In the era of advanced smartphone cameras, many sailors may wonder if it’s still worth lugging around traditional camera equipment while cruising. The answer is a resounding yes—especially if you aim to capture the full splendor of island paradises, both above and below the waterline. Here’s a breakdown of the essential photographic gadgets that we bring along on our sailing adventures to ensure we capture the best moments from every perspective.
A compact camera, like our Sony RX100, is a lightweight and versatile tool, perfect for hikes and beach walks. Unlike smartphone cameras, this compact camera offers a high-quality lens, powerful zoom, and multiple scene modes, including a sport mode that captures fast-moving objects. It also features a flexible tripod, making it easy to position on uneven surfaces or hang from a tree branch. The self-timer function is invaluable for capturing photos of both of us together, especially in remote anchorages where it’s just the two of us—much better than those awkward, big-nosed selfies!
For underwater photography, we rely on the Olympus Tough—a compact, reasonably priced camera that’s certified to depths of 15 meters, perfect for snorkeling and free diving. While it might not match the quality of high-end professional underwater gear, the Olympus Tough offers impressive macro capabilities, allowing for detailed close-ups of corals and marine life, especially with a little post-processing on a laptop.
Our Pentax DSLR is our go-to for capturing stunning landscapes and wildlife from the boat. Equipped with a polarization filter, it beautifully renders the various shades of a lagoon. However, due to its size and fragility, we handle it with care, often transporting it in a dry bag wrapped in a towel and rinsing our hands before use. With its powerful zoom lens, we can photograph nesting birds and other wildlife without causing disturbance.
A dome camera housing, typically used with a GoPro, allows for unique split-level photos that capture both the underwater world and the scene above the surface. Although it can be tricky to master—especially in choppy conditions—the effort is worth it when you capture that perfect shot. Using the burst function helps in getting at least one great photo out of many attempts.
Drone photography adds an exciting aerial perspective to your sailing photos, allowing you to capture the beauty of your anchorage from above. Using a drone like our MavicAir can be a thrilling experience, though not without its challenges. Factors like weather conditions, battery levels, and the drone’s distance from the boat all add to the excitement. But when the drone returns safely with stunning shots of the boat, reef, and surrounding island, the adrenaline is well worth it.
Carrying dedicated camera equipment on a cruising yacht may seem cumbersome compared to the convenience of a smartphone, but the results are well worth the effort. From underwater scenes to breathtaking aerial views, these gadgets help us capture and share the full beauty of the places we visit.
Birgit and Christian have been capturing the world through their lens as they’ve sailed from the Mediterranean, through the Caribbean, and across the Pacific. Explore their galleries and read more about their adventures on their blog, www.pitufa.at, and check out their books “Sailing Towards the Horizon”, “On Velvet Paws towards the Horizon”, and “Cruising Know-How” on Amazon.
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