Lessons from My Cornwall Vlog

When it comes to editing, I rely on my Mac Mini M2, using either Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro. While I’ve experimented with mobile editing apps, they simply don’t offer the power and flexibility I need for my work. That’s why I prefer to dedicate my time away to enjoying the experience and capturing content, then handle the editing back in my home office where I have the full setup at my disposal. I’ll dive deeper into the topic of editing on the go—if you absolutely need to—in a later blog post. But for now, let’s focus on the tools that made capturing 4K video on my recent trip to Cornwall both efficient and enjoyable.

1. Power Management: Keep Everything Charged

When you’re on the move especially with a family, the last thing you want is to run out of juice. My first recommendation is simple but crucial: a reliable power strip with multiple USB chargers. I swear by the Duracell 30W fast charger, which has both USB-A and USB-C ports. I brought along four of these, which provided all the charging power I needed for my cameras and even my Chromebook. An added bonus for travelers: using a single mains adapter with the power strip means your setup remains consistent, no matter where in the world you are. This little trick keeps things straightforward and ensures you’re always ready to capture the moment.

2. Chromebook: The Unsung Hero of Data Management

My Chromebook+ copying 3 days of footage to the Samsung T7. Backup complete!

While a Chromebook might not be the first thing that comes to mind for video work, it’s actually an excellent tool for basic tasks and data transfers. These lightweight laptops have enough power to handle essential operations and come with multiple USB ports, making them ideal for backing up your footage. However, it’s important to note that a Chromebook isn’t up to the task of editing 4K video. If you need to edit on the go, you’ll want something more powerful, like a MacBook Air or a gaming laptop. But for my purposes—backing up camera footage from SD cards or my iPhone—the Chromebook was perfect. The fact that it charges via USB is another huge plus, especially when space and weight are at a premium.

3. USB-3 SD Card Reader: Don’t Skimp on Speed

The Kingston USB 3.2 Reader - available on Amazon

If you’re shooting in 4K, you’ll quickly realize that not all SD card readers are created equal. Investing in a high-quality USB-3 SD card reader is essential to keep your workflow smooth and efficient. I use the Kingston Pro Reader, which offers lightning-fast transfer speeds, saving me precious time that I’d rather spend filming than waiting. When you're dealing with large video files, every second counts, and a good SD card reader can make all the difference.

4. Solid State Drives: Reliable and Fast Storage

The T-7 Shield is waterproof, super fast, and reliable.

For storage, I rely on Samsung’s T7 and T5 SSDs. These drives are compact, rugged, and incredibly fast—perfect for backing up large amounts of data quickly. Each of my drives is 1TB, providing ample space for all the footage I shot over the week. One key tip: always use the original cable that comes with your SSD, as it can significantly impact transfer speeds. These drives are a must-have for any vlogger serious about protecting their footage.

5. iPhone Photo Stick: Effortless Backup on the Go

Another game-changer for managing my footage on this trip was the iPhone Photo Stick. This device plugs directly into your iPhone (or iPad) and automatically backs up your photos and videos with a single click. The accompanying app makes it easy to manage your backups, and it only transfers files that aren’t already stored on the stick, thanks to a handy transfer log. This means my iPhone isn’t crammed full of 4K videos, freeing up space and keeping my phone running smoothly. It’s a simple but effective solution for on-the-go backup, especially when you’re shooting a lot of content.

6. Zippy Bags: Organisation Made Easy

This cable bag was from Aldi or Lidl and was super cheap but does the job.

One of the most underrated tools in my kit is a pair of simple zippy bags. I found these handled bags at Aldi or Lidl and bought one in each color—white and black. The white one is dedicated to all things data: my SSDs, cables, and spare SD cards. This keeps all my data-related gear in one place, easy to find and protected.

The black zippy bag, on the other hand, is reserved for anything related to attaching a camera to something else. This includes GoPro mounts, magnetic mic attachments, and tripod heads for my cameras and iPhone. The system ensures that I know exactly what goes in each bag and makes packing for a shoot or day out a breeze. At the end of the day, I can easily account for all my gear, clean it off (especially from sand or salt), and pack it away for the next adventure.

Conclusion

This combination of tools and organization strategies made my Cornwall trip not just enjoyable but incredibly productive. By focusing on the essentials and keeping everything organized, I was able to capture high-quality 4K video without the hassle of lugging around unnecessary gear. Whether you’re vlogging on a family vacation or documenting a professional project, these tips will help you streamline your setup and stay focused on what really matters—telling your story.

6 Essential Tools for Capturing 4K Video on the Go