traveling light with photo and video gear

[@OneMonthTwoCameras]

This is what my dreams are made of. Alas, someday I will have such discipline.

[@mattdayphoto]

I still miss having all of the options from time to time!

[@bobsykes]

I knew I would relate just from the thumbnail. I’m glad KEH still sponsors you, not only so you can still make these videos, but also because you shop and sell links have saved me a ton over the years with all the gear I’ve both bought and sold to them. Their screening and rating process is second to none. Thank you, Matt!

[@mattdayphoto]

I'm glad to hear that! Thank you for using the links, they support the channel as well. Truly appreciate it!

[@andrewreynolds1217]

I find that when I take more equipment I spend too much time deciding, especially if I think I need to take film and digital equipment. Nice video and definitely some good thoughts on this topic, the struggle is real.

[@gregwardecke]

One of your more helpful videos. This is not to diminish ANYTHING previous but to highlight how insightful this video is. Thank you for sharing.

[@eklevmyr]

My packing light starts with, "I'll just take this camera." it usually devolves into "well, I'll need this battery/film, and maybe this camera in case, and this strap, and this....." Guess I didn't need to bring clothes too. Sounds like you have the same process.

[@wbhub]

100% agree. My go-to travel setup is iPhone for video and the Nikon FM2 with a couple lenses for photography.

[@marcusnz232]

I was recently away in Europe. Took an M11, 35 Apo Summicron, 50 Summilux (which I didn’t use even once) and an iPhone 15 PM. It made for a delightful trip compared to the 17kg of DSLR gear I used to lug!! I didn’t even take a laptop. I used the phone as storage and for editing in Lightroom Mobile.

[@photoholic6369]

I fully agree to your approach ! The more gear I take with me , the more I loose fun and creativity ... despite the weight it is always distracting to stop, took the lens away or to search the filter or whatever !

[@stevenjohnson9714]

One camera, one lens, no bag, and only what I can fit in my pockets is almost always the most productive for me.

[@anthonymiller8979]

That is me most of the time. I may carry a tiny bag that just holds the camera and attached lens just so it is out of sight if I decide to hit a store or eatery while out. Don't like a bare camera hanging off my neck or sitting on a table if I am doing other things.

[@ChrisLawrence]

Went iphone + MP (analog) about 2-3 years ago after realizing the burden of all this gear in terms of cost, weight & energy and how that combo can pull you out of the moment. These two for me are the ideal balance in terms of not spending on another digital Leica M, then seeing one of the two go under-used. Phone for high quality stills/video in a way no digital camera can compete with in terms of the speed + accessibility factor. MP around the neck to slow life down and retain that tactile, physical eventually meets digital documentation. Amazing combo. Amazing we have all these options.

[@sleepcountry.U.S.A.]

Leica M10 with a 35mm and a Ricoh GRiiiX is my go to. Both fit in a tiny bag and stay out of the way!

[@pixelmixture3067]

the last dji pocket 3 is a game changer in term of video ... i'm amazed by the results and the ease of use and lightness

[@northwestdepressed]

Just did a trip to San Diego last weekend, and I thought I scaled down my packing, but I definitely brought too much gear. Packing a camera for video, along with additional batteries and a mic, that weighs you down so much already. On top of that I brought a 35mm camera, a digicam, a tripod and to top it off a Pentax 6x7. Definitely over kill, but I had fun and I was able to capture the photos I had planned in the style I wanted them in. Next trip though, I'll pack lighter. Mostly because my arm is still sore from carrying around the Pentax.

[@ashzhu3085]

Looks like DJI pocket 3 will be a perfect middle ground where simplicity meets quality

[@carljones9560]

Good points made about minimal kit for travel, scouting out new projects, etc. How much storage do you guys recommend with the new iPhone Pro Max? 256GB; is the extra $$$ worth it for 512GB? It all depends, I know. Plus there's iCloud storage. Film shooter with an old iPhone 6s but time to upgrade. Never thought much about video but new features starting to pique my interest. Thanks.

[@Leftf0otforward]

Great video! I had a similar dilemma when I started making videos for my channel! I use an SL2s for work videos and wanted to make videos for myself and quickly realized iPhone and a mic was the best option. I was thoroughly surprised at how efficient and fun it was to shoot b-roll with the phone and focus on making photos without having to juggle 2 or more cameras

[@olivierparlonsweb4973]

Yes i like it ! My light setup is 1 a6000 with a 35mm pancake (photo) + osmo pocket Or Mju II + osmo pocket Or Instax wide 100 + osmo pocket. Be light it’s the best way to go everywhere

[@MurrayMcMillan73]

Great video as always Matt. I used to be a guy who took lots of photography gear on trips, I once took all my Sony gear, Leica Q2, and iPhone on holiday. I’ve changed of late, two weeks ago I went to Prague with my Q2, and iPhone. I’ve got an iPhone 15 Pro Max arriving tomorrow and I’m already considering trying it for photography for a month, nothing else.

[@therealchickentender]

This is exactly where I landed a few years ago after struggling with choice (and often using little or none of it) ... The only addition I make regularly is one small 6x9 or 6x6 old 120 film folding camera (I shoot Frankas) for those occasional color medium-format moments. So compact when not using I often forget which zipper or pouch I packed it in. :)

[@MulliganAl]

Matt, it took me years and many trips to realize that I didn't need to lug around my a7rv with a large assortment of lenses and my laptop, it was killing my back and I hated being pulled out of line by TSA as they fumbled through all my gear. Now I travel with my Leica m11P a 28mm & 50mm, my X100VI, and my iPhone, (on long trips I'll bring an iPad) and since I'm in my 60s my back is so much happier and I don't feel like I'm missing much of anything. Also, weight is a major issue with many airlines around the world and some will limit you and make you take items out of your carry-on bags and put them in your checked bags.

[@remainhungry]

Spoken like a true G! Good insight and quality advice right here

[@wearetrackclub]

Nice perspective! Really insightful talk. Def a great approach to go with 👌

[@KeeeeenW]

I have done a few domestic trip with my M6 + iPhone this year. I also tried Rolleiflex 2.8F + iPhone recently in NYC. I don't shoot videos. For photos, the one film camera + iPhone setup is very nice because I can take random photos with my iPhone without worrying about wasting film and use the film camera for more serious photography.

[@Ascendingtom]

Couldn't agree more one camera one lens and a small sling bag to hold batteries or store my camera if needed just makes photography better. Less time thinking about gear more time thinking & just enjoying the moment and capturing life.

[@officervaca00123]

Took me awhile to figure out my basic setup cause I kept ruining my fun with too much gear. Now it's two options 1) a7iii with 28and 40mm with GoPro on top and 2) Canon A1 with 28 and 50 with GoPro on top. My phone as back up but works perfectly now... just deciding if it's a digital trip or film trip now.

[@markgarcia8253]

As an avid film overseas travel photographer, I’ve found my perfect combo of film and digital. 1. Rolleiflex 2.8D or C with 5-8 rolls of film. 2. Sony A7iv FF sensor with a Leica M 35mm KOB Summicron. Great medium format for the Must-have film photos, but I have unlimited “film” photos with my Sony/Leica combo

[@Poverello2001]

I’m a big fan of traveling with a minimal amount of equipment. My “go to” kit is my Fuji XT-2 with the kit lens and one prime lens or a Lensbaby lens. I can fit this equipment into a small camera bag which is a great option for me.

[@alecstetzer2018]

Bang on, Matt. XT4 with a 33 1.4 and a Pixel 8 pro. done and done.

[@gerryphilpott9766]

Smart choice! You are a lot younger than I am and I can safely say that your neck, back and maybe even hips will thank you in 30 years for traveling lighter now. Not to mention your own mental health. I recently went to the Formula 1in Austin and had planned on a few cameras including a 100-400mm and canned the idea about 3 hours before flight. Just brought my iPhone 15 Pro and Q3. More than enough and never felt I should have had something else.

[@nvrumi]

What a great video. I'm glad you shared the experience and the process. Point: On my daily walks I decide before I leave the house what kind of photography I plan on doing. I find myself carrying the Fuji X100V an awful lot. It does a lot of what I like to do. Counterpoint: When I head out on my next roadtrip, the kit will be a bit larger. I'll have the X100V along with me, for sure. But I'll take the X-T5 and a few lenses along, too. If I want to shoot something that is not suited to the X100V (like certain landscapes, wildlife, macro, and such), then I'll want the extra flexibility of a little bigger kit. Because I mostly drive these days, I have room for a bigger kit in the rig. That does not alleviate the confusion that comes from then having to pick the combination of lenses to carry for a outing when on the road. But it gives me the flexibility to go after shots that I couldn't without the additional gear. There are times when having the 18mm, 35mm, and 50mm are great for a small kit. I sometimes throw in an old Nikkor 105mm/f2.5 with an adapter if I want a little more reach. I'm a little envious of your Leica system. I couldn't live with just a 35mm and 50mm. I'd want something in the 90-135mm range as well. Beyond that I could always rent.

[@HarrySarantidis]

On my latest 4 week trip to Greece i packed my fuji xt30 with my 23mm f1.4. Best decision ever. It let me focus a lot more into my photography.

[@mrgregpappas]

Couldn't agree more. Simple simple simple so you can enjoy the experience without thinking of the gear and all of things that come with that. PS. I thought you sold the 35mm Summicron to get the new 35 lux.

[@LensForgotten]

Well said Matt....I can't agree more. When I pack too much the options add a background of low level stress that eats you up....Too much brain power spent on trying to allocate what gear will do what. Also more gear means the great chances of losing or breaking something. The weight over time weighs you down for sure. BTW, I have the iphone 15 pro max as well and I also have the rode video mic mini USB-c model. Man, than mic really ramps up the audio quality! Very recommended! Great video bro!

[@The8TrackChap]

It’s cool to see you have a Rolleiflex T rather than the 2.8 models. I have a T in grey and I’ve been loving it for years. Really mint with the original eveready case.

[@mattdayphoto]

I'm working on a video for it right now, it's a sleeper! Along with the other f/3.5 models.

[@The8TrackChap]

@@mattdayphoto nice I’d be excited to see a video of you reviewing and demoing a T. I love that it’s more affordable and has the removable finder. I put a bright focusing screen in mine from China and it made a world of difference for nailing my focus. Even indoors it’s incredibly better compared to the dim original.

[@dominicknepper2082]

I feel this video in my soul.

[@Bill_eu]

Keh is awesome. Bought a Pentax 6x7 from them that I actually took on holidays along with my 35 mm Nikon Slrs. However, less is more. I’ll be taking only a Sony RX 100 M3 with me to Thailand for photos and videos along with a dedicated audio recorder. Along with my iPhone 11.

[@mattdayphoto]

Love to hear it!

[@Overexposed1]

Totally subscribe to this line of thinking. Great video!

[@ERNReed]

I couldn’t believe when this video appeared - I was at that very moment stressing out over what to take with me on a short trip. (I seldom travel. And it was a family trip, not a photography trip.) although the details of my trip and my gear are very different from yours, your talking through the process really helped me to, first, figure out and make decisions about what I needed; and, second, having made the decisions, let go of that particular stress and move on to the real purpose of the trip for my family and me. Thanks so much! It could not have been more timely. (I, too, carried one camera, one lens and an iPhone. Difference being that my most versatile camera/lens combination is a Pentax K-50 DSLR and an 18-135 zoom. Spare batteries, charger, SD card and card reader for iDevices don’t take up much additional space.)

[@mattdayphoto]

I'm actually in talks with Light Lens Lab to loan a couple of lenses for the sake of making a video. Really curious about them myself as well.

[@AaronAnalog1]

Decision fatigue is real. My current walk around or travel setup is an XPAN and Nikon Zf ❤️💕

[@michaelacedeno]

As someone with an SL2-S and M11 with 3 M lenses as my entire digital kit, all you need is really the SL2-S since you can use your phone to monitor your image. Don’t need monitor since the image is good enough, also the audio isn’t completely terrible and if you’re really prioritizing lightweight you can clean up the audio in post.

[@michaelacedeno]

You can also charge via USB-C while the camera is on with a battery bank

[@adamsanalogadventures]

very nice video and very relatable...i always struggled when it came to choosing what gear to take, but i think i'm slowly getting the hang of it in terms of minimizing what i pack went on a small citytrip over the weekend, in the past i would have packed a 35mm camera, medium format, digital camera with lenses, but this time i also just went with my phone and my 35mm camera and it was awesome, no hassle on which camera to pick or to set up, just exploring and shooting i feel like i got better pics than on some trips where i was fully loaded because of all the distraction of the gear and trying to get the best out of everything at the same time

[@GTAYLOR1972]

Totally relatable, I think most people pack too much of everything. I used to- now I can pack a whole week in a small carry on. Luckily though gear wise I only have my M3 with a 50mm. I might add a 35mm, also I have been on the hunt for either a Rolleiflex or Rolleicord to add to the mix. I think you are right - traveling I would take one decent camera and my iPhone because its all you need.

[@dominiquejahn5577]

Hey Matt did you sell the FLE for a Summicron again?

[@ronwolfept]

I’ve been traveling for a few weeks in Mexico and documenting Day of the Dead (Dias de Los Meutos) and struggled initially with what gear to bring. I ending up with an M body and 35lux and my iPhone. How freeing it’s been on many levels. Easy to have everything with me in the plane with checking bags as well as knowing I have to compose and capture with what I have, no paralysis by analysis. Thanks for the video and look forward to the next!

[@mattdayphoto]

That had to be so much fun!

[@ronwolfept]

@@mattdayphotoso fun and if I had a portfolio, I’d have many images to include from my trip. Amazing food, people, experience!

[@paulhilbink3844]

Matt - this is a little embarrassing, but I recently went to Southern California for a few days. Packed one mirrorless camera with one prime lens in a Peak Design 6L sling, and never used the camera. Not once. I shot everything while I was there on my iPhone. Loved the philosophy of this video...

[@carljuztine3328]

a q3 and iPhone 15 PM, favorite setup

[@dagzimmer4129]

The Fuji X100V covers a lot. Perfect for trips.

[@mattdayphoto]

Absolutely!

[@IntrovertAmateur]

100% relatable! Great video and you nailed it with every word. I have to small kids (2,5y and 0,5y) and realized I have to operate my cameras often one handed while holding one kid on the other arm. Through social media I'll be honest I was influenced to buy high end gear / like fast zooms. Downside of these is simply size and weight. Nowadays I use / carry like you one camera with one prime and my phone. The video level of the Iphone 15 Pro really makes it possible to downsize your EDC, if you don't need high end quality at every time. Were you filming in ProResLog with a SSD?

[@nathanhoefert]

Analysis paralysis. I recently picked up a Leica MP240 to go alongside my M6. I can’t tell you how often I look at both and hesitate to walk out the door with one. It’s like the meme where I’m trying to solve this crazy math problem, but it’s just digital v. film.

[@theraven6836]

In 2009 I flew to Barcelona with my Canon 1D2 and packed a 28mm (35mm equivalent) plus my 24-105. I ended up only using the 28mm. In 2012, I flew to Paris with a friend who packed 5D2 plus at least three, maybe 4 lenses and a flash. Having learned from my Barcelona experience, I packed my Leica M8 and a 35mm (47mm equivalent) plus one spare battery. He was partly incredulous and partly envious at the same time. When I came home, I exhibited my shots at a local gallery to substantial acclaim. To date, I’ve never seen his photos. Moral of the story is Travel light.

[@heathercamera]

What a fantastic video! This is me 1000%!! Every summer we go to Estes Park, Colorado with the kids and my husband just laughs to see how many cameras I end up bringing. To be fair, I do use all of them, but I really do need to pair down big time!! I usually take my 500CM Hasselblad, Holga (always-so light and easy to bring on hikes!), Mint TLR Polaroid Camera (so fun for hanging out at the cabin), and my digital Canon R camera so I get some digital practice in, since I'm such an analog girl.. I used to bring my Leica too but I had to make some hard choices right?! Hahahaha The Rollei TLR stays home too bc, like you said, it takes longer for me to shoot on it. I feel like I'm being really good by not bringing my Mamiya 67RZ too! Yeah, I have a problem... Oh, and both kiddos have Fuji Intax Cameras for them so..... Oh dear....🤣

[@mattdayphoto]

I used to pack a full backpack of gear, no matter what the trip was. Hiking with 4 or 5 different formats started wearing me down. Haha.

[@crespotakesphotos]

This is a great conversation to have. Nowadays we have tools for every scenario. I’ll be going to South Korea and Japan next sprint and been dwelling on what gear to bring with me. I want to make the best out of this trip but at the same time I don’t want to overcomplicate myself. For film I would love to get a snappy point and shoot, I know my 2 SLR’s will slow me down. As for digital, I’m certain I’ll bring my Ricoh GRiii since it’s pocketable. My biggest dilemma is on the mirror less side. Fujifilm X-T3 o X-Pro3 and what lens(ses). Guess I got a few months to figure it out.

[@hunghuynh2791]

Firstworld problem. The freedom of choice. Tried to buy milk at local supermarket only to be confronted with all possible options.

[@badboy111055]

I now leave most gear at home. I travel with one mirrorless body, 24-70 f4 and iPhone 12 Pro.

[@RYANPARKPHOTOGRAPHY]

I am going for a oversea holiday tomorrow.. and my bag is already pretty heavy...

[@TheLeiPol]

Minimalist after the usual stress of what gear to bring. So always my iPhone and 1 camera. A second lens can happen exceptionally. Most a very small tripod and the camera bag as small as possible.

[@ezekielkok1848]

I struggle a lot as well. Love my m9, love films too so I’m also stuck with m5 or rollei35 for 35mm and 500cm for 120 or Rolleicord or yashica124g. I also have an all rounder A7s. Really heavy when I was bringing all of it to Japan. Even my wife complained lol. However, we had many awesome shots. Especially on my iphone12 pro max. How can I resolve this issue brother?

[@joanmichel]

Story of my life all the time 😂😂😂

[@wotajared]

The airline carry on limitation does a lot for me; because then there is also I am planning a long trip to Asia with Medium format... Fuji 6x9 and a 6x6 Folder plus digital options which thankfully is just RX100 and phone. The film which will take a big volume also and has to be at least enough to not worry running out. Want to bring a tripod, as a photo centric expediction but I know that will be just dragging around for a long time. Minimal is better, with some limitation.

[@matejvanekprivate]

I am thinking about similar approach. Otherwise I am overwhelmed. But I recently saw DJI Osmo Pocket 3 dedicated small camera. Considering it as better than iPhone specially because I do not like to use one tool for all. Phone video or photography is not my go to device. Just use it for documentation, not for art.

[@PhilKnall]

Its such a struggle. I usually do go with the zv-1 and one-two film cameras, but honestly most people won't even notice on KZbin...

[@Exxcalibur186]

I think I still might have taken the Polaroid! There's just some moments that lend themselves to Polaroids more than any other medium. Plus it's light and fast if not a bit bulky. Leaving the Rolleiflex I get as it's still negative b/w and it's slow and hefty. Video stuff - yeah, I think the phone was a good idea.

[@Trenta5mm]

Hi Trev big fan here! Keep it up! Hold on, I mean Matt.

[@anthonymiller8979]

I too often fall into the trap of taking too much gear so I am "prepared for anything" then I spend too much time deciding which lens, etc.... I should use and miss the flow of what is around me. I have found that even for a day trip, one body and one lens and make the most of it, adjusting my position to adapt to the scene with whatever lens I picked. Am headed out tomorrow, already packed my bag with my SL and a 35mm, 65mm and 90mm (Sigma DN DG lenses) and my brain keeps saying the 35mm will do everything needed tomorrow, leave the rest, enjoy the day and shoot what you have in hand.

[@instantcharlie1225]

If I were to explain my entire setup, I would be typing a novel; the best way I can say is that I plan according to the trip: if it's a road trip, a flight (if it's domestic or international), what the weather may be like, and how long the trip will be. Aside from just bringing a film or digital point-and-shoot, the most stripped down bag I would pack would be my "bad weather" bag: main digital camera (+its essentials), weather-sealed lens, and a weather/water-proof film P&S. Every other bag setup would be a variation on that, packed with the above mentioned constraints in mind. If it's a long road trip with dedicated time to take photos, I will take nearly every format I shoot (space permitting).

[@SeanJorgensen]

we creatives are all the same human hahah . we all have the same thoughts and struggles.

[@edshotsdotcodotuk]

Sony A7C with 40mm 2.5 and GRIII will be my go to travel setup. Bought the USB C ported SmallRig Z100 battery so I can have that in the A7C and pack just one other Z100. Both can be easily charged at the end of the day. Phone, earbuds, iPad Mini 6, GRIII and A7C all USB C. I did try out the A7C and the amazing Tamron 28-200 2.8-5.6 in Vilnius and Wales. An incredible lens but in the heat and after 8hrs walking around it felt like a ton. Much prefer primes or fixed lens compacts as I can pre-visualise the framing as opposed to a zoom where you don't feel as purposeful. Taking the GRIII instead of the Samyang 24mm 2.8 pancake as it means no lens changing and a backup tiny camera. I'm more than fine with single slot cameras but it would still be good to not have all my eggs in one basket.

[@PiotrPavlov]

Haven’t you sold the 35 cron to buy the lux? 🤔

[@eprohoda]

Good morning!so superb view!

[@jeffg.8964]

I’ve been taking pictures for about 60 years. Long gone are the days of lugging around huge amounts of gear. My travel kit has been pared down to one M model, either an M5, M6 or M7, but mostly an M7, a Tri-Elmer 28-35-50, a 50mm ‘lux, plus maybe a 135/4. Video is on the iPhone. That’s it. Light is better! And never, ever check your gear, only carry-on.

[@Uwe_Ludolf]

Is a phone able to record more video on a single battery than a video-camera. I don't get it, if you bring a camera for making videos you have to bring everything but if you use your phone, it's not necessary anymore? Why not just bring the camera than? Anyhow, I'm glad I don't have to put my photography adventures on video, so I can use all space for photo stuff. What I'll bring depends on how I travel, by car I can bring whatever I want. By plane I can bring whatever I want, by plane you're more restricted, I'll at least bring a TLR then, because I prefer medium format and a TLR is rather compact. However, when I travel by car and take multiple cameras I'll most of the time just in camera when I'm out.

[@bernardkealey6449]

Cutting down the kit means cutting down the decisions which means freeing up the opportunities to push the trigger, which is ultimately what it should be most about. Unfortunately the way I am at the moment the decisions to be made up front are overwhelming and I’m not even able to get past step one. The following is mainly meant as a joke, at my own expense, so please don’t take offence anyone. As I’m considering a therapy/service dog, wondering how much complexity I’d be adding to that process to acquire one that is comfortable with packs to carry batteries, film, and other compact accessories…

[@marcok6447]

Only one Film camera om2sp and 3 lenses 28/50/85 and my Smartphone. Thats all😄

[@matthewsilva8157]

Looks like you need someone to shoot video for you.

[@tylerrossum3659]

Maximal Minimalism

[@jklphoto]

7:45, that "lightbulb moment" when you realize none of that gear is necessary for creating still or moving images. Next trick, Matt will sell everything to KEH and shoot exclusively on his iPhone 🙂 Buh bye chemical photography.

[@aawonnewton]

Minimal is the wave

[@TheChosenOne_]

In the beginning of the video I thought to myself "why all this gear, if I was a youtuber I would just take one or two cameras and my phone for video". Glad you came to the same conclusion I'd say I am a wanna-be-minimalist because no matter what things I leave out, my bag is always filled to the brim

[@oshanefa]

ive got virtually same set ...I mean m11 apo50 apo35 and 15promax with 512 Lacie . kudos @georges_angeles