Whether you’re making a YouTube video or just documenting memories, good camera and sound equipment can be just as important as any other piece of camping gear.
With technology advancing by the day, most modern smartphones can produce great photos and videos. Still, a dedicated camera, microphone, or drone can offer even more possibilities to up your game.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
I have been using this phone to take all of my photos and at least half of my video footage for the last year or so. It offers plenty of photo options, such as panorama, hyperlapse, slow-motion, and my personal favorite: night mode. It also shoots 4K video, and the sound comes out amazing. Compared to previous phones I’ve used for my YouTube production, this one has been the best by far. Unfortunately, the S25 is out now, so this one is being phased out, but you can still get an unlocked version on Amazon and other places.
GoPro Hero 10 Black
I got this camera a couple of years ago when I first decided to do the YouTube thing. Since then, I’ve upgraded it with several accessories, including a media mod, a light mod, a max lens mod, a display mod, and a few others. I use it mainly for 4K video, and so far it has worked well for me, and I recommend getting the enduro batteries if you use this camera. Unfortunately, as with most things, something new always comes along. The Hero 13 is the current product, but if you decide to upgrade, nearly all of the older accessories are compatible.
Hoverair X1 Flying Camera
A very recent purchase, so I haven’t used it much yet, but so far, I can see it will be a good addition to my gear. The company advertises this product as a flying camera, and from what I can see, it’s meant to differentiate it from the newer model, which is a legitimate drone. That said, this is an awesome product. It has several built-in default modes, but more are available to select in the app. It can follow, hover, and perform a bird’s-eye view, all in HD, and it folds up nice and small. There are a few drawbacks, though. The device relies heavily on your phone; for example, if you want it to record audio, it uses the phone’s microphone. If you want to use a non-default mode, you have to do it through the app. Something else is the limitations. It will only go up a max of fifty feet, but they recommend no more than thirty feet, and it will not go over water. It also has only roughly eleven minutes of flight time on a single battery charge. I lucked out and found a bundle that includes five batteries, so that helps some. There are also some extra accessories, such as a beacon and joysticks that pair with your phone to make it more like a traditional drone. But, overall, I still really like the product, and it will work for what I need. I recommend checking it out.
Lavalier Wireless Microphone
After making a few videos and hearing how inconsistent the audio was, I decided I needed a microphone. I found this on Amazon, and it wasn’t too expensive. It came with two microphones and a receiver that can be used with USB-C, Lightning, and 3.5 mm jacks on a camera. I have used it several times, but I’m not sure whether it is poor quality or operator error; the sound quality is not the best. The item I originally purchased isn’t even available now, so I’d avoid it if you see it or something similar.
BOYA Magic Mini Microphones
Another very new purchase, so I haven’t used it too much, but it is a huge upgrade to the last microphone I bought. To say versatile is an understatement. This kit comes with two mics, two receivers (or three if you get the lightning version), a charging case, and several wind covers. The cool thing is that when at least one mic is placed in the charging case, it can be a handheld microphone. Everything about this product is of good quality, with one exception: the camera receiver has to clip to something and connects via a short cord, but it’s not a huge issue. You can also purchase a tripod for when the mic is handheld. So far, it seems like a nice product.
