I’ve been getting a lot questions lately about the cameras and gear I use, so thought it would be a good idea to do an update.
I’m a sucker for pretty travel photos; I’ve been known to book a trip based purely on the pictures that come up when I type a destination’s name on Google.
As such, it’s important to me to take (what I consider to be) good pictures when I travel. I’m no pro but I know what I like: photos that are crisp, well-composed, and colourful. Luckily Liebling is on the same page in this regard, so when we travel together I know I can trust him to take good pictures of me!
Over the years I have tried to up my camera game– here’s a quick snapshot (see what I did there?!) of where I’m at.
Camera
Have: Canon 600D (known as Canon Rebel T3i in U.S. markets)
I purchased this entry level DSLR in early 2012 and it’s been my “go to” camera ever since. I’ve gotten familiar with the manual settings so that I rarely ever use the flash or take photos on auto. It’s reasonably priced (I paid $700 USD in 2012 and it’s TUMBLED in price as newer models have come out) and not too heavy. I’ve gotten some great images out of it so it’s tops in my book!
Have: Lumix LX5
This digital camera was my trusty companion before I got my DSLR. I loved it for its semi-manual settings, built in wide-angle lens, and the sharp images it produced without much effort at all. It’s a bit larger than a compact digicam so unable to fit in a pocket, but small enough to fit into a handbag. I still own it, though I rarely use it anymore. Looking at the pictures below I’m thinking that I might have to take it out of storage and put it back into commission!
Have: HTC One Camera Phone
So… yeah. I’ve become one of those people who almost exclusively takes pictures with their phone. But can you blame me? Phones these days are so lightweight and produce such high quality photos that more often than not I leave my bulky DSLR at home. My device of choice? The HTC One. It takes wicked night photos and HD video.
Want: Canon S120
Lately I’ve been thinking of adding another camera to the “family” and the Canon S120 has caught my eye. It’s as small and flat as my phone, but capable of producing sharper pictures, which to me constitutes the happy compromise between picture quality and size.
DSLR Camera Lenses
Have: 18-55mm
This is the kit lens that came with my camera and the perfect starter lens, in my opinion. I’m not well-versed on focal lengths and all that jazz, so will refrain from getting too technical. But I will say that it is a fairly versatile lens for every day shooting.
Have: 10-22 mm
I looooooooove this lens; it’s a wide angle which means that it’s fantastic for landscapes and sprawling monuments. I repeat: I looooooove this lens and it’s a must for travel photography!
Have: 50 mm f/1.8
“How do people get those pictures where the foreground is sharp and the background is blurry?” was the question that used to plague me whenever I salivated over friends’ photos on Facebook. As soon as I found out that the 50mm lens was what was giving those images that effect I ordered it on Amazon immediately. [Correction: my amazing, award-winning photographer friend Lola Akinmade Akerstrom said that it is actually the low f-stop number– 1.8– and not the fact that the lens is 50mm that is responsible for the blurry effect, my bad!] The Canon version of the lens is relatively cheap at only $115 USD and I have been infinitely happy with the results.
Memory Card
Have: Sandisk 64 GB SD card
With this card I can snap snap snap away without worrying that I don’t have enough space!
Carrying Bag
Have: Lowepro SlingShot 102 AW
Liebling and I both purchased Lowepro totes for our DSLRs eons ago, but I’ve since abandoned mine, preferring to carry my camera in a beautiful black leather bag I purchased when I went to Italy with my mom a few summers ago. Liebling still dutifully carries his camera in his Lowepro, though! While it’s not really my cup of tea, it does sling over the shoulder and across the body nicely, and the placement of the zippers mean that you can remove the camera from the bag easily. Maybe I should sell mine?
Computer
Have: 11-inch Macbook Air
Since getting it as a 30th birthday gift to myself back in 2012 (birthday gifts to yourself are important, right?!), my trusty Macbook Air has travelled with me to over 20 countries. At only 11- inches and less than 2.5 lbs, it’s actually small and light enough for me to carry in the Italian leather bag I mentioned above!
Photo storage
Have: WD Elements 1TB external hard drive
Procuring an external hard drive was imperative since I don’t have much storage space on my laptop. I ordered this one online on Amazon and have had no problems with it. Its download/upload speed is fast and with 1 terabyte (1024 gigabytes) of space, I can put all the pics on it I desire.
Have: Flickr account
I also upload a fair amount of my photos to Flickr. Uploading is easy and the social media buttons make it a breeze to share your photos all over the web if you so choose. I have a Flickr Pro account (around $25 USD a year) which means I have unlimited uploads, but to be honest I don’t think it’s worth it since a regular Flickr account allows users 1TB of space.
Photo editing programs
Have: Nada, zero, zilch
I am soooo late to the photo editing game! I rarely retouch my photos, mostly due to laziness; instead, I try to make the necessary adjustments on my camera first so that pictures come out to my liking right off the bat. Still, when I do want to add that extra oomph, I use the trusty (basic!) editing controls in iPhoto: I simply adjust the contrast and bump up the saturation. Easy peasy! One day, I’ll look into more sophisticated editing gear, but at the moment it’s not really a priority.
What type of camera do you use when you travel? Any recommendations for gear (particularly lenses for my DSLR)?
49 Comments
Nice write up ! I am like you, definitely a learner, getting better. I get hints from the hubby who is a pro photographer. Depending on where we go, l carry the Nikon D300s and he usually has the D7000 or vice versa. Lenses mostly used the fixed 50, 12-24 f4 (wide angle ) and the 18-55 2.8. I usually lug my stuff in an Italian leather bag, while he holds his straight up in his hand. He never feels it as he is used to carrying it like that on jobs. Sometimes, he’ll use his super heavy Nikon D2Xs( I try to discourage that). Your pictures look great..
Thanks Kemkem! What type of photography does he specialise in?
Fashion, editorial style is what he did for years. He also does wedding photography.
Back in 2011, I bought a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V for around $550 CDN (taxes in). It is a great bridge camera for those who don’t have the money to get a proper DLSR, but would like to shoot better photos than your regular “point and click” cameras. It has served me well these past 3 1/2 years, especially at World Cup 2014. However, with the Canon Rebel coming out last year, I expect bridge cameras to be a thing of the past in a couple more years as DSLRs are starting to becoming lighter and cheaper at the entry level.
For waterproof cameras, I use an Olympus TG3i. After doing some online reviews and price comparisons, it is probably the second best waterproof camera to get after a GoPro. But, if you aren’t doing enough “physical activities” to justify the expense of a GoPro, the Olympus TG3i will get the job done at around $350 CDN (early 2014 retail price). Plus, you can shoot some good HD video clips when needed.
Thanks for the recs! Amazing how much entry-level DSLRs have come down in price!
Excellent post! That was so helpful. I just may have some of these on my trip to Thailand next year. 🙂
Great post! I love travel photography and I don’t really edit my photos either! I HAVE to get a 10-22mm lens next!!
It’s an expensive lens but definitely worth it!
It’s useful to know which cameras and lenses you recommend! I’m currently on a bridge camera (Nikon P510) and a compact (Sony HX50) but I’d love to upgrade to a DSLR and the 600D has definitely come top of the wish list.
I’m with you on the photo editing front – I try to do a bit of editing but tend to concentrate on increasing contrast and saturation, as they have an instant impact. Also it seems a shame to edit a photo beyond recognition, as I want it to represent what I actually saw, rather than a super-airbrushed version of things.
I agree Polly! I’m not a fan of the HDR editing at all!
The camera bag is always a big problem for me. I really dislike the black bulky bags that you’re “supposed” to purchase for you camera. I have definitely seen your photography improve over the years! Getting a DSLR was a good choice, for sure!
Aww thanks Sarah!
This kinda falls under “gear” category…
My Mom bought a jacket online that she simply loved for travelling.
She sent me one, and while I am still learning where everything goes…I think I’m going to become a huge fan, and never travel again without it.
Just passing a tip on…I wish I had one on trips in the past.
I feel more secure than when I carry a purse or backpack.
It’s made by ScottEVest and the one I have is called “Molly”. Mom has the Womens TrenchCoat.
If anyone tries one, look for promo codes…you can usually find one for 20% off or more.
Also, the sleeves run on the long side…which is OK for me because I have long arms, but may be an issue if you don’t.
Oooh thanks for the info!
I use my Nikon D7000 for my travels, and so far I’m happy with it. For the blurry effect, I set it to aperture? It has many buttons that I’m still learning about, otherwise I put it to auto and some other settings (also pretty cool for night time photography)..
Yes!! Lower f-stop number on the Aperature Priority setting usually means “blurrier” photo. 🙂
Hey Oneika,
Excellent post!
That was so helpful. I use Canon 5D MK11 DSLR camera for my travel photography. As the camera is quite expensive therefore I generally hire it as the picture quality of this camera is just amazing.
And now I am even thinking of purchasing it 🙂
Cheers!!
Great post..as very detailed and gives specific information about what you guys using. Thanks !
your pictures are awesome!! and you have a cool write up!! good travel!! cheers!
Perfect ! Thank´s
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