Why I Still Travel With a Real Camera (And Not Just a Vlogging Setup).

Apr 29

I’ve been traveling with a camera for most of my life. It has always been close by, whether around my neck, tucked into a backpack, or crammed into a carry-on next to a hoodie and some snacks.

These days, I’m older and not as excited to carry the heavy gear I used to haul around. Going lighter and being more intentional with my setup just makes more sense. I picked up the Fujifilm X-S20 and, eventually, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. Both are compact, travel-friendly and still give me the creative control I want.

But even now, I still pack “real” camera gear. Cameras that make me pause pay attention to the light and create purposefully. There’s a quote I’ve heard, though I can’t remember who said it, that the best camera is the one you have with you. I get that. But for me, it’s also about choosing the right camera, not just what happens to be in my hand.

I use the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 to capture what most people would probably call my ordinary, sometimes boring life. It’s quick to set up, super stable with its built-in gimbal, and works great whether I’m filming in a noisy market or grabbing a clip of a quiet morning coffee. It’s small, discreet, and makes me look like just another tourist recording memories. And that’s kind of the point.

I rotate through a few favorites for still photography and more cinematic b-rolls. The Fujifilm X-S20, paired with either the XF16mm f/1.4 or the Viltrox 13mm f/1.4, gives me that signature Fuji look I love. The Nikon Zf with the Z 40mm f/2 is the latest addition to my kit, and I’ve already started shooting differently because of it. Both cameras have a vintage design that feels good in my hands and makes me want to go out and explore.

Each tool does something different, but they all make me see better. When I carry a camera, I move differently. I stop more often. I look longer. I want to create. That’s also why I usually shoot in black and white. It strips away distractions and helps me focus on shape, light, and emotion.

This blog isn’t about specs or pixel-peeping. I’m not here to debate resolutions or sensor sizes. I’m more interested in how tools affect creativity. I carry what inspires me, what challenges me, and what helps me stay present while I travel.

The bottom line is simple.

I still travel with a real camera.

And I probably always will.