart of my editing setup. With its blazing fast performance, it handles high-resolution images and complex video edits with ease. This powerhouse ensures that my workflow is smooth and efficient, allowing me to focus on creativity rather than technical hiccups.

iPad Pro

The iPad Pro is my portable editing station. With the Apple Pencil, it becomes an incredible tool for on-the-go editing and sketching out ideas. Paired with apps like Lightroom and Photoshop, it offers a seamless transition between fieldwork and studio editing.

Wacom Tablet

For precision work, especially when retouching photos or creating detailed illustrations, the Wacom tablet is indispensable. It offers the tactile feedback and precision that a mouse simply can't match, making it an essential part of my editing toolkit.

Why I'm Considering Moving to Mirrorless Cameras?

Lately, I've been thinking about switching to mirrorless cameras, and here's why. For starters, they are lighter and more compact, which is a game-changer during long shoots or travel. Imagine not feeling weighed down by your gear!

Then there's the faster autofocus. Mirrorless cameras excel at quickly locking onto subjects, even in tricky lighting, helping me capture those fleeting moments perfectly.

One of my favourite features is the electronic viewfinder (EVF). It shows a real-time preview of the final image, allowing me to make adjustments on the fly without taking my eye off the scene.

As for the brand, I'm sticking with Canon. It has never let me down, and I know its menu system like the back of my hand. This familiarity means I can focus on shooting rather than fiddling with settings.

So, it's not about joining a brand debate; it's about finding the best tool to help me capture stunning images and improve my craft.

In conclusion, every item in my camera bag has been selected with care and have a story behind.