Top 3 must-have: photography equipment for traveling with kids
Photography equipment for traveling with kids: the complete guide
Picture me among the sand dunes of Corralejo with a screaming 10-month-old Giulia, strong winds, scorching heat, and a backpack containing over €10,000 worth of photography equipment.
I’m writing this article today, but I should have written it 7 years ago, for myself. Now, this guide is for all those parents, and why not, even travel bloggers, who always seek the perfect shot to share on Instagram while traveling. Keep reading to discover the best photography equipment for traveling with kids.
Before diving into this practical guide on what to actually bring, I want to explain why I’ve chosen to suggest so little photography equipment for traveling with kids.
Let’s go back to that image of us on the dunes in Fuerteventura. That day, we had the unhealthy idea of dressing elegantly to take some photos. However, reality turned out to be very different from our expectations.
It was hot, windy, and Giulia was tired. The sand got everywhere… yes, even into the super expensive equipment.
The photos obviously didn’t turn out as we wanted, but the worst part was that we ended up missing the best moments while trying to get the perfect shot.
That experience taught us the importance of traveling light and living in the moment.
That’s why today, we prefer practical and easy-to-use equipment that allows us to capture unforgettable memories without complications.
But now, let’s get into the heart of this guide on photography equipment for traveling with kids.
The best photography equipment for traveling with kids doesn’t exist
Our job still requires us to use expensive and professional equipment, but we’ve realized that the best choice is to bring only the bare minimum… and often, even the bare minimum is too much, just like with suitcases.
Every family has its own needs and way of traveling. For us, who move slowly and live on the road, every inch matters, and every gram adds weight and costs money.
Here’s the equipment I consider essential for creating content while traveling.
Note: In this article, I mainly address traveling families who want to share their adventures on social media and perhaps start a professional blog. If you’re traveling with your family just for fun and don’t need to create professional content but simply want to take nice souvenir photos, this equipment is more than enough (in your case, a good smartphone and, if you’re an adventurous family, an action cam would suffice).
iPhone 15 Pro: the perfect companion for travel photos
The iPhone 15 Pro is an essential tool for anyone wanting to capture every moment of their travels with kids. With its advanced camera and 4K video recording capabilities, it offers exceptional quality. The main advantage of the iPhone 15 Pro is its versatility and lightness. You don’t need to carry a heavy camera, as this device includes everything you need.
Advantages:
- High-quality camera
- 4K video capabilities
- Lightweight and versatile
Disadvantages:
- Limited battery life during long shooting sessions
Insta 360 for 360-degree perspectives
The Insta 360 is an incredibly innovative device that allows you to capture 360-degree videos. This technology lets you relive your adventures from every angle, making memories even more vivid. It’s especially useful for traveling with kids, as it allows you to capture the entire scene around you—perfect for small kids running everywhere: you won’t lose them from the frame anymore.
Advantages:
- 360-degree shooting
- Easy to use and carry
Disadvantages:
- Requires post-production to get the best out of 360-degree videos
iPhone tripod for the “classic” family photo
Do you also complain about not having a photo with all the family members together? An iPhone tripod is essential for anyone who wants to take group photos or record stable videos. Modern tripods are lightweight and easy to carry, making them perfect for travel. Additionally, they can be used with other accessories to further enhance the quality of your shots.
Advantages:
- Stability in shooting
- Lightweight and easy to carry
Disadvantages:
- Can be cumbersome in some contexts
Microphones: high-quality audio
Everyone knows: kids are funny… especially when the cameras are off. That’s why we often leave the microphones on Aldo and Giulia.
A good microphone is crucial for improving the audio quality of your videos. There are several compact models that easily connect to a smartphone, but if you work with content professionally, the best on the market are from DJI. A quality microphone can make a big difference, especially when recording in noisy or outdoor environments.
Advantages:
- Improves audio quality
- Compact and easy to use
Disadvantages:
- They can be expensive
A compact drone
It’s certainly not the cheapest accessory, nor the easiest to use, but it’s undoubtedly the equipment that can make a difference in creating your videos.
But what’s the best drone for traveling with kids?
Best drone for traveling with kids
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is widely considered the best drone for traveling with kids. It’s lightweight, compact, and easy to use, making it perfect for capturing aerial videos without complications.
Thanks to its small size, it’s easy to carry and doesn’t take up much space in your backpack.
Advantages:
- Lightweight and compact
- Easy to use
- High-quality video
Disadvantages:
- Limited battery life compared to larger drones
DJI Mavic Pro vs. DJI Mini 4 Pro: a comparison
If you’re experienced in using drones, you might consider the DJI Mavic Pro. However, the DJI Mini 4 Pro offers several advantages for those traveling with kids.
DJI Mavic Pro:
- Professional-quality video
- Numerous advanced features
- Heavier and bulkier
DJI Mini 4 Pro:
- Lighter and more practical
- Ideal for beginners and families
- Easier to transport
For those seeking simplicity and practicality, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is the ideal choice. It still offers excellent video quality without the complications of a larger drone.
The main difference between these two drones is the maximum height they can reach. But now, let me ask you a question:
To film kids barely over a meter tall, is it really necessary to have a drone that exceeds 500 meters in altitude?
That’s why I believe the DJI Mini 4 Pro is the perfect drone for families.
FAQ: photography equipment for traveling with kids
What’s the best photography equipment for traveling with kids?
The iPhone 15 Pro, Insta 360, an iPhone tripod, and compact microphones are some of the best photography equipment for traveling with kids. If you need to create professional content and want to dive deeper, check out the article Equipment to create star content.
What’s the best drone for traveling with kids?
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is the best drone for traveling with kids, thanks to its lightness, compactness, and ease of use.
How can I improve the quality of my videos while traveling with kids?
By using a good microphone and an iPhone tripod, you can greatly improve the quality of your videos.
Is it difficult to use a drone while traveling with kids?
No, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is designed to be easy to use even for beginners, making it perfect for those traveling with kids and who don’t have much time for “photographic” stops.
Creating lasting memories with the best photography equipment for traveling with kids
Traveling with kids offers the opportunity to create unforgettable memories.
While packing your next backpack with photography equipment for traveling with kids, before adding yet another gadget, think of me on that sand dune in Corralejo.
Using the right photography equipment while traveling with kids can greatly increase public attention on social media.
However, it’s important to remember to live in the moment and not just focus on finding the perfect shot.
Safe travels and happy shooting!
Digitally Yours
☀️ Sara ☀️
