At times, photography gear can be a never ending quest for more. I know it shouldn't be this way, but I have a few pictures in mind that I'd like to make this year and they require purchasing some specific gear. Other items are on this list for safety reasons while some of the bigger items are motion based. One of my goals this year is to shoot a couple of professional quality videos that I'd feel comfortable sharing. Luckily, I have a full-time job that allows me to put the money I'm making in my photography business back into the business. Most of the time that means covering expenses and marketing myself, but on the rare occasion that means purchasing some new toys. Here are a few of the items on my radar for future purchase:
CANON 1DX MARK II - $5999
Canon EOS 1DX Mark II
This new camera was just announced a couple of days ago. Everything I'm reading and seeing about the camera is that it delivers on nearly all of the expectations coming from the Canon community. If you'd like to know if it's a great camera jst look at the camera it's replacing. I won't get into a tech breakdown here, but the new Nikon D5 and the Canon 1DX Mark II are both VERY impressive! You can get into the nitty gritty of tech specs on which camera you think is better, but I'm just excited to see some of the content that will be made using these new tools. I've already seen a short film from Corey Rich (I'll post this outdoor inspiration soon) using the Nikon D5 and I know there's more to come.
LIGHT & MOTION STELLA 1000 - $499
Light & Motion Stella 1000
I have had this vision of a few images I would like to capture deep in a Southern Utah canyon, but they would require the use of an external light. One image may or may not include back lighting a waterfall with someone on rappel. Another warrants lighting a frigid pool of water as someone swims through amidst the high canyon walls. At 1000 lumens and fully waterproof to 328 feet, the Stella 1000 light from Light and Motion can easily accomplish this. The additional mounting options and light modifiers that accompany the light make this an ideal tool for my intended use. I've put off purchasing lights for several years now waiting for the right tool for the job, and I think I've finally found it.
AVIATOR TRAVEL JIB - $697
Aviator Travel Jib
This one may still be out a little ways before purchasing, but it's definitely on my list. I have been looking for a lightweight travel jib that I can take with me as a one man band into the backcountry. This would allow me to get some motion into my videos for more incredible footage. I've done a bit of searching online and I've come up with the Travel Jib from Aviator. It's carbon fiber and mounts to a standard tripod for that added bit of umph. At under 3 lbs this could definitely go in my camera bag to add to my shot variety.
SPOT GEN3 GPS TRACKER - $149.99
Spot Gen3 GPS Tracker
The Spot Gen3 is awesome! It tracks where you go for your friends/family to review online. It allows you to send pre-programmed text messages to family while you're away. Not to mention it's a beacon that sends out an emergency signal if you do need help. What a great tool to have with you on an adventure. Pair this with a Goal Zero Venture 30 and you have a pretty good emergency plan.
What's on your list? Anyone have experience with a good travel jib they like? That's the one item I'm probably least sure of on this list.