At first, I thought a smartphone was more than enough for filming my travels. I did rent a DSLR once, but the size and weight were a drawback. The more gear I carried, the more of a burden the trip became—and I wanted to avoid that.
I figured the most I’d carry would be a compact digital camera. I actually bought one and used it mainly to differentiate my photos from those taken on a phone. For a while, that was satisfying enough.
So I passed on the DSLR once. But now, I always bring one when I travel. The reason is simple: I wanted to shoot video properly.
To capture smooth video, you need control over shutter speed and exposure. In bright conditions, an ND filter is practically essential. And to manage all of that, a DSLR becomes necessary.
When you fine-tune your settings, you can see a clear difference—in the motion of waves, the sway of trees in the wind, birds taking off. When filmed on a smartphone, these movements look oddly stiff. That’s because the automatic settings use a shutter speed that’s too fast, removing the natural motion blur.
Of course, smartphones can also be paired with manual apps and dedicated ND filters. But when it comes to adjusting those settings, physical dials feel more intuitive and require less effort than touch controls.
Outside of shooting, ND filters just get in the way. Having to attach them every time is a hassle. In the end, gear that’s made for shooting feels more comfortable. Using it is enjoyable, and it’s easier to stay focused.
Still, if the camera’s weight turns travel into a chore, the point is lost. I considered a full-frame model but eventually settled on a compact APS-C camera. After renting a few and testing them out, I decided APS-C offered video quality that was more than good enough—and I made the purchase.
I chose the Nikon Z fc. Sony and Canon seem more popular for video, but I considered factors like the presence of a viewfinder, weight, and price. Since I mostly shoot outdoors, a viewfinder was a must. Nikon’s images are often said to reflect what you actually see—and I’ve found that to be true.
Nowadays, I’ve stopped using my smartphone for photos and video altogether. I used to think it was quicker and more convenient, but now I find touch controls more frustrating than anything.
Once I stopped shooting with my phone, I naturally stopped touching it as much during my trips. When I shoot with a dedicated camera, I find myself focusing more deeply.
I initially wanted a viewfinder for practical reasons—LCDs are hard to see in sunlight—but when I look through one, distractions disappear, and I feel more immersed in the scene.
Carrying a DSLR has made me face the landscape of travel more deliberately. At least, that’s how it feels to me.
