Nat Are you planning your next big trip and want to upgrade your photography/videography game? Or maybe you are just starting out in the travel blogging business. Or even perhaps, you are like me, a traveler who has always enjoyed capturing the most incredible adventures and experiences but never knew where to start in transforming your photos into mobile experiences for your viewers. In this post, Ultimate Digital Gear for Beginner Travelers, I will share my favorite digital gear and gadgets that are great options for beginners AND tenured vagabonds just needing a bit of an upgrade!
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iPhone 12 Pro or Newer
Your phone is the quickest and easiest way to capture photos and videos when on the road. I recommend an Apple iPhone Pro, 12th Generation or newer, with a least 128GB storage. Higher storage is best if you plan to be creating/capturing a lot of content.
With the Pro versions you have multiple high-quality camera options. Wide camera photos and videos are very trendy right now and having this lens option on your phone is critical for creating mass content for your social media pages or blog!
GoPro Hero 9 or Newer
My GoPro is one of my favorite gadgets to film with! They’re waterproof, user friendly, and capture high-quality action videos that you can’t get with any other device. The ability to capture videos while snorkeling or swimming is one of my favorite parts of traveling.
GoPro Hero cameras continue to get better as well, but I recommend purchasing the GoPro Hero 9 or newer for the additional features like HyperSmooth Stabilization, app/wifi connectivity, 5K video and more.
HyperSmooth stabilization makes the world of a difference in the turn-out of your action shots. No one likes a shaky video!
GoPro Accessories
There are a million accessories that you can purchase for your GoPros, so I recommend starting with a cheaper GoPro accessory kit that includes extra clips, holders, selfie sticks, floatation attachments, etc.
If you plan to use your GoPro for underwater shots, I highly recommend investing in a floatation attachment up front. The cameras WILL sink if you drop them, SHOCKER!
GoPro Extra Batteries and Charging Port
While the batteries can last for many hours, you don’t want to get caught with a dead battery right before your most epic shot! The extra GoPro batteries and charging ports are worth the investment and you will be grateful for having the backups on hand!
Photo captured with GoPro Hero9
Canon EOS Digital SLR Camera
The Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras are great for beginners! They are easy to learn and take great quality pictures. This camera can also take videos and is relatively light-weight compared to alternatives!
There are many great camera kits that you can purchase, but make sure that you have a padded camera bag for transporting your equipment. Most often, your camera will come with a carrying bag but I had to buy a larger bag to fit my extra accessories and lens.
SD Cards
Just like having an extra battery for your GoPro on hand, you should always have a back up memory card! I prefer the SanDisk Memory cards, but there are multiple options. Just keep in mind that some cameras will require specific kinds of memory cards (example: Drones may need “Extreme Pro” versus “Ultra“), so make sure to double check your camera’s requirements before you purchase!
Portable Chargers
Regardless of the extra batteries, make sure to always pack a portable charger for your phone or other devices! I have used various Anker Portable Chargers over the years and have always been pleased with the ease of use, fast charging, and slim designs that don’t take up too much room in my bags. They are reliable and have lasted me many years!
DJI Mavic Mini Drone
Footage from a drone is one of the coolest ways to capture epic landscapes and action shots. While some can be pretty pricey, the DJI Mavic Mini Drones are fantastic for beginners!
When starting out, make sure that you practice controlling the drone in a wide open space so that you don’t accidentally crash it and lose your new toy! Unfortunately, it is illegal to fly drones within a certain distance of any airports or over federal lands (like National Parks). With the DJI app, you will be able to see if your current location falls into a no-fly zone.
You will also need to register your drone in most countries, so double check your destination’s laws prior to packing for the trip. Lugging a drone around without the ability to fly it is NOT fun!
How and When To Build Your Digital Gear for Beginners Suite
While having all of these products, or versions thereof, is ideal, try starting with upgrading one or two of your cameras and build from there!
For example, I would recommend starting with your phone. It is the easiest way to snap a quick photo or video AND you get to use it on a daily basis! Sounds like the obvious choice, right?!
Next, I would recommend investing in a GoPro. They’re not only waterproof, but nearly indestructible, too! Since they can fit in the palm of your hand, they do not take up much room in your bags and make for a great travel camera.
Following the GoPro is a high-quality professional camera. Do your research and find an option that has the functionality you are looking for, while staying within your budget.
Lastly, purchasing a drone should be your final major investment. With no-fly zones and other strict requirements around the flying of drones, you will want to time your purchase so that you don’t buy one prematurely. Also, they take some serious practice!
To wrap it all up
Regardless of what you choose to have in your travel gear arsenal, capturing the memories and experiences you make while exploring is the ultimate goal. Meaning, in most cases, the best camera is the one you already have. Just get out there and start!
Travel safety is the most important thing to consider when planning a trip. Read Top 30 Most Important Safety Tips for Female Travelers for more information about how to be proactive about your safety while abroad!
