I get asked about my gear a lot, so here I'll share what I use day to day on cruises (chargers and such) as well as what I use to capture my cruises and create content. Traveling every month or two for cruises and other trips, I think I've got things pretty well-optimized, so perhaps this can help others. I've included links to the exact pieces of gear on Amazon so you can up your game and share your adventures!
Video Cameras & Phone
Some video I record on my phone, and phones are very personal, and what platform you prefer, iOS vs Android, is just that - preference. My primary phone is a Pixel 11 Pro, but I change devices often and have backups. The important qualities are optical image stabilization (OIS) to keep videos from being shaky, and water resistance because...beach, pool, rain, etc. Something that's a bit better on this phone than some past models is the front-facing camera, though in general those are still not great in low light, and aren't well stabilized. Ultimately, my phone is always in my pocket, and the best camera is the one you have on it.
Increasingly, for less spontaneous filming, I use an Osmo Pocket 3. That's a pocket-sized camera and gimbal combination that captures really high-quality video without the need for external grips or stabilization. As a nice bonus, it has a built in receiver for some of the wireless mics I use.
Sometimes I need something a bit special, like a waterproof action camera for snorkeling. Right now I use an original DJI Osmo Action, but I should probably upgrade it soon as we've made major tech advancements in this style of camera. Once in a while, like in clips from my RIB boat right through the Norwegian fjords, I use an Insta 360 camera so I can just take it out and worry about exactly which direction I'm shooting later.
Microphones
For a lot of content, a good mic is more important than a good camera, because if people can't hear what you're saying, or the sound is irritating, the video just doesn't matter. I've used a number of mics over the years, but these days I mostly use a DJI Mic 2 and a DJI Mic Mini. Either of these can connect via an external receiver, but they can also be connected to a phone via Bluetooth, and they both connect seamlessly with my Osmo Pocket 3. At times I also use RØDE Wireless Go 2 set, and for voiceovers I use a Blue Yeti.
A very commonly-overlooked accessory (which comes with the mics I mentioned, fortunately) are wind screens. If you're outside with even a small amount of wind, not using a wind screen (aka wind sock or 'dead cat') will make it impossible to hear what you're saying. They can be taken off, as you wouldn't generally need them indoors, but it doesn't hurt anything, either.
Miscellany
Of course there is lots of other gear. Once in a while I need a tripod, and usually use a Manfrotto Compact Tripod as it's very compact and stable. For recording at home or in cabins I have a few external lights, but my favorite is a small rechargeable light that I can set to any color and level of brightness to either fill shadows or create background effects.
USB Power
So much of what we use now powered by or charged by USB - and that makes life a lot easier. The majority of the cables, chargers and batteries I use are from Anker or UGreen. There are cheaper accessories out there, but for things I plug into expensive phones, cameras, and laptops, and batteries that could be a fire risk, I don't cheap out. Another important thing to note is that the chargers I use are dual voltage, so with an inexpensive adaptor, I can use them in the 220V outlets on ships, as well as shoreside when visiting other countries.
I carry two USB-C chargers. Why two? I have a lot of devices, and I like redundancy. Both of them are powerful enough to charge up my laptop, phone, and another device, and they have three ports for splitting that workload. They're also GaN - which is just a technology that allows them to be smaller and generate less heat.
I have three batteries of different sizes:
- a small magsafe battery from Baseus that sticks on the back of my phone for a small boost
- a pocket-sized Anker pack that has a built in cable and other ports, so I can charge up two devices at once
- a larger batter pack that can charge my phone a couple of times - or even my laptop. This Anker pack stays in my backpack.
Quality cables are important (high enough data transfer speeds, and high enough current ratings). Most of mine are 100 watt cables, though some of my smaller ones are 60 watt. The real MVP though? This splitter cable from Anker that let's me charge two devices with one cable.
Toting It All Around
Bags are, I think, a remarkably personal preference. The style, the function, and what you need it for all weigh on this. For me, I'm a huge fan of Timbuk2 bags. I have their luggage, laptop bags, accessories, etc.
I use a Timbuk2 Classic Messenger bag (XS) as my day bag when out in port, and this is also what I use to carry around and store my gear. It's waterproof, has multiple compartments, is comfortable, and available in many different styles. If you ever see a guy holding a phone, wearing this bag, come say hi.
What's in your bag?
Let us know what you carry around on vacation, and how you carry it. Who knows, maybe one of your suggestions will lead me to update this article for new and improved streaming gear!
*Note that many of the links in this post are affiliate links. That just means if you buy something from one of these merchants, after clicking my link, I get a small percentage. It helps keep the lights on, the site up, and the gear fresh - so thanks!
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