Navigating the Vlogging Voyage: Gear Trials in the Heart of St. Ives
Embarking on a picturesque journey to St. Ives, Cornwall, with my family, I set out to meticulously test a variety of camera setups for our bigger adventure that is percolating in my brain.
This wasn’t just a holiday; it was a mission to unearth the ultimate travel vlog setup that blends quality, convenience, and agility. Over several days, I explored the capabilities of different camera and microphone configurations, each with their own day in the spotlight. This comprehensive examination led to a revelatory setup that promises to redefine solo travel vlogging.
The Contenders and Their Trials
iPhone 13 Pro
The iPhone 13 Pro, with its array of four lenses, stands as a testament to mobile photography and videography excellence. Its 4K shooting capabilities across the board—be it slow-mo or standard video—paired with good sound quality in calm environments, highlighted its versatility. However, its prowess was initially marred by cumbersome footage offloading processes and the looming shadow of limited battery life.
Enter the Shiftcam Pro Grip
The introduction of the Shiftcam Pro Grip was a game-changer for the iPhone setup. Priced at £129 (approximately $170 USD), this accessory not only enhanced the ergonomic handling of the iPhone, making prolonged shooting sessions a breeze, but also introduced an innovative solution to the battery dilemma with its wireless charging capability. The Pro Grip, with its Bluetooth connectivity, allowed for seamless operation and integration, fitting the iPhone and DJI Mic's receiver snugly and offering a level of comfort and control previously unattainable in mobile vlogging.
The DJI Action 2
DJI Action 2
Compact and versatile, it gives a great image. The fact that it’s so small is a major bonus, but the top section (attaches with clips and magnets - very cleverly) the DJI Action 2’s modular design allowed for a unique adaptability in capturing footage.
Despite its impressive stabilisation and image quality, the action camera faced challenges with internal storage with file naming and creation dates always being set to the year 2000 when you copy from the top camera section to the media / battery base.
Sony ZV-1 & Rode Wireless II Mic
Sony ZV-1 with SmallRig grip
Aimed squarely at vloggers, the Sony ZV-1, with its eye-tracking autofocus and high-quality video output, seemed promising. Yet, the logistical headaches of managing battery swaps—exasperated by the poorly designed placement of the battery door—and the complexities of external audio adjustments with the Rode Wireless II Mic cast shadows over its practicality for on-the-go content creation.
The Breakthrough: Dual USB-C and Lightning USB Stick
I was skeptical … but it works well!
A pivotal moment in this journey was the discovery of a dual USB-C and Lightning USB stick, addressing a significant pain point in using the iPhone for content creation. This device revolutionized the offloading process, transforming what was once a tedious and unreliable task into a streamlined and dependable routine. No longer was I hindered by partial exports or failed transfers, ensuring every piece of footage was securely backed up and ready for post-production. This solved a major issue if you film on an iPhone but edit on a PC which lacks the “airdrop” function or just prefer your media to be in one place.
The Verdict
After extensive testing and consideration, the setup combining the iPhone 13 Pro, DJI Wireless Mic, Shiftcam Pro Grip, and the dual USB-C and Lightning USB stick emerged as the unparalleled champion for solo travel vlogging. This configuration not only tackled the inherent challenges of mobile content creation but also elevated the experience with its blend of ergonomic design, audio-visual quality, and innovative solutions for battery life and media management.
Why This Setup Triumphed
iPhone 13 Pro & DJI Wireless Mic: Provided a robust foundation of high-quality video and audio.
Shiftcam Pro Grip: Addressed ergonomic and battery life concerns, enhancing the usability and endurance of the iPhone setup.
Dual USB-C Lightning USB Stick: Solved the critical issue of media offloading, making it a seamless part of the workflow. The app works - and when it didn’t it was the iPhone requiring an update to the latest iOS.
Final Reflections
This exploration in St. Ives brought to light a setup that promises to transform the landscape of solo travel vlogging. It’s a testament to the idea that with the right tools, capturing the essence of our travels can be both an effective and enriching experience. The combination of the iPhone 13 Pro’s versatility, the DJI Wireless Mic’s audio clarity, the ergonomic and charging innovations of the Shiftcam Pro Grip, and the simplicity brought by the dual USB-C and Lightning USB stick, represents a new horizon for content creators. It underscores the beauty of simplicity, efficiency, and the power of innovation in the pursuit of storytelling.
The DJI Pocket 3
I want one… but can’t order one!
Can the (out of stock at time of writing) DJI pocket 3 outdo this powerful vlogging setup? Well, I might get one in a couple of months and find out!
