Happy Sunday!
Here is my comprehensive list of the Camera/Filming Equipment I use as an Instagrammer!

When I first started my Instagram years ago, all of my photos were taken on my iPhone 6s and edited just in the Instagram app. In order to control the quality of the content I was producing, I slowly invested in quite a few pieces of equipment that help me create the content I create today! Here’s what I use to shoot:

1.     Canon G7X Mark II

This is a digital camera that has a flip out screen! Many of your favorite youtubers use this camera for daily vlogs. The image stabilization is amazing, so if you’re planning on creating content that involves taking the audience with you to target, walking around, etc., this is a GO to. I like the G7X because it’s extremely small, light, and the image quality is pretty amazing. If you’re not great at adjusting camera settings, you can leave this baby on ‘AUTO’, and in general, it does a pretty fricken good job. Honestly, I like taking this camera around because its WAY more subtle that whipping out a giant DSLR.

Summary: Great for vlogging, pictures, beginning users

2.     Canon 80D

The Canon 80D is a DSLR that is quite a step up from the previous one I had (Canon T5i). I used to use Nikon cameras but REALLY fell in love with canon cameras and the images I can produce. The photos from the G7X are great, but the photos from the Canon 80D are BREATH taking (thanks to the 24.2MP, high res photos). If you want to take images “in motion” where it looks like you’re still walking or flipping your hair, the Canon 80D can shoot up to 7.0 fps, which makes sure that you capture every moment possible. This camera is also great for sit-down videos on your youtube channel.

Choosing the right lens can significantly improve the quality of your photos. With the right lens, even without extensive training or photography courses, you can take very professional photos. I personally use Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM. The background blur, the ultra-wide angle, and performance in low-light environments makes it my favorite lens! I purchased the first generation of this lens before it was discontinued. The second-generation version of this lens is very, very pricey, so I’d probably recommend getting a similar Sigma 35mm F1.4 Lens.

Summary: great for photography, sit down photos, relatively easy to use!

P.S. If you are using a DSLR, you need to DEFINITELY invest in some SD cards that are 128 GB, unless you want to be clearing them out every over photoshoot! The files are HUGE. Another MUST is getting some lens filters! Great to change up the feel of your photos, and also of course to protect your actual lens.

3.     iPhone X

Last but not least, my baby iPhone! The iPhone X can shoot portrait mode on both the front facing camera and back camera, but to be honest, I don’t use portrait mode nearly as often as I thought I would. One of the BEST things you can purchase (for JUST $15) to up your Instagram game is to get an iPhone tripod. If you want an even FANCIER option, there is an iPhone tripod that also comes with a ring light. You can adjust the settings on the ring light (yellow or white light, how strong, etc), which I ALWAYS use for my IG Lives in my poorly lit apartment. Put your phone on a tripod, set up the frame you like, and SELF TIMER that baby! Let’s be honest, we don’t always have a photographer at a moment’s notice, but you still need to GET THAT CONTENT.

Obviously, the biggest downside to using the iPhone is the low quality photos. If you pop the image into lightroom, more often than not its all pixelated and just doesn’t give that high res feeling.

Let me know if you have any questions!! And if you want to see an editing tutorial, drop me a comment down below!

Love,

Miki