Over the years we've owned a number of different cameras, drones, laptops and software programs to help create and edit content for our YouTube channel, Travel Sketch. Some were outstanding YouTube cameras perfect for content creators while others turned out to be a bit of a dud. Looking back on our experience, here's a quick review of the tech we've used to film and edit YouTube videos.
CONTENTS:
Cameras & Drones
Let's start with the cameras and drones we've used to capture sailing and travel content.
Sony ZV-1
The Sony ZV-1 camera was designed and marketed as a vlogging camera. We've found that the autofocus works well, even in low light, and the rotational screen is so useful I'd call it a must have for vloggers. The built in microphone capture sound well and the still image quality is also quite good given the specs, which is great for thumbnails.
We had some issues with it overheating in very hot conditions when recording in 4K (Over 38 C / 100 F in the sun) but increasing the temperature shut off range helped. Also I'd advise having 2-3 spare batteries if you're planning to go out and record a day's adventure in 4K.
One thing I can personally say is the camera is quite durable. Ours works perfectly over a year after hitting the deck and denting the lens housing, and has also been knocked off the galley bench into the hull, which is about a 2.5m drop.
This YouTube video was shot in Trinidad completely on the ZV-1.
In my opinion the Sony ZV-1 is one of the best cameras for YouTube beginners since it's compact, easy to use and the video quality is more than enough. Since buying our version Sony has released the ZV-1 II, which is also receiving great reviews.
Sony Handycam
The Sony handycams are been designed purely for video and are an excellent choice if you want to start a sailing YouTube channel.
We started off with the Sony AX43 UHD 4K Handycam Camcorder. It has an inbuilt mechanical gimble for image stablisation and impressive zoom making it the perfect camera for capturing action when our catamarans is underway or we're walking around exploring. The battery life is excellent, with each battery lasting 4 hours and it can record while plugged into AC power.
The AX43 became our go-to camera but unfortunately after a year of almost daily use the screen went white, we suspect due to a data connection issue. Since we've been in remote locations finding an authorised repairer has been difficult so while we still plan to get it repaired, we went ahead an bought the newer Sony AX53 Handycam.
On top of all of the features the AX43 has, the AX53 also has a separate view finder and decent night mode, so we'd recommend it over the cheaper AX43. We genuinely like using this camera to capture YouTube content and think it could be the best camera for YouTube vlogging on a sailboat; we actually have a spare AX53 in the cupboard in case the current one accidentally takes a swim over the side of the boat.
DJI Phantom 4 Pro
Our DJI Phantom 4 Pro drones along with Trent's piloting skills are how we manage to capture incredible aerial shots. The unit films in 4K and due to its larger size and weight it can maintain stability in relatively windy conditions, perfect for capturing sailing YouTube content.
We have two aboard - one purchased in 2018 before we went backpacking and the other in South Africa in 2021. Both still work, it's just the first one was stuck in our sea container for a year while we worked on getting the boat to Europe.
To go with the drones we have spare batteries, a triple charger, remote control with the inbuilt screen and a Lowepro backpack that was specifically designed to carry this model of drone. Personally we'd prefer to carry around the bigger drone and have the control and stability it offers, rather than buy a smaller model, and to date we still think it's one of the best drones for sailing.
The footage in this video is a mixture of the DJI Phantom 4 Pro, a GoPro and Panasonic GH5.
Panasonic Lumix GH5
Before buying the two Sony cameras we had a Panasonic GH5. At the time it had some of the best specs on the market for a 4K DSLR camera at that price point, but we had ongoing issues with the autofocus. This seems to have been a known issue with the model and in 2020 we gave up trying to fix it and moved on. We revisited it in mid 2022 and while there has been a slight improvement in the autofocus software, it's still not very good when there's multiple moving targets or wind blowing items in the background. As a result of that negative experience, newer models like the Panasonic Lumix GH6 are off our list.
GoPro Action Camera
Over the years we've had multiple GoPro action cameras. Our original GoPro Hero 3 Silver was a beast that was still working when we gave it away in 2023, but we had issues with the later models.
The last GoPro we had was the GoPro Hero 9 Black. It had some great features , but it started turning itself on and off and changing recording modes just outside of the warranty period, without suffering any event that could explain the failure. For now it's still on the boat with the idea being that we'll use it next time we want to film something where there's a chance the camera could be lost.
GoPro specific accessories we have, liked and would get for a different branded camera:
Generic accessories we have and now use with our DJI Osmo Action 4:
Selfie stick
Folding tripod
Adapter for the standard thread tripods
Chest mount
DJI Osmo Action 4
To replace the GoPro we recently purchased a DJI Osmo Action 4. To date it's been a great pocket sized camera for shooting water and action shots. You can read or detailed review of the DJI Osmo Action 4 camera here.
The main accessory we bought for the Osmo camera was the DJI triple batttery charger case, which has an inbuilt battery indicator light that doesn't need AC power to work.
Here's a video of Blue Basic in Trinidad that was almost exclusively shot using the DJI Osmo Action 4. During this shoot there was a range of lighting conditions and you can hear the effect water has on the mic.
Camera Accessories
Joby GorillaPod tripods
We've had 3 Joby tripods in our kit and think they're a brilliant accessory for any YouTuber camera kit.
GorillaPod 500 for our smaller cameras (Up to 500g)
GorillaPod 1K (Up to 1kg)
GorillaPod 3K for our larger cameras (Up to 3kg)
The tripod's design allows them to be used in a range of applications but we'd definitely recommend going for a larger size. With more than 5 years of use the GorillaPod 3K is still extremely solid.
One of the legs on the GorillaPod 500 failed after a year of supporting the ZV-1 camera, causing them both to hit the deck. We've since replaced it with the GorillaPod 1K (Up to 1kg) which we got from Amazon.
We use the GorillaPod 1K almost daily and it's proven to be quite durable, holding up well in the tough marine environment.
Camera Mount Adaptors
Mount adaptors allow us to use our camera and action camera accessories interchangeably. They're quite inexpensive and make all of our equipment more versatile.
Video Editing Hardware, Software & Subscriptions
Now onto the hardware and software we use to actually put our sailing and travel YouTube videos together.
YouTube video editing laptops
Our go to brand for laptops is Asus. This came about due to the high specs some of their laptops have and our positive experiences with their durability.
We purchased our first Asus ROG laptops in 2011 and when we left Australian in 2021 they still worked! Obviously there's been huge developments in laptop technology since then so we've upgraded for better specs.
Between the three of us we currently have laptops from these series.
Asus ROG
Asus Zenbook
Asus ProArt
Of the three we'd recommend an Asus ROG laptop for video editing as it far outperforms the other two. Despite being marketed as an editing laptop, the Asus ProArt has been a disappointment.
Video editing software used to create YouTube episodes
The two main software editing programs we've used are Adobe Premier Pro and Cyberlink PowerDirector. We swapped from Abobe to Cyberlink in 2020 after having issues with the software crashing during edits. Currently we're using a license for PowerDirector 21 (which we had before getting Starlink because it doesn't require internet connection) on the desktop computer and the subscription version, PowerDirector 365 on my laptop.
Currently I'm happy with PowerDirector 365 but if you're looking for a free option you could look into DaVinci Resolve.
Royalty free music for YouTube
For our music we use Artlist, an annual subscription service that gives you access to thousands of royalty free tracks. We started using it after struggling to find free royalty free music we liked and kept renewing after the first year because we were happy with how much time it saved us trying to find tracks for videos.
When we originally signed up, we used an affiliate link from another sailing channel because we got a bonus 2x months for free and the other channel also got free time. If you're interested, you can use our affiliate link to get the same deal.
YouTube thumbnail editing software
For our thumbnails we generally use Adobe Photoshop Elements. I upgrade the version every couple of years as it's something I use for my freelance work as well. While it doesn't have as many features as the subscription version, it works out to be less expensive for how often I use it.
Sometimes I combine Adobe Photoshop Elements with the free version of Canva, an online graphic design website.
Some of the links are Amazon affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, if you use the link to make your purchase we make a commission. It's just a simple and free way you can support the channel.
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