What Camera Equipment Do I Use
for my Sailing Anima Vlogs?
Camera DSLR: Nikon D5500
Action Cam: DJI Osmo Action 3
Drone: DJI Mini 2
Phone: Redmi Note 15
Being a Sailor and Content Creater
Filming life aboard a sailboat requires equipment that is easy to use, compact and ready when something happens. When you’re sailing solo, there isn’t always someone available to hold the camera.
Over time, I’ve put together a combination of cameras and lenses that covers most of what I need for Sailing Anima — from action and underwater videos to aerial footage and travel photography.
This is the equipment I actually use, including a few things I particularly like and some limitations I’ve discovered.
Which Cameras Do I Use for Video?
My main camera for quick recordings, action and underwater footage is the DJI Osmo Action 3.
I like it because it is small, rugged and easy to grab when something is happening. The stabilization is excellent, and the horizon stabilization is particularly useful on a moving sailboat because I don’t have to keep the camera perfectly level.
The magnetic quick-release mounting system is another feature I use constantly. The camera can be moved between different mounts quickly, while the two safety clips provide additional security.
Why do I use the DJI Osmo Action 3 for underwater filming?
The Osmo Action 3 is also my go-to camera for underwater videos and snorkeling. It can be used down to 16 metres without a separate waterproof housing, which is more than enough for what I normally do.
I can simply take it into the water without preparing additional equipment. It is equally useful when filming in heavy Caribbean rain.
What is the main limitation?
For me, the biggest limitation is audio. I don’t currently have DJI’s original external microphone solution, and using a conventional third-party wireless microphone isn’t straightforward because of the USB-C connection and its physical orientation.
This isn’t a problem for action or underwater footage, but it matters when I want to record myself talking to the camera. I’m therefore looking into the original DJI microphone solution.
What Do I Use for Aerial Photography and Video?
For aerial footage, I use the DJI Mini 2.
The drone gives me a completely different perspective on sailing, anchorages, islands and beaches. It’s particularly useful for establishing shots and showing Anima from above.
How do I fly a drone while sailing solo?
This is one of the biggest challenges.
When you’re alone, you have to manage both the boat and the drone. The Mini 2 also doesn’t have a built-in Follow Me function, so autonomous filming isn’t particularly straightforward.
I experimented with the Litchi app while in Curaçao, letting the drone follow me while I was driving a car.
The result? The drone ended up in the bushes.
Fortunately, I managed to recover it.
I’d still like to film Anima properly under way. With calm conditions, enough open water and the boat’s autopilot steering, I may be able to concentrate on flying the drone while Anima takes care of herself.
For now, most of my drone footage is filmed safely from anchor.
Which Camera Do I Use for Photography?
For photography, I use my Nikon D5500 with several lenses.
My Nikon 10–24mm DX wide-angle lens is ideal for landscapes, beaches, boats, anchorages and interiors aboard Anima.
The Sigma 24–70mm FX is my general-purpose lens for travel and everyday photography.
For wildlife and distant subjects, I use my Nikon 70–300mm FX. Having a longer zoom is particularly useful when photographing animals that aren’t interested in getting close to the photographer.
Do I Also Use My Phone for Photos and Videos?
Increasingly, yes.
I’m currently using a Redmi Note 15, and its camera is good enough that I use it more and more for spontaneous photos and short videos.
The biggest advantage is convenience. The phone is almost always with me, so if something interesting happens while I’m exploring Bocas del Toro or simply sitting aboard Anima, I can record it immediately.
For short-form content, that convenience is hard to beat.
A camera sitting in a bag doesn’t take a photograph. A phone in my pocket does.
What Am I Planning to Upgrade?
There are a few additions and upgrades I’d like to make as my content develops.
Another action camera: I’m particularly interested in the DJI Osmo 360. A second action camera would give me more flexibility when filming, while a 360-degree camera could open up completely different possibilities for sailing and travel videos.
My photography camera: I’d love to move from the Nikon D5500 to one of Nikon’s newer mirrorless cameras. The technology and image quality are very appealing, but the price of making the switch is currently more than I want to spend.
My drone: I’m looking at something in the DJI Mini 5 class or similar. I’m also interested in drones that are better suited to the conditions I encounter as a sailor, particularly if they offer greater resistance to challenging weather.
For now, though, this combination of cameras covers most of what I need to document life aboard Sailing Anima and my travels around the Caribbean.
