The Best Tools & Cameras for Content Creators
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What makes a good photograph? A beautiful, thought-provoking or jaw-dropping picture is only made possible by the photographer. You don’t need to have a degree in photography or the most expensive camera equipment to be able to take amazing photos. Sure it can help, but the true success behind an image comes from the person behind the lens. A great photographer has an eye for composition, contrast, detail, colour and storytelling.
Fortunately, in 2022, there are so many options available when it comes to the best cameras for content creators. For a lot of creators, it’s your iPhone. But for those looking to take their photography and videos to the next level, you should consider upgrading to a DSLR. While you can take amazing photos with an iPhone 13 Pro Max, you can never compare to the quality and richness of a picture taken with a DSLR.
Personally, I love using both my iPhone and full-frame camera, as well as an array of gadgets, accessories and tripods to help me capture the best content possible. Whether that’s filming sunrise from a mountain peak or photographing a global campaign for a major tech brand.
Below are my top tools & camera recommendations for content creators.
Camera & Accessories Recommendations
My camera: Canon EOS 6D Mark II
I’ve used Canon cameras & lenses for over 15 years. I’m incredibly brand loyal and have never been disappointed with their products. I highly recommend the Canon EOS 6D MK II as a great all-rounder camera.
It has an intuitive touch screen (great for when you need your friend/mum/partner to take your photos) and is perfect for a first full-frame DSLR purchase.
I’ve been using this camera model for nearly 5 years now and don’t see the need to upgrade anytime soon. I use this camera for all the photos you see on my Instagram and blog.
Canon 50mm f/1.4 Lens
I bloody love THIS lens – not only is it affordable and great value for money, it produces truly beautiful photographs. If you’ve always wanted to create photos with depth and that blurry background, aka “bokeh”, then this lens is going to be your best friend. I use it mostly for food/drink, accessory (watches/jewellery/handbags) & detail shots.
Note: with a 50mm lens, the focal length is “fixed” meaning you can’t zoom in or out, you simply have to take a step back or forward to get closer or further from a subject. The longer your focal length, the shallower the depth of field (more background blur).
Compare the two images below. In the image where the flowers are in focus, you’ll notice the background is blurred as well as light reflections appearing as circles/hexagons/octagons, this is referred to as “bokeh”. In the other image, the coffee cup is in focus and the foreground (flowers at the front) are out of focus/blurred. This adds depth and interest to an image.
Canon 16–35mm f/2.8 Lens
This is my go-to lens for just about everything. The Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens has an ultra-wide angle lens which is perfect for fitting as much detail as possible within a frame. I love using this lens for travel photography, interior/hotel shots or group shots.
I previously owned the f/4 version of this lens which is almost half the price of my current one. However, I have found the f2.8 gives that extra bit of light exposure which is super helpful when shooting in the evening or inside rooms with low light.
Below are some examples of photos I’ve taken with this lens. Even in small spaces (like my tiny London flat), with this wide angle lens you’re able to capture as much of the room as possible. It’s also great for travel shots, capturing the full landscape/view.
Smartphone Gimbal Stabiliser
I always get asked how my Reels/TikToks look so smooth. This is my secret. Attach your iPhone/Android to THIS gimbal and you’ll be able to effortlessly film those smooth & silky movements. It also has an inbuilt tripod and selfie stick, making it perfect for travel. We love a multipurpose gadget. This is a must-have if you’re serious about content creation.
Click here to learn more about how I film & edit my Reels/TikToks.
Drone
In 2022 I finally bit the bullet and ordered a drone in order to take my travel photography & video content creation to the next level and I wish I invested in one a lot sooner! Drones seem intimidating, however this DJI Mini 3 Pro drone is so easy to use, after watching a quick tutorial on Youtube I was flying my drone in no time. It’s lightweight, films horizontally and vertically (perfect for Instagram Reels/TikTok videos) and captures everything in 4k/60fps (the best setting for high-quality content).
If you’re looking at getting this drone, I highly recommend purchasing the DJI Mini 3 Pro Fly More Kit which comes with an additional 2 batteries (each battery typically lasts 34 minutes so you’ll want as many on hand when you’re on location) as well as a shoulder carry bag, charging hub and spare propellers (essential).
Tripod
This is my ride-or-die tripod. I’ve had this tripod for 5 years and it’s still going strong. I can mount both my iPhone and Canon camera to this tripod. Most iPhone tripods won’t be able to hold the weight of a full-frame camera, so it’s important to invest in a solid tripod so you don’t risk damaging your camera.
My favourite feature of this tripod? You can film horizontally from a “bird’s eye view” with an extendable arm that can rotate 360°. This is perfect for photographing flatlays and recipe videos etc from above (see photo example below)
Tripods under £20
Sometimes I really can’t be arsed lugging my DSLR camera round, so I end up filming a lot of my content on my iPhone. In these instances, I prefer using a lightweight tripod. A gorilla tripod is extremely handy as you can wrap the “legs” around poles/signs/door frames, perfect for travel as it folds down small. Here are my recommendations for Smartphone tripods under £20.
Photography Backpack
The WANDRD photography backpack is the G.O.A.T. The design is beautiful, functional AND comfortable. There is a quick-access camera pocket (my favourite feature) as well as pockets for your lenses, SD cards, spare batteries, laptop, water bottle and tripod. It’s available in a few different colours and a timeless, minimal design.
I always bring this backpack on board flights for peace of mind that my camera equipment + laptop won’t ever go missing in transit. I have the 21L size which is perfect for carrying all my camera equipment along with a spare change of clothes/shoes.
Editing Filters
Having the right gear & right eye for photography is only 50% of the job. The true magic happens in post-production. You can take a photo from zero to hero using Adobe Lightroom to edit on your mobile or computer. I’ve previously partnered with Adobe and made some editing tutorials here.
I’ve also created a range of Lightroom Presets that you can use to transform your images in just one simple click. Think of them as Instagram filters – but MUCH better! You can also use my presets to edit your videos. Use code ‘BLOG’ for a cheeky 10% off.
Polarising Lens Filter
A polarising lens filter is essential for travel photography. With this lens, you won’t have to worry about the sky being overexposed or appearing white in photos. It also helps create deeper/richer colours, better contrast and eliminates sun flares/reflections. They come in multiple sizes to fit the lenses you own.
ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES
– a fast loading SD Memory Card
– SD card reader so you can transfer your photos on your laptop/computer
– a drop resistant External Hard Drive to store all your photos & videos
– spare camera batteries
– a waterproof phone case for taking underwater photos
– a stylish leather camera strap
xx Kelsey
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