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What's in my bag? The photographer unpacks.

Denny Phan
22.12.2016
Translation: machine translated

I've been travelling around Australia for 12 months now in search of adventure and unique photos. I'm always accompanied by my black backpack containing a selection of useful cameras and gadgets.

I seriously asked myself "What am I going to pack in my backpack?" before I left for this trip. Criteria such as weight, efficiency, aesthetics and compactness played an important role. My equipment has continually evolved over the course of my trip. Unnecessary things have cleared (and had the opportunity to), models have been replaced by their updated version and, and, and...

So what's in my bag now?

Fujifilm X-T2

I've fallen in love with the operating concept and retro design of Fujifilm cameras since the launch of the Fujifilm X100 in February 2011. I currently use the X-T2 as my camera for all my projects. The camera is an extremely compact feature pack. It's also protected against water and dust. Something I appreciate, especially at the beach. I mainly use the X-T2 with fixed focal lengths. The 35mm lens is always perfect and, complemented by the wider 23mm lens design, is ideal for landscapes, while the 56mm lens is made for portraits.

Apple MacBook 12''

Aside from weight, a high-resolution screen for image processing was particularly decisive for me. I found this device perfect to meet my needs because it only weighs around 900 grams and has a 12-inch Retina display. At first I had some doubts about its power for processing my images in Adobe Lightroom. However, these doubts disappeared after the first few uses and, after 12 months of use, I can't do without my MacBook. It eventually reaches its limits when processing high-definition video files.

Samsung SSD T3

Given the amount of data I produce every day, all the digital seams on my MacBook quite often reach their limit. The Samsung T Series SSD is ideal as an extra storage solution on a long trip. The drive is incredibly compact and, thanks to SSD technology, has a fast data transfer rate.

GoPro Hero 5 Black and GoPro Session

I went on a trip with only the GoPro Session in my luggage. I then decided on this model because I was mainly producing photos and only wanted to use this camera occasionally in "crazy hectic cases". However, I liked filming more than I thought at first, and couldn't resist upgrading after the release of the GoPro Hero 5 (big case of G.A.S - Gear Acquisition Syndrome). The Hero 5's video quality and resolution are much better than the Session's and it also scores points with its integrated voice control. I'm currently using the Session to capture a second angle of view or as a compact pocket alternative.

DJI Osmo

With a built-in support system and 4K resolution, this action camera helps you get in the video mood. An important element in the production of professional-quality video is the stabilisation of involuntary movements. With Osmo, you get this stabilisation in a relatively compact package.

DJI Osmo X3 4K UHD Gimbal & Camera Kit + Microphone (25p, Wi-Fi)
Action cameras

DJI Osmo X3 4K UHD Gimbal & Camera Kit + Microphone

25p, Wi-Fi

Marshall Monitor headphones

Although in-ear headphones would have been much more practical, I didn't want to give up the excellent sound quality of these Marshall headphones. The 12-hour bus journeys (why is Australia so big!?) don't really seem any shorter, but much more bearable. The headphones also have an integrated connector for plugging in a second pair of headphones! So your travelling companion can continuously listen to your favourite songs with you.

iPhone 7

Long battery life, splash resistance and a high-resolution touchscreen: all features that were decisive in my choice of smartphone. Given that I'm out and about all day most of the time, and sockets are often limited in the hotels I stay in, every battery strip is precious to me. I'm currently particularly happy with the iPhone 7. Unfortunately, I can't say anything about its camera, as I prefer to use my Fujifilm X-T2 for my shots. However, the iPhone is sufficient for the occasional Snapchat selfie.

Accessories

New Balance

Good shoes are essential given that I'm wearing them in back alleys and on hidden paths during our explorations. I decided on the all-black model from New Balance because it's less susceptible to dirt and because it's simply less complicated to get into clubs and bars in black shoes. Because we actually do do that kind of thinking when travelling with just one pair of shoes and flip-flops.

Casio B640 & HUF cap black

Black, simple, weather-indicating and real sun protection. No need to say more about the Casio B640 and the HUF cap.

Do you have any further questions or advice about my equipment

I look forward to hearing from you! And I'd also love to see what you've packed in your rucksack! So let me know in the comments.

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Denny Phan
Senior Category Buying Manager & AS
denny.phan@digitecgalaxus.ch

A camera in one hand, an airline ticket in the other. That's what I call a perfect situation.

Find out more about me and my photography on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/35waves/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> or on my <a href="https://www.35waves.com/"
target="_blank">website</a> 


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