Cameras, Photography Gear, Video and Webcams

If you're going to go mirrorless you might as well consider one that's small.  Most lose the "size" advantage with lenses, but the Canon M50 has it all.  Also, it's phenomenal for video and is extremely intuitive.

This lens is an amazing match for the Canon M50; and is as good as it gets for travel.  Possibly start with this.

Canon EW-43 Lens Hood

Consider the Sigma 16mm as a "better" choice for video, but less versatile.

You may want to consider one or two extra batteries; especially when traveling.  This is one of the challenges of smaller cameras although it's not a terrible thing.  Especially important if using this great camera for video.

This particular SanDisk Extreme PRO SDHC card does it all and 64GB is a lot of space.  Many prefer a few of these to one even larger card.  I tend to have 3 on hand at all times.  Consider This Card Reader for downloading.

This is an amazing bag.  Fits everything, is super-durable, very stylish and is a great size for most things.  The zippered pockets really top it off.  I've found that smaller is slightly too small and larger is just too big.  This one is just right.

Boost saturation and contrast (and reduce haze and reflections) for rich landscape and sky colors in bright sunlight.  Rotate clockwise (to not unscrew) for desired effect.  Select the correct size for your lens.

This is a stunning option.  Possibly all that you'll ever need and a tremendous value.  Just be sure to turn the image stabilization off on your lens when on a tripod.  Superior lever-lock design and extends to 59.45".  15.75" closed.

A revolutionary device for handheld vlogging or when needing a small travel tripod.  Brilliantly engineered for outstanding function and ease of carry.  Use with or without a ball head.  Extremely versatile and handy.

The industry standard for consumer mics that produce superior audio.  Very user-friendly.  Consider This Windshield for filming outdoors.  The instruction is excellent, but also check out my blog post on DSLR/Mirrorless Video.

This is worth it (if you don't mind the high cost).  Use your camera's White Balance settings or do a Custom WB to calibrate your camera to mixed lighting for spectacular results.  It's easy and periodically important.

An external hard drive is not a bad idea for backup and this is a great option.  They all say to get at least 2 TBs.  More seems like a little overkill.  Compatible with Windows.  Requires a simple reformatting for Mac.

The SpyderX Pro calibrates your computer's monitor to the room's lighting for accurate colors.  An extremely cool device and is very simple and precise.  Essential if you get into shooting in RAW one day.

This is an outstanding camera for more of a "video" focus.  For improved audio (although the built-in audio isn't terrible) consider the Rode VideoMicro or the equally outstanding Rode Wireless GO.  Ideal for vlogging.

The camera comes with USB charging.  Some (like me) prefer a charger.  With this kit you get an extra battery plus a nice charger (designed for travel).  You get about an hour of life when recording in 4K.  A third battery isn't a bad idea.

This 2 light kit is probably the best value of all time for video lighting.  Two 24"x24" softboxes each with an 85W 5500K (which is perfect) CFL bulb and stand.  Comes with carrying case and is everything that most will ever need.

Mounts on tripod to hold your phone horizontally or vertically.  Versatile mounting options and has a cold shoe.

For seamless mounting onto a traditional ball head.  Perfect size that makes for a very clean and tidy fit.

Not 100% required, but does improve your modern iPhone's audio.  The non-L VideoMic Me is for other phones.

The quintessential webcam to keep it simple, high quality and great value.  A nice update to the C920.

Tremendous for those wishing to add 4K, zooming capability, HDR and low light.  Sort of AWESOME.

A very significant upgrade to your webcam or computer microphone.  Super easy and highly recommended.

A great and relatively simple-to-operate full-frame mirrorless camera.  Features the most modern DIGIC X processor for amazing high ISO/low light performance.  Just outstanding in every way and my next camera. 

I do like my prime lenses and 50mm on a full-frame is a nice place to start.  Zooms are convenient, but prime-lens image quality is normally better.  Very small, lightweight and ideal for travel.

Canon ES-65B Lens Hood

I know what I said about prime lenses, but the image quality from this zoom is no slouch.  Covers a very useful range.  Wouldn't be terrible to go through life with just a standard lens and this (to cover much of the telephoto range).

This would be "the" range for Ultra Wide Angle to Wide/Standard.  A large aperture isn't always essential so being able to go to f/4.0 is usually perfect.  Still expensive, but not as bad as if it were f/2.8.  AWESOME for landscapes.

I'm going to declare this the best portrait lens on the entire planet.  Is this lens necessary? - yes it is.  Glad you asked.  Great for a variety of uses.  Is a little large, heavy and expensive; and very much worth it in every way.

Amazingly light and "compact" (for what it is) telephoto lens.  Fixed at f/11 (which is fine for outside in good light).  Has IS, but can't hurt to keep your shutter speed at 1/800 or faster.

Canon ET-101 Lens Hood