- Expedition 134 Storage Box
We have been using these Expedition134 boxes for years and never had one fail. They are dust proof and waterproof ( within reason, I haven’t submerged them completely for longer that 5 minutes ) and you can sit, stand and even jump on them depending on your weight. They have a 100kg lid rating.
We use them mostly for storing and traveling with camera gear especially on boat or 4WD trips given there is either a lot of water or dust in those situations but you can really use them to store or travel with anything. There are plenty of different colours so you can colour code gear with boxes and lid colurs.
They are also stackable, lockable and made from plastic with no metal parts so no rust. I would ( and do ) recommend these boxes to everyone for everything, especially camera equipment and important gear.
2. Phottix M200R LED Camera Light
Light is the most important thing when it comes to videography and photography. Whether you need constant light for video or flash for photos you always need light. There are so many types and we use all different sizes of lights and flashes but the best light you have is the one you have with you. That’s why these Phottix LED lights are so good.
We have a few of them to mount in different locations, put on camera, put behind things, use as rim lights and so much more. They are compact, have a great battery life and are RGB so perfect in most situations. Just ask Santa, I think even he uses them.
3. RODE Interview GO Handheld Adapter
Like light, when it comes to making videos good audio is imperative and one of the best companies out there for mics and audio is RODE. The Interview GO Handheld adapter is made to be used with the Wireless GO series of mics so you would have to have those to make this work but they are worth it.
This adapter is great for interviews, events etc where you need to get the mic closer to your subject or just to get better audio. We love them and they work wonders to get better audio with a light run and gun kit or when you need to move quickly.
Also we have used RODE gear from many years now and as a company they have always been great to deal with and have helped us a lot with any issues we’ve had. Highly recommend RODE!
4. Drone – Our suggestion is DJI Mini 5 Pro
How much do you love your partner or friend? That’s what it comes down to when you decide what drone to get them and if you are buying your partner or friend a drone you are an amazing partner or friend yourself.
Drone /UAV tech is amazing now and most decent drones will get stunning footage and photos but if you are buying one for a creator then you want something that ticks a lot of boxes. One that does that but is also small is the DJI mini 5 Pro. Check out the specs for yourself on the DJI Mini 5 Pro information page because there are too many to mention (1 inch sensor, battery life etc).
Another amazing small drone is the new DJI Neo 2, small and fun and takes great video and photos but for creator go bigger! In saying that the Neo 2 is lightweight and can take off out of your hand so great as a travel drone.
5. Insta 360 X5 360 Camera OR if you want a flying 360 camera the Antigravity
360 Cameras have been around for ages now and we have been shooting with them since they came out and love them. The time has come where they have become a normal piece of kit and a lot easier to use and edit with. In saying that it still takes some work but it’s so much easier now. Especially the fact they stitch and edit internally now!
The Insta 360 X5 is a great camera and I’d be stoked to get one as a Christmas present. The quality of the camera is great and they can be used it a lot of situations and are great for travel since you can shoot full spherical video and then just re frame it. Awesome! The footage works pretty well in the latest VR headsets too and the fact that you can get them wet makes them even better.
To take it up a notch they have also released the Antigravity 360 drone, in case you want to take your present giving to the next level. Actually, just get them both.
There are so many more things you could get but as a creator if I got any of the above I would be really happy!