GEAR: Personal Laptop

The frustration over Apple’s lack of ports on their professional laptops has been well documented and I agree, especially when it comes to the lack of a built-in SD card reader. But there is no option for those that need access to Final Cut and the Adobe software suite on the go. While dongles are no fun, I do appreciate the promise of only needing to carry one type of cable for everything. As of right now, I can charge my laptop, my phone, one of my GoPros all with the same cable. I think we are approaching a daywhen everything uses USB-C, but until then, I will be living the #DongleLife.

I use my Macbook for the standard computer tasks, photo and video editing, graphic design work and some light gaming. Since I frequently need access to files and footage on a variety of devices, sometimes simultaneously, it requires that I carry duplicate adapters. Since I work with people using Windows and Mac, I have Windows 10 installed on my MBP, along with the newest Mac OS. 

Completing my kit are a pen and Field Notes notebook, microfiber cleaning cloth and lens cleaning wipes, and a Logitech Bluetooth mouse. While Apple’s trackpad is good, I always carry the Logitech mouse because I sometimes need the precision when editing video or images offered by a good mouse. 

All of this tucks neatly inside my TimBuk2 Command shoulder bag. It is rugged, convenient and comfortable. My kit may be a bit overkill, but It keeps me ready for any situation.

Here is a full list of my kit:

• TimBuk 2 Command bag, small
• 2017 Apple Macbook Pro 15” w/i7
• Macbook USB-C Charger and cable
• LaCie 2TB USB-C Rugged Mini harddrive
• Logitech MX Anywhere2 bluetooth mouse
• Grid-it Cacoon Medium Organizer
• SD card reader
• 2 Apple USB-C to USB-A adapters
• USB-C to HDMI adapter
• USB-C to Ethernet adapter
• 2 UCB-C to Micro USB adapter
• 1 USB-C to USB-C cable
• Microfiber cloth and lens cleaner
• Field Notes notebook and Uni-bal Jetstream pen

GEAR: Daily Carry Camera

I generally use my Samsung Galaxy S9+ for everyday video and photos, since it is always with me. It shoots great 4k video and amazing pictures for a phone. It is also incredibly convenient for basic photo editing and posting to social media. The S9+ is one of the best smartphone cameras available today, the customization, user controls and image quality is genuinely impressive, even when compared to point-and-shoot, mirrorless and DSLR cameras.

While my phone is an excellent camera, sometimes I need better low light performance or the ability to zoom in without sacrificing image quality. That is where my Canon G9x Mark ii comes in. Small enough to fit into a pocket, discreet enough to shoot in almost any environment without disturbing others, it captures excellent pictures despite its small size. Since recent price drops and sales, the G9x Mark ii is cost effective at around $400. While not its strong suit, it does shoot decent, optically stabilized 1080p video. If you primarily shoot video, the quality leaves a lot to be desired and I would consider other options like the Panasonic and Sony options in the similar price range. Also, if you intend to use the camera to take selfies or shoot a vlog, I would recommend upgrading to the Canon G7x that has a screen that flips up, allowing you to frame your shot while the lens is pointed at you.

There are loads of great options for high-end point-and-shoot cameras from Sony, Panasonic, Fuji and Olympus. I personally love the G9x Mark ii for its simplicity, size, image quality and build quality and would recommend it anyone looking to step up beyond their smartphone camera. 

My everyday camera kit:

• Canon G9x Mark ii
• 2 Wasabi Power extra batteries
• Canon Battery Charger
• LoPro camera case
• SanDisk Extreme Plus SD cards (64GB and 32GB)

Here are some sample shots from he G9x Mark ii (no correction or retouching has been done):