Been a photographer for over 30 years. Just a hobby now, but I was hustling from gig to gig for ages. One thing I can say with 100% conviction is that you will likely NEVER obtain the perfect kit. Unless money and storage isn't an issue and you can buy literally everything, there will always be compromises in the things you do buy. In many cases, you just need to try something out to find out where it fits in.
I agree 💯 I was also a commercial photographer for over 30 years and I found out you’ll never have everything you need for every shoot. Improvisation is the key.
@@RPB-nx7vj Very true. Not only that, but your work is judged based on what you do, not what you don't do. If I post a beautiful landscape or travel photo on my website, no one ever asks me what gear I used. They appreciate the image for what it is. If they do ask, it's for academic purposes, so they can learn. It's not to criticise. I've never had someone look at my work and tell me it'd be better if I swapped my 50mm f1.8 for a f1.4. But I suppose others might have different encounters.
Nice to see an honest review of your purchases that didn’t cut it. Sometimes you have to live with them before you realize the mistakes. I agree totally on the peak design stuff , overrated.
Hi Suzy. Great video! I love your and your husband’s honest reviews on products, calling out which ones suck, and why. Thanks for all of your hard work.
0:52 1st product tripod 2:35 2nd Backpack 4:49 3rd DJI osmo action 3 6:09 4th Gopro hero 11 mini 7:58 5th Sony lenses 28-60mm …………Positives…………. 9:40 GoPro hero 11 black 10:31 Insta 360 X3 12:26 Sony a7 iv 13:52 Telesin Necklace GoPro mount 15:13 DJI microphone BTW I loved your video! And I also recently bought the DJI mic! I had to buy it on Amazon because it was sold out everywhere!
I bought the Rode first and returned it immediately. I ordered the DJI and had to wait about 3+ months to come in, and I don't regret it. I haven't been recording much, but plan to use it more in my next videos.
I love the DJI Mic, I didn't order it at first, and wasn't expecting it to be such a game changer for me. I've always considered getting the Peak Design travel tripod, but never pulled the trigger. Now I'm glad I waited. Great list, especially the gear you regretted getting. Great video, and thanks for sharing.
Everyone regrets buying Peak Design as in general has gone pass its used by date -Out designed and out classed by other brands now -hipster stuff is old school now.
This was a great video! The one consistent thing over time is that Peak Design is way too pricey for what you get in almost everything they sell. About to buy the DJI Mic so I was nervous that it was on your table the whole video, but glad you were happy with it at the end
Expensive yes but they offer a lifetime warranty, even on used products. Whereas Ulanzi only has a 1 year warranty and I've read of people having issues with the ball head after some time of usage. So the thing to do is find a good deal on a PD tripod on eBay, Mercari etc. I found one at a good price on REI's website used gear section.
Very soothing to listen to you! I just bought the PD tripod, so a little concerned that you stopped using it! I think it will fulfil my needs at the moment and not a full-on film-maker, so fingers crossed! :)
Got my x3 after watching your review. I've been enjoying it ever since. Your opinions are great and some of your dislike items were on my wish list so thanks for posting this video to share your insights.
Agree with you on the DJI Mic. They hit it out of the park with that one. Like that necklace mount - I see one in my future. Can't afford the GoPro Hero 11 yet as I bought the Panasonic GH5 M2 and the G100, so Hero 11 becomes a 2023 purchase. I too bought a tripod and I am extremely happy with it. It is the K&F Concept with transverse center column that rotates either vertical or horizontal, and has a detachable monopod leg. Best tripod upgrade I ever made. I am lucky that there was nothing I regretted getting.
Awesome! I got the A7IV! I want to get a second body A7RV as my main shooter and A7IV as back-up. I'm needing to update my Hero 7. Slowly building my lens collection.
@@Gemini_Connect I love the A7IV. Need to start using it for videos on hikes vs GoPro 7. Insta360 OneR has been good, not sure about upgrading just yet. Been nice while shooting events. Not on professional level, a hobby at this point. What lens are you using?
Tech sister Suzi-fellow Gemini! Thanks for helpful video once again. Minuscule suggestion: when doing gear videos, use a lot of lingering extreme closeups. Happy subscriber! 💛😊
I purchased the DJI last week for a 3 day video shoot with a home improvements company in NW England. I ordered it on a friday evening parked up in a car and it arrrived from Amazon less than 18 hours later. It worked flawlessly with a 6K PRO and the quality and Bluetooth connectivity was flawless. Worth every penny. My regret purchase was a Sony ZV1 - its capable but too fiddly.
Was a little worried as I just bought the Mindshift bag based on your previous review, but I’m ok with the 13 size. I’m not a professional and really never take my laptop with me. Also, I really wanted a bag that was just big enough for full frame mirrorless with maybe 2-3 lenses. I also want a bag that meets personal item bag requirements to minimize any chance of having to check my bag, ever. Even the 13L is actually larger than AA’s personal item size so definitely don’t want to go larger.
I returned to Iceland 2 months ago and a great purchase I made for that trip in a Sea Sucker 4.5" SeaSucker w/LP Housing , which is a suction cup mount, very strong, that I used to mount my GoPro to the outside of my car windshield to make TimeWarp videos. The quality is a LOT better with the GoPro outside so the windshield reflections didn't detract from the image. Around $50. You need a short Magic Arm or something similar to mount whatever you use.
Nice review. I'm surprised you choose the hero 11 over the action 3. I will never buy from a company that took 11 version to fixed a important requirement for the user, that is not freezing. Had a hero before and never again
I like that you pimp the Ulanzi tripod over the Peak Design tripod. What other items do you feel that a secondary company improved over the primary company's invention/product? Thanks.
Good question...besides the tripod, I think the DJI Mic and the PhotoCross backpack that I mention in this video are better (in some ways) than their competitors. Can't think of any other big ones at the moment.
In the world of camera backpacks there is a lot of competition and similar bags. The Peak Design every day backpack is probably one of the most copied/improved backpacks by the competition, the thing with backpacks is that there isn't a perfect one for everyone, you need to try them for yourself. Although I'm not a Ulanzi fan boy I happen to be using their gear for quite some time, and as any other brand they are hit or miss, but lately they have been getting many gear right. (although they are coming up with yet another quick release system, so let's hope it isn't just another minor thing). As always most things are subjective to personal preference, competition is always great and continue to improve user experience.
@@takoflame4948 well indeed, but again with competition comes options, some people will highly rely on warranties, others may exchange it for better prices. Quality is always the question no matter the brand or product. However I'm with you, some brands will take care of their customers better than others, sometimes we need to pick our battles.
I too regret the Peak Design Travel Tripod, and I went all in with the carbon fibre 💸 Maybe I'm too used to my $60 Manfrotto one and I haven't given the Peak Design one enough of a chance, but I'm going to be selling mine soon.
in a74 i hate this 4k60 crop... why 1.5 ?! :D 1.2 or 1.3 will be much less pain :D but stabilization in catalyst brower make this cam amazing :D and viewfinder is not bright enough for sunny day shooting IMO.
I use the GoPro Mini 11 on my headband, helmet and Kayak as a secondary camera and any place where a secondary camera that doesn't need an LCD shines. I picked it up for $199.99 (on sale), and it's my sacrificial GoPro. I attach it to the outside of the car, and I won't be shut too upset if it gets wrecked. It compliments my GoPro Hero10. I use them as a team.
Regrets for me are always buying the newest go pro. Expecting better performance and it always disappoints. Best purchases the Lowepro BP250 aw3 backpack. Perfect mix for carrying camera gear and stuff.
DJI fixed the focus issue and it was a flaw in the lens. It needs to be adjusted when installed. That pesky focal plan thing. Like GoPro they will not admit an issue just keep replacing or fixing the units instead. Both companies have to pay attention to QC.
I agree with the DJI mic. It’s pricey but I think built well. I was able to get a small discount as open box on Amazon. Been happy with it. I recently picked up the ZV-E10 trying to replace my a6500. I’m trying to find a sale on the A7 IV and return the ZV-E10. It’s an on camera but I don’t think there’s much of a difference from the a6500. Only advantage is the flip out screen and no record limit. I want to get a full frame hybrid camera for my RU-vid channel. Thanks for the video
i like this because she's just explaining her hands on perspective. i personally use RODE wireless Go 2 Mic and they are great and very useful. i can use mu shotgun mic using the 3.5mm connector. i havent used my GoPro session 4 i purchased many years ago, its barely been used. i dont use it because i lost alot of the attachments and i havent looked into it. so, the neck mount seems pretty nice since you can just take it off when not in use. youre not forced to have straps on your person allday! i still use my Nikon D3200 to shoot film and photos. i added a Black Pro Mist Filter by Tiffen 1\8 grade. and a ND filter for the EXTREME OUT MID DAY SUN. helps very much. i have one for my gopro also. i also had a crappy tripod and realized quickly, the wind can actually move your tripod around if its not heavy duty. so i appreciate your video! thank you! cery real, honest, and hands on vs. those who just talk about products.
Great video. On the GoPro Mini just use GoPro Labs firmware, you can change your settings with QR Codes using the QR Control app. I have a bunch of settings saved in the app, just flash the QR code to the camera and you're good to go.
I don't regret buying the Peak Design tripod. I'm happy I supported a US business that innovated to make their product over a Chinese knockoff that stole Peak Design's idea. It's a good tripod.
Another excellent video! Why does Marten prefer the RODE? I see that you are trying the F22 quick release system. I’m looking forward to that video. Thanks!
A small point but I bought the Ulansi F38 instead of the Y zero model. The Y Zero has a more general arca head and generally more useful. F38 is fine but only for their connector plates.
This is a good point. The F38 requires buying into the full Falcam system. Or you can swap out the center column for one that allows you to add your own ballhead.
I originally found this channel when I was going back-and-forth between getting the GoPro 11 and the DJI Osmo action 3. Very happy I went with the GoPro, but I have had overheating issues with it. Still don’t regret the purchase over the DJI though.
If you are recommending a product in another video, the Osmo 3, then you need to make sure to update an obsolete video. I just watched your video RECOMMENDING the OSMO 3. For this reason, I will not subscribe or become a fan. Appears that you are simple after views and subscriptions and making money selling products. Update you videos to be consistent in your recommendations and you will provide more consumer trust to your videos.
I did make an update to the original video, officially declaring the problems and why I returned the OA3. The new video is linked in the description box of the old video, pinned as a comment, and recommended in the end screen. Since you obviously didn't see it, here it is - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-EE8q05WHQrs.html
Had the Ulanzi tripod and the tube legs kept sliding on it's own while locked. Completely ruined my Europe trip photography. I reached out to the company and had it replaced. The second unit did the exact same thing! Have since switched to the Peak Design tripod and have never looked back. It's more expensive but you get what you pay for. I'd take her opinion with a huge grain of salt considering she's an Ulanzi affilate.
Sorry to hear about your experience with Ulanzi. I have used that tripod several times a week for several months now and have never had an issue with the legs sliding, but I did have that issue with my Peak Design tripod, which was easily fixed by using the included tool to tighten the legs. The Ulanzi also comes with a tool to address this issue if it happens.
Sorry but buy made me laugh so hard. Talking about the DJI Wireless Mic, "the most expensive mic out there," - My Shure Axient system cost 20 times (no more than that) as much as my DJI wireless Mic, which is the best of the 'creator grade' but clearly not anywhere close to expensive ...
You definitely have a big issue with DJI. Personally to me DJI products are the best for me. For my personal documentaries i always use DJI products. So i am telling you GoPro is the best for the different circumstances. But GoPro to me not worth for that price.
Love the video as I am in process of upgrading backpack and laptop. Main driver for the upgrade is the recent purchase of the Sony 200-600. While leaning toward the Tenba Axis 24L over Peak Design Everyday 30L, what caught my attention was your concern about stepping up to a 16" from a 15". I currently have the 15" MacBook Pro (2013) definitely due an upgrade. While a 14" and stepping down to the 20L bag size is a consideration, an unexpected surprise is the the external dimensions of the 16" MBP is virtually identical to my 15" MBP. You may want to measure your 15" and take the tape measure to the store and measure the 16" display model. The measurement difference seems to be in the diagonal measure of the screen as the 15" has a black benzel on the 4 edges where the 16" spans edge to edge without the benzel.
About the sony lens, You did not say anything related to why you don´t like it.... you haven´t even used..... it´s hard to understand your reasoning for not liking it.... that was a little cringing.
I said I was on the fence about whether it was a regret purchase or not. IMO if I bought something nearly 6 months ago and haven’t found a reason to use it, that’s fair to consider it a regret 🤷🏻♀️
When I first saw that necklace mount my instant thought was its another gimmick accessory, but if you really found it functional maybe I’ll give it a try with my DJI Pocket
IT IS SOO REFRESHING TO see a tech channel without the fade into darkness with multicolored background..Probably because I can't achieve it lol. also now you are about to make me go buy a new go pro.
An other very informative video, thank you. May I ask for your advise? I am planning to make walking videos in heavy rain, during hiking or just city walks. This DJI Pocket 2 looks perfect, but it is not waterproof. Could you recommend me something? The image stability is very important, plus during city walks I don't want to attract too much attention. Thank you in advance.
Had the Ulanzi tripod, it broke.. contacted customer service and turns out my issue was not covered by warranty. So I kept using my PD tripod, broke with the same use case as the Ulanzi.. PD replaced it.. no issues. So yeah the PD is expensive. But you are covered with their lifetime warranty. That alone is worth the extra cost. I have an Ulanzi CF paperweight. If I bought another Ulanzi, it'll probably be another paperweight when it breaks again.
I bought a GoPro many years ago and I was not super blown away. But I still have it. I bought some Nady wireless mics and promptly forgot to pack them when I moved. I got them back years later and the receiver was coated with some kind of sticky crud. I spent a few hours cleaning it with lighter fluid and trying to figure out how safe it was to plug in a cable. Then I managed to snap off an antenna. So I tossed the whole thing in the trash. I've spent much larger sums on equipment I never used. I guess that's the nature of photography.
Recently discovered your channel and I gotta say your style and focus areas are refreshing. One note: Punch up colors/contrast in your in-studio shots. I have a pretty good monitor and your videos looks a little washed out to me.
I'm just getting started I've purchased the go pro 11, a7iv, dji mic and I can't wait to get started. It looks like I've made some solid purchases thanks!!
great video thank you ! I am curious from which Sony camera did you upgrade to the A7IV? I currently have a 4 year old 7AIII and I am looking at upgrading and was considering this one as well as the a7RIV. thank you
The rode wireless has a more consistent signal compared to the dji. Some of my videographers got signal cuts from the dji mics where the subjects are less than 3 meters away! Reliability wins for me…. and your husband
I regret almost 60% of what i buy, but how else would i know, i once tried to borrow a light from a fellow camera man in an event, he told me, how do you come to events without your own equipment, from that day, i've never asked anyone for anything, i buy even what i don't need just because of that answer. Later i saw an exchange in fb about someone who had a gig and asked for anyone who lived around would let him borrow a camera to him, a individual who lived miles away just told him to go and buy his own since he never gives his camera to people from his race, i felt as if he just told me
I actually prefer Sennheiser over the Rode. They are closer to industry standard, but I'm also more in the cinema side myself. Still, DJI and Rode are decent when it comes to run and gun audio. When it comes to things like weddings, I just use an H6, but it isn't mounted on my camera. I've found ways to work smarter rather than harder. I also love that the Sony a7iv has S-log3, so I can make it more cinematic if I want to. For others, it is easier just to use default settings and call it a day; for me, it depends on what the situation calls for. Are you doing a sizzle reel or vlogging? Sometimes gear has limitations and you have to know if those limitations coincide with your intended use/ purpose.
It's a life long process. As in everything, especially if it's something you're passionate about, you'll work through many iterations before settling on something that suits you... and even then it'll never be perfect.
I’m just getting into photography I don’t have a camera yet but I was wondering what’s was a good camera for a beginner with really really reallyyyy nice picture quality
do you have a couple of recommendations for 4k 60fps Vlog type video cameras? Vlog at home/streaming etc style. I like the way 60fps looks more personally
I have a DJI osmo action 3 nothing wrong with the focus. I have taken some of the best footage with it. GoPro is ok but the battery life is rubbish doesn’t last very long and not as long as the Osmo action 3.
You just got a new subscriber. I'm in my mid 70's and just bought a Gopro11. Actually today. It is my first action camera. I came accross one of your videos and I actually understood what you were talking about. Thank You for the effort you put into this stuff.
