Our Equipment
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Panasonic LUMIX GH6 The Panasonic Lumix GH6 is a high-performance mirrorless camera known for its robust video capabilities. With its 25.2MP sensor, the GH6 delivers sharp, detailed images, even in challenging lighting conditions. We like filming from the land using the 5.7K video. While in the ocean we use the 4K 120fps slow-motion setting perfect for shooting surfing action with smooth and cinematic slow-motion effects. The GH6 also offers advanced stabilization that ensures steady shots, even when filming handheld on the beach or from the boat. Additionally, its weather-sealed body is built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, making it durable enough for the beach and the unpredictable elements of boat life.
Panasonic LUMIX 100-400mm The Panasonic LUMIX 100-400mm lens is a great choice for filming surf from the beach or boat. Here are the key benefits: Extensive Zoom Range: With a focal length equivalent to 200-800mm on a full-frame camera, this lens allows you to capture close-up shots even from a considerable distance.
Sharpness and Detail: The lens delivers good sharpness and detail throughout its zoom range, ensuring that every surfer is captured with clarity.
Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): The built-in OIS compensates for camera shake, which is especially helpful when shooting handheld or from the boat. This stabilization ensures smoother, steadier footage, even at the maximum zoom.
Weather-Sealed Construction: The lens is weather-sealed, making it resistant to dust, splash, and freeze, ideal for the often-harsh conditions.
Fast Autofocus: The lens features quick and accurate autofocus, essential for keeping up with the fast-paced action of surfing, where capturing split-second movements can make or break a shot.
Panasonic LUMIX25-50mm The Panasonic LUMIX 25-50mm f/1.7 lens is a versatile, high-performance zoom lens. Perfect for shooting in the water or lifestyle shots on the boat. Main features we like are,
Constant f/1.7 Aperture: The lens offers a constant f/1.7 aperture throughout the zoom range, allowing for excellent low-light performance and consistent exposure.
Versatile Focal Range (25-50mm): With a focal length equivalent to 50-100mm on a full-frame camera, this lens covers a versatile range from standard to short telephoto. It’s ideal for portrait shots, close-ups, and medium-distance filming. Perfect lens for shooting surf from the channel
DJI Mavic 3 Classic The DJI Mavic 3 Classic is an excellent drone for shooting surf videos and photos. Mid budget drone that will not break the bank. Main features we like
Hasselblad Camera with Large Sensor: The Mavic 3 Classic is equipped with a Hasselblad camera featuring a 4/3 CMOS sensor, which delivers superior image perfect for capturing still lineup shots for printing.
5.1K Video Resolution: The drone can record at up to 5.1K resolution at 50fps, providing incredibly detailed footage that can be downscaled for high-quality 4K video or cropped without losing clarity.
Extended Flight Time: With a maximum flight time of up to 46 minutes. We upgraded to this drone from the Mini pro 3. Main difference is the larger sensor. Recommend getting the DJI RC or DJI RC Pro control unit.
GoPro HERO12 Black Great camera to have onboard to capture lifestyle and POV shots in and out the surf. Main features we like are the durability and waterproofing perfect for boat life The Stabilization and Hyper Smooth settings are great. Long battery life and good slow-motion options.
Lexar Professional SD Card 256GB Always handy to have some spare memory cards onboard. We like using anything above 64Gb especially when shooting at high frame rates. Good to buy good quality cards to avoid corrupt files. Note the Panasonic GH6 takes both the normal and CF express memory cards.
Pelican Case Our gear is always stored in pelican case. We have two onboard Pelagic using a large one to store all our equipment in the wheelhouse and then a smaller one for going in the speedboat or onto the beach to film. Great for protecting your kit when you're traveling also.
DJI Drone ND Filters Surfing videos are often shot on sunny days, and sunlight reflecting off the water can make the footage overly bright. ND filters limit the amount of light entering the camera, helping prevent overexposure and ensuring that details in highlights, like the whitewater and wave texture, are preserved.
Dry Bag
The Desoto Waterproof Backpack is an excellent choice for surf photography because it combines functionality, durability, and weatherproofing in one lightweight package. Its roll-top closure and marine-grade waterproof material ensure that camera gear, accessories, and personal items stay completely dry, even in wet and splash-prone environments. The 32L capacity provides ample space for essentials like lenses, batteries, and a small drone, while the adjustable padded straps make it comfortable to carry on long beach treks or while maneuvering on boats. For surf photographers working near saltwater, sand, or in unpredictable weather, this bag offers reliable protection and portability, making it a trustworthy companion for capturing waves up close. For added protection, consider pairing it with internal padded camera inserts.
