Essential Camera Equipment for Every Traveling Journalist
In the world of travel journalism, having the right camera gear can make all the difference. Stephanie Vermillion, a seasoned travel journalist, shares her top recommendations for capturing compelling content in remote locations, from Greenland to the Galapagos.
Vermillion, who quit her communications job in 2018 to pursue her passion for travel journalism, recommends the GoPro Hero 12 for adventure travel journalists. Its durability and high-quality image and video capabilities make it an ideal choice for capturing rugged, action-packed moments.
For those just starting out, the Nikon Z50 and Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV are beginner camera options that offer excellent image quality and are ideal for travel journalists. A zoom lens with focal ranges about 28-70mm or 24-240mm is recommended for versatility.
When it comes to mirrorless cameras, Vermillion suggests the Fujifilm X-T5 as a leading choice for photojournalism and travel storytelling. Its superb image quality, fast autofocus, weather sealing, and ability to shoot high-res photos and 6.2K video make it a valuable tool for both photography and video content creation. For a compact premium option, the Fujifilm X100VI offers portability, a powerful fixed lens, and excellent image quality.
Action cameras like the GoPro Hero 13 Black are essential for extreme travel environments, while stabilization tools such as the DJI Osmo Mobile 6 gimbal ensure smooth video storytelling. Practical accessories like versatile tripods, extra batteries, and a quality camera backpack (e.g., Shimoda Urban Explore) help carry gear efficiently on the go.
Vermillion uses a memory card holder and 4TB SanDisk Extreme Portable SSDs for backing up her content while on the road. The Shimoda Explore V2 30 Liter backpack, created by outdoor adventure photographers, offers numerous pockets for staying organized and quickly accessing essentials, and has room for toiletries, a laptop, and other odds and ends a travel journalist might need.
For those looking to invest in a camera that can grow with them, the Sony A7III, A7RIV, and A7IV are recommended. Vermillion, who has accomplished feats such as writing a book for National Geographic and launching an astrotourism column with Outside Magazine, emphasizes the importance of original imagery in travel journalism. Many editors look for travel journalists who can provide unique, high-quality images to accompany their articles.
In summary, a travel journalist today benefits most from a mirrorless camera with excellent autofocus, image quality, and video capability, portable, rugged action cameras for adventure segments, stabilization accessories like gimbals for smooth video storytelling, and compact, flexible storage and transport solutions. This combination ensures the ability to capture compelling photos and videos reliably and creatively while traveling light and adapting quickly to different storytelling contexts.
- Stephanie Vermillion, a seasoned travel journalist, recommends the GoPro Hero 12 for adventure travel journalists due to its durability and high-quality image and video capabilities.
- For those just starting out, the Nikon Z50 and Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV are beginner camera options that offer excellent image quality and are ideal for travel journalists.
- Vermillion suggests the Fujifilm X-T5 as a leading choice for photojournalism and travel storytelling, praising its superb image quality, fast autofocus, weather sealing, and ability to shoot high-res photos and 6.2K video.
- Action cameras like the GoPro Hero 13 Black are essential for extreme travel environments, while stabilization tools such as the DJI Osmo Mobile 6 gimbal ensure smooth video storytelling.
- A quality camera backpack, such as the Shimoda Urban Explore, helps carry gear efficiently on the go, offering room for additional items like toiletries, a laptop, and other essentials for travel journalists.
