Fuji X-Pro2
This is my favourite camera. I have the following lenses a 10-24mm wide angle zoom lens, a 23mm F/2 a 50mm F/2 a 75mm F/2.4 by Handlevision(Kipon) and the 55-210mm zoom and Linda has bought me the 18-55mm for Christmas. This covers most of my needs save macro and extreme telephoto, I am not convinced I have a use for a long telephoto.
This is a 24mp camera with an APS-C sensor. This is a large sensor, it is not the biggest on the market but it is perfectly adequate to be considered a "Pro" camera.
The camera is built like a tank and supports 4K video. There is an issue with my version of iMovie, it does not recognise the Fuji footage as 4K. However if I update to a newer version it is fixed. This problem will go away when I get the new MacBook Pro….
GoPro Hero 8 Black
This is the GoPro Hero 8 Black. It is designed to give very steady video in HD or 4K. So far I have not managed to produce any usable footage with this device. The batteries seem to discharge if left in the camera so it is always flat when I need to use it. In addition the battery life seems very short.
I have invested in clamps and sticks and I will persevere with it as other seem to manage. I find the touch screen one of the most difficult to use of any camera I have ever touched.
Sony RX100 MK1
This was and still is the most amazing camera. It is about 10 years old and they are still selling them new today. In V1 through to V6. The V1 has a 20mp camera with a 28-100mm lens. It is super small but battery life can be an issue.
What can't be faulted is the quality of the images and the pocket-ability of it. This is my second most used camera. My only problem with this camera is that 28mm is not wide enough for me.
The newer versions add a viewfinder and a tilt-able back screen. Whilst I would like the viewfinder (The rear screen is difficult to read in bright conditions for example when skiing) I have no interest in a back screen that tilts. Tilting back screens make the camera more bulky and are prone to breakages. However for bloggers I can see the attraction as you can look at the camera and frame your image.
DJI Mini 2
We have now added the DJI Mini 2 drone to our camera set. It weights under 250g which means that there are very few restrictions about where it can be used.
It has a flight time of 30 minutes which is more than enough and can fly at up to 4000m. The only concern is if it can fly fast enough to keep up with a boat against the wind and is the pilot up to the job without it ending up in the drink. This thing is so small that its operation is almost silent but once it is a short way away from the operator it is almost impossible to see it or hear it. this is not a problem if using from a fixed location because it is easy to get it to return to base… but I am concerned about using it on the move from the boat.
Technically the camera is a 20mp which can record 4k/30fps.
Wish List
The Fuji 80mm Macro lens is a class leading macro lens and is the perfect accompaniment to my Fuji X-Pro 2.
We are planing to visit some exotic locations and with this lens I expect to be able to product some truly stunning images.
Without a doubt my macBook Air it not suitable to use long term on the boat. For one think it is too old and slow and cannot edit 4K video. For another the screen it too small and tiring for my ageing eyes.
Apple is transitioning to a new chip so I have to be patient for this one, but the reports of the new chip in the bottom of the range machines is stunning so when the 16" pro comes out I am sure it will be able to last for our entire trip as long as it does not get dropped or a dunking!