In the past, when I used to record videos, I simply stuck with the default colour settings. However, starting in 2023, I began delving into colour grading. I’ve been experimenting with various colour profiles, including S-LOG3, HLG-3, and even pushing my GoPro to shoot in LOGB.
Before, I relied on a budget-friendly white balance card from Amazon. However, it posed challenges when it came to achieving accurate colour adjustments on the vectorscope, as the “white” and “grey” were not as accurate as they should have been.
Based on recommendations I found in web reviews and on YouTube, I decided to invest in the Calibrite ColorChecker Passport Duo, which can be used for both photography and videography. In 2023, this colour checker was quite pricey, costing over €200. However, during one of my Amazon browsing sessions, I stumbled upon a sale and managed to grab it for €185, including shipping – a welcome opportunity to save some money.
I put the ColorChecker Passport Duo to the test with videos recorded on my GoPro 11 and Sony ZV-1, as well as videos shot with my Sony α7 IV. Notably, my GoPro 11 was equipped with the GoPro Labs firmware, enabling me to record using a log curve to expand the dynamic range.
Final Cut Pro’s vectorscope.Following colour correction using Leeming LUT Pro III with the GoPro 11 in Wide Gamut log400 mode, I noticed that my skin appears somewhat lighter and has a brownish tone, which differs from the darker complexion I was aiming for. Additionally, the red rubber band now has a slightly orange hue.
Sony ZV-1 was set to HLG-3 colour profile.
After colour grading in HLG-3, the overall colours appear quite natural. However, there’s a slight reddish tint to my skin tone.
My next objective is to acquire the skills of colour grading to bring my footage closer to its original colours.
On a trip for this summer 2023, I brought with me 24mm, 35mm and 50mm lenses. I tried to constraint the use to only 24mm and it works perfectly. If there’s only one lens I am permitted to bring, I’ll take that 24mm easily. Due to its small footprint, when it is on the camera, the entire system looks very discreet.
Some photos might have looked better with 35mm (my favourite focal length) while 50mm can make things pop better, especially with its macro function. But when going out for an excursion, there is a mix of things that you want to capture. The city, the street, the people, the food, the beaches and probably a half-body portrait. I find that 24mm has this versatility, despite my heart racing for 35mm. Having 24mm the entire time was also a wise decision.
When I was in Ibiza in the spring of 2023, I had with me 20mm F1.8 G. I found that this focal length is not versatile enough. It was just too wide for a subject close-up. So whenever I need to take photos of food and flowers, I have to switch to 35mm. However, 20mm was good for “selfies” and “vlogging” as I don’t have to stretch my arm that far.
Sony α7R III and Sony FE 24mm F2.8 G
This time around, I have the 24mm F2.8 G with me, it is just very light and snuggles nicely in my Peak Design Everyday Sling 6L V2. It was quick to take the camera out and then in again. I captured the landscape at its widest, foods at the restaurant at its closest and normal portraits without much distortion.
Sony α7R III and Sony FE 24mm F2.8 GSony α7R III and Sony FE 24mm F2.8 G (with Godox V1)
It might not be the best, but it works most of the time. Perhaps because it is small and light. However, this lens has its own drawback. While I like the colour coming out, it exerts barrel distortion, quite strongly I must admit.
Another camera that I used VERY often was GoPro Hero 11. I found a tweak using GoPro Labs to set the maximum shutter speed to avoid blurriness when in darker environments. So, the recordings are no longer jittery! In addition to the horizon lock setting, the footage came out like it was held on a gimbal. For the entire week, I have not used DJI Pocket 2 at all. It is one of my favourite pocket cameras as it has a built-in gimbal.
GoPro Hero 11
GoPro is quick (hence the name it carries with, action) and can be used where Sony can’t. Holding the camera outside of the car’s window while driving. Then taking it along when diving in the water. Enduro battery definitely has a longer life and having three of them has been really helpful. Another strong case for GoPro is that even a screen grab from its footage is sharp!
GoPro 11: A photo taken under the water.GoPro 11: A screen grab from a 5.3K footage.
A drone, whilst it is not necessary but captures and yields different perspectives from a higher angle. I took along the DJI Mini 3 Pro. It was very light and easy to travel with.
DJI Mini 3 Pro: Another perspective of Cala Comte.
It seems like I have found my almost perfect and light travel setup. Only two cameras and three lenses!
Sony α7R III + GoPro Hero 11 Sony 24mm F2.8 G Sony 35mm F1.4 GM Sony 50mm F2.8 Macro
