Dive into the world of surf photography with my extremely comprehensive gear guide! 🏄♂️📷 Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, having the right equipment can make all the difference in capturing those jaw-dropping moments on the waves. From cameras, lenses and to tons of accessories, I've got you covered.
🔍 In this video, we'll explore the must-have surf photography gear that ensures you're prepared to catch every swell and create stunning visuals. Discover the latest advancements in camera technology, waterproofing solutions, and accessories that will take your surf photography to the next level. We tackle WHY I use the gear that I do and why it fits my specific needs.
Discount codes for my favorite brands in video and here:
•5% off Aquatech Surf and Dive Waterproof Housings with CONNOR5 to get 5% off all the time, including additional 5% off sale items
•Vertra Zinc + Sunscreen 15% off with code CONNOR15
By the end of the video, you should know how much water photography and surf photography cost to get in to as a hobby or pro. My goal is to provide as much helpful information as I can because it wasn't readily available when I first started shooting. So I have tested a lot of gear over the years first hand and hope to save you time and money!
📸 Gear highlights include:
Waterproof Surf Housing from Aquatech: Explore top-rated waterproof cameras that withstand the elements and deliver crystal-clear images even in challenging conditions.
In-Water Accessories: Understand what accessories I think are must haves to give you that edge to capture the best surf photo possible.
Telephoto Lenses: Unlock the power of long-range lenses to capture those incredible surf moments from a safe distance, enhancing both safety and shot quality.
Action Mounts: Discover versatile mounts that enable you to secure your camera to your board, ensuring you never miss a moment of the action.
🌐 Whether you're a surf photography enthusiast or a professional looking to upgrade your equipment, this gear guide is your roadmap to capturing epic moments in the world of surf. Don't miss out on the chance to level up your photography game and create stunning memories that last a lifetime!
🚀 Hit the subscribe button and join our community of surf photography enthusiasts for more tips, reviews, and tutorials. 🌊📸 #SurfPhotography #CameraGear #OceanAdventures #PhotographyTips #Surfing
Comprehensive Surf Photography Gear List with pricing:
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
*The list for my surf photography gear with links + prices was too long, so please refer to the spread sheet I made public :)
0:00 INTRO - WHY IS SURF PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR RELEVANT
0:32 Canon r5
1:23 LPE6 Batteries
1:33 Canon RF 24-105 f4
1:44 Waiting for 24-105 f2.8 port to come out
2:12 Angelbird CF Express Type B Cards
2:30 CF Card Wallet
2:42 Aquatech Edge Pro Hybrid Surf Photography and Free Dive housing
3:17 Aquatech 24-105 Port + Port cover
3:20 Aquatech GoPro Mount
3:33 GoPro Hero 12 Black
3:36 GoPro Aluminum Extension Pole
4:00 Aquatech m3 Shutter Grip
4:04 Aquatech Wrist Strap
4:15 Silicone Grease/Marine Oil
5:02 Shimoda x40 v2 Backpack
5:36 Moisture Absorbing Packets
5:51 Dust Blower
5:58 Multi Tool
6:36 Cotton Absorbs Salt/Salt Spray
6:50 Sensor Cleaning Kit
7:15 Surf Wax/Candle Wax for Port
7:28 Squeegee
7:47 Helmet
8:45 GoPro Mouth Mount and Floaty
8:51 DaFins swim fins
9:35 Surf Photography fin sizing
10:18 Xcel Spring Suit
11:10 Vaseline
11:27 Vertra Sunscreen
12:03 Low Volume Dive Mask
12:29 Towel Poncho
12:35 Yeti 1 Gallon jug
12:49 Frozen Soup Trays for Ice Cubes
12:57 Canon RF1-500
13:00 Canon RF 2x Extender
13:19 Canon RF 70-200 f2.8
13:24 Canon RF 50 f1.2
13:45 Canon RF 15-35 f2.8
13:52 Polar Pro Circular Polarizer
14:19 Polar Pro Defender Lens Cap
14:26 Peak Design Quick Release Strap
14:40 Tripod
14:54 Mavic 3 DJI Drone
15:00 Polar Pro Directors Filters for DJI MAvic 3 Cine
15:18 Apple Airpods Pro II
15:26 Sandisk 4tb Extreme Pro Portable SSD
15:48 Yeti 34oz water bottle no spill cap
16:05 Lysine
16:15 Florence Marine x airtex unstructured hat
16:22 Free Fly lightweight bamboo hoodie
16:42 Florence MArine X Airtex Long Sleeve Sirt
16:46 Florence Marine X Burgee Boarshorts
17:05 Lululemon Metal Vent Shirt and Poshmark
17:27 Rainbow Sandals aka Slippers in Hawaii
17:38 Waffle Towel for Surf Photography in Hawaii
17:44 Apple Watch Series 9 Tech Review
17:55 Gaff Tape
17:59 Label Maker
18:05 Part 107 Drone Exam and License
18:08 Cost of ESSENTIAL GEAR ONLY
18:12 Cost of MY SURF PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR in WATER
18:18 Total Cost ALL of MY SURF PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR
18:24 My Camera Gear Surf Photography Outro
#surf #surfing #surfphotography #surfphotos #surfers #gearreviews #photographygear #photography #photographylovers #photographytips #hawaii #gearguide #surfvideography #surfvideo #surfingworld
Hi, here's the list with links to all of the gear! docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12rAkmix2gQK8Dnp4rsG21Laf3qkr0eJ3ZWO2M78VOGo/edit?usp=sharing Hope you enjoyed the video and I'm happy to answer your comments on surf photography and photography gear below :)
So much relevant info in a decent length of a video! no unnecessary opinions or trash talk; almost all your choices were justified well. Thank you for a cool interesting gear breakdown video instead of brand bashing or ranting.
Thanks man!
excited to see another camera breakdown video from you, always good stuff!!
Thank you! Glad you're stoked!
@Trimble yeah man, that extension suggestion for the GoPro is genius. I've been tilting my GoPro up a bit to avoid the port in the shot but then obviously it's not lined up with the video. Definitely gonna grab one of those. Also thanks for sharing the cold sore information. Never fun going through one of those but im guilty of poor nutrition and running on nothing but caffeine until im in the ground. Appreciate the transparency!
100%, @@WorkForAvocados stoked those tips could help you out! I suggest picking up a vertical mount for the GoPro as well if you want to shoot horizontal stills and vertical GoPro video for social media content!
@@ConnorTrimble for sure, I just got one but should have went with aluminum, the plastic rusted out. Love the framing so much better vertical. Especially surfing myself with POV
Connor, I found the video fascinating. You definitely are a PRO!
Thank you! It's a lot different than Ohio right haha
That was super detailed and a class video Connor. As a professional photographer looking to invest more into my business, this was a great insight into what a seasoned pro has purchased. Great video man!
Thank you! Stoked you liked it! I''ll be doing more gear review sort videos in the future for specific products and less surf photography niche if there's anything you'd like to see, let me know!
Please do a video version of this! Would be great to get your insights!
Surprisingly it's all pretty much the same for video, except add a Mavic 3 Cine drone and a 3-5 + 6-9 VND filter. I'm testing different brand ones right now because I'm kind of over Polar Pro at the moment. they definitely have a funky cast for white balance on them with a heavy vignette I don't love. I used to have a DSMC 2 RED Dragon-CF 6k but sold it because I do so much photo + video hybrid work and it's easier to just use one camera than have a $15k paper weight. If I get a major film job I'll probably get a V-Raptor + SALTY surf housing for it. But I am waiting on the Canon r1 and Canon r5 mk ii to come out and am hoping those are good enough to the point where I won't want or need a RED. Plus with Nikon buying RED it puts the company in limbo for how the tech will be used, etc and where the RED Code RAW Patents will be which were set to expire soon I'm pretty sure as well which should allow other camera companies to improve their codec really quickly. This should happen with mirrorless cameras a lot more as well. Likewise, I love having autofocus in the water personally and constantly toggle between manual and auto focus in the water which you can't do with a RED. I rarely use a tripod or ronin, but do have them. I think a more interesting set up would be my office and how I rig that for videos haha. But I'm slammed with client work at the moment and hope to get more of these tech driven videos out next month :)
As always, awesome video. This video needs to be shown to every surfer who ask for a free photo 😅
Haha thank you!! I agree, but I will tell anyone that you need to shoot surf because you love it, not to make a lot of money!
Nice Setup!
Really thorough coverage Connor, thanks for diving in! I've barely changed my setup over the last 2 years and I definitely dream of saving up for some new toys. Beautiful studio you've got there
Thank you! Honestly I am waiting for the Canon R1 to come out and also for Aquatech's 24-105 f2.8 port to come out, which is in development. But I think it's be a hard time to switch at the moment because the r3 + r5 have been out for a few years and we're patiently waiting on the new upgraded models if you can wait another 6 months haha. Even if you only need/want an r3 or r5, wait for the new stuff and there will be huge price drops!
I run a Fuji kit! So I'm fairly used to having to wait for new water gear haha. Whatever works, works!@@ConnorTrimble
Thanks for all the info dude. I do dive photography from time to time but I've never done surf photography before and I'm going to give it a go this weekend with some buddies out on the Oregon Coast. Needless to say this video definitely helped bring some things to my attention, specifically the fin leashes and the vasaline. Will be looking to pick those up on my way out to the coast tomorrow. So. thanks!
So psyched this helped you out! Have a great trip! In the cold water, a squeegee could be super clutch too if you don't have one already
Wicked informative, great video
100% Glad you're stoked!!
So generous of you Conner to share your gear and techniques. Will now see many other cameramen with the same in the future… haha. Always been curious why your vids are so rich in color so vivid like your 2023 “Waikiki” and “Paddle Out For Lahaina”. Partly due to Polar Pro or Mav 3 Directors Filters? Maybe record rate or software settings ? Always perfect shadow and highlight detail. 2nd question is about your commercial shooting as you mentioned. Seemed logical you shoot professionally outside your rare youtube uploads so curious what specific type of camera work and type of company do you shoot for? Mahalo🤙🏼
I think there's already been a huge increase since covid and the industry will only become more difficult with AI, so why gate keep this information are my thoughts! 1. Polar Pro filters: these make a huge difference in the color on drone shots 100%. But I also think it's about finding the right angle with limited glare from ocean which comes with practice and also how I edit. 2. Commercial shooting: I do a ton of lifestyle clothing campaigns with clients like Kenny Flowers, Chubbies Shorts, Free Fly, Hurley, O'Neill. I'll do lifestyle adventure travel, usually with drone + water mixed in for say Royal Caribbean, tourism boards or hotels. And I've been doing a lot of water DP stuff this past year as well for various projects, but last week was a documentary, F-One Foiling and Local Motion surf shop shoot. In addition to that I sell stickers + prints in select stores, a little bit online and I also sell stock video footage. But I think with AI, stock video footage will become useless in all honesty.
@@ConnorTrimble Haven’t thought about AI impacting this line of work. Perhaps advertising I guess but not spontaneous documentary (factual) image capture.
@@bwhit716 for sure, I think AI is going to have a massive impact, but it will be slightly delayed until it becomes more common knowledge for everyone to accept it, then utilize it properly.
This is the most comprehensive surf photography gear setup video I've ever seen, very well done and much appreciated useful information! Plus I love how you include sample footage throughout the tutorial as well as the costs, ins and outs, I think you covered everything 🙌🏽🙏🏾
Glad it was helpful!
This is a great video. Only starting to get into the water side of things and that extension pole for gopro is unreal. Its great to know what lenses are most commonly used too. Quick question, do you use auto focus mainly while shooting with 24-105? If so centre point or centre zone etc. Keep up the great videos, very educational 🤟
Stoked you are in to the video! I use single point auto focus and move it right or left from center depending on what composition I want. This is a really easy way to miss shots, but I think when you hit focus, it's the sharpest. I also just have become accustomed to shooting with it because of my portrait work and like the precise control. I'd say 75% of the time I have it right in the center though, especially at Pipeline. A lot of others with use the 9 squares or even face+ eye tracking. It really comes does to personal preference, there's no truly right or wrong way to do it, especially with how good auto focus has gotten.
I just got an aquatech housing and used a product called rain-x on my flat port which seemed to work really well. However after about 90 minutes in the water I noticed I was kind of getting that salty haze despite wiping with a squeege. Similar to a car windscreen left at the beach all day. Any tips on preventing this? Thanks in advance
Nice. So much info and gear 😮 it’s definitely never ending. Do you usually burn through both 512gb cards when shooting a day in the water?
100% defintiely a ton of info haha! Hopefully it helps people though, especially with the cost of it all. and I do fill up the cards pretty fast with the r5 shooting 4k 120 or maximum RAW photos. That's why I bought a 1TB card recently. Last week I was shooing a documentary and shot 1.2TB in a day just filming in water over 5-6 hours swimming at Waimea Bay. To counter this, I have two tower drives at home. 1x 64TB OWC (which I recommend) and a back up G-Raid 96TB that's daisy chained to my OWC drive. Every commercial shoot I do is typically 500gb-4TB on average, so I need to have it all backed up. The memory is honestly the worst part of getting nicer cameras because your storage has to become way bigger and much faster to keep up.
Yo Connor! Ohh so many goodies in here man, I appreciate you putting in the time to make this. Gear question: Were you wearing a padded vest while shooting pipeline this past Christmas Eve? I saw a filmer pop out of the water wearing what looked like an impact vest under a spring suit -- so i'm curious: 1. if that was indeed you and 2. which vest it was and when you'd recommend wearing one. My initial thought was, Mahalo for the video -- it isn't getting nearly the attention it deserves 🌊🤙
Hi! Appreciate the support first off! I know a lot of people that love the impact vests because they make you float more. This is mainly for in water at Waimea or Jaws in Hawaii for big wave shooters I know. Personally I do NOT do that because if big waves my theory is that I have to dive super deep pretty fast so why would I make myself slower and more buoyant on purpose? I feel like I’d be put in a worse position with the floaty suit vs. being fast
@@ConnorTrimble Makes sense! Navigating rips//current also seems like it would be more difficult in an impact vest. Strangely part of my original comment isn't being shown...oh well I think you got the point. Thanks again.
@@Kyle-Edwards yeah no problem! But as with all of this gear, it's personal preference and you may find something that works for you better and that's not a big deal :)
@@ConnorTrimble thanks, I couldn't agree more -- good luck out there!
Great video, I would like to ask, currently I have a Canon 70d, looking to upgrade I take video and pictures, mostly surfing 9land base) and Baseball, which camera would you recommend to go with, I was thinking R6 Mark ii or r5 C, thanks in advance!
I think the r6 is fairly slow for sports photography personally. The r5c is better, or I'd actually recommend the R3 if you're strictly a sports photographer/videographer because of how fast it is and never worrying about the buffer. But if you're 80-90% video then the r5 will do great.
Hey bro, I have a canon t6i and a 24-105 ii ef lens. and I would like to migrate to aquatic photography, like you. I watched your video, I thought it was really cool, but I would like to know if you have any initial recommendations? Could you help me put together a kit to get started in water surf photography? Thanks for your attention, a hug from Brazil.
Hi! Are you looking to keep uing the t6i, or wanting to upgrade camera' as well?
@@ConnorTrimble Idk, because Aquatech don’t have the water housing for my camera, so i have to change, and im looking for adapters EF to RF and this can be the solution for right now, what do you think?? Someone told me to get R10 but idk, i was looking for R6 or R8
@@Brasil_Pelo_Mundo I think the R6 is a great camera, same with the R5 which is what I use. If you only shoot stills then trying to get a used 1dx mk iii could be a route you go as well if you want to stay with EF glass + canon
Did you use ND filter on ur GoPro ??
I will sometimes, but a lot of times I keep it off because I like to use the GoPro underwater more than anything else. Typically I'm shooting at around 40-70 with my 24-105 and the GoPro can get wide underwater barrel shots fast. Those are the ones I've found myself using the most so I think it's easier to not use the GoPro filters. Additionally, the Polar Pro GoPro ND filters can give it a funky white balance, especially underwater I've noticed, so I'd rather have a fast shutter on the GoPro than a ruined shot. But this is something I've been playing with a lot this past month. I haven't come to a full conclusion on what's best so I didn't include it. I have 2x GoPro 12s and a way to mount both, I should leave the housing at home and do a side by side with matching settings + one with ND8 and one without. I'd love to see which does better with no water spots too. Right now I feel like the OG GoPro clear case is better with water spots and easier to keep clean but it could just be situational.
Thank for your feed back ! I always have this hesitation between photo or video when I’m in water with my case. So maybe, buy a GoPro can be resolve my permanent hesitation 🤷🏻♂️
100%, you can also turn the new GoPro 12's on interval photo so it takes a photo every .5 seconds if you're running video and you want it to capture stills. Additionally, you can turn on voice activation and say GoPro take photo and have it on say 30 photos over 3 seconds while the surfer/wave is around peak action while filming tight. @@Landronescape
How do you deal with the overheating when shooting 4k 120, do you just have to be more selective of your shots?
100%, definitely more selective with the shots. But you won't have over heating issues unless you're running slow-mo for more than 2-3 minutes shooting. I've accidentally shot 3 back to back 7 minute clips without it overheating though. I usually have more issues when freediving and running lots of long back to back clips.... But with that being said, in 2 years of using the r5, I've had it stop recording because of overheating 2, maybe 3 times and only gotten the overheating warning probably less than 10x ever. The overheating issues are blown out of proportion in my opinion. But this is just my experience.
@@ConnorTrimble Im having overheating problems with my R5. I like shooting slow-mo and it´s almost impossible.. :( I have to change setting while in water, couldn´t find a solution with the R5.
Hi! Have you updated your firmware on the camera? Also are you using a fast enough memory card? If yes and yes then I’d contact Canon 100%! That’s pretty unheard of. You can run slow-mo for a few minutes without overheating usually and surf clips are typically 15-45seconds tops of real time recording. I have never had mine overheat while shooting surf. I’ve gotten the warning once, maybe twice tops. I’ve only had overheating issues when freediving and letting it run for 5-7 straight when surrounded by sharks
@@ConnorTrimble yes and yes... both things. At least I think the card is fast enough: SanDisk 128GB read 1700, write 1200. Do you think it's ok? I was filming in Tahiti and it was impossible to film in 4k in slow motion. Perhaps the problem is having the screen constantly on, I should try the power saving function and have the screen turn off. thanks for the answer.
I watch your KZhead video. Your KZhead video is really amazing. But your channel and your videos expect more views and subs. I analyzed your KZhead video channel and I found KZhead video SEO is not done. And your channel optimization is not done. And the keywords you used in the video have a lot of competition so your video doesn't rank first in the search list and doesn't reach your audience.
Hi, super interesting to hear. Hopefully someday over time with more views, it'll rank higher in those searches :)