Camera gear — WatchCalvin

The Gear

One of the most common questions any content creator receives is

“What gear do you use?”

Well, Scroll down to find out!

TL;DR Version

Note that these are Amazon affiliate links. Purchasing through these links incur no additional cost to you, but will allow me to earn a small percentage to help support the site. Win-win!

Sony A6400 https://amzn.to/3qlUETj (my photos from Aug to Nov 2021, testing the Sony system and learning product photography)
- Sigma 30mm f1.4 https://amzn.to/3firGgx
- Sigma 56mm f1.4 https://amzn.to/3fjayHH
Fuji X100V https://amzn.to/3zNeJoB (Dec 2021 onwards, probably 85% of my grid) - I personally would recommend this camera, even to newbies, if you don’t want to delve into interchangeable lenses. The short focal distance allows for great close up shots.
Sony A7IV https://amzn.to/333Z4p3 (Dec 2021 onwards, the other 15%, usually macro)
- Sony 50mm f1.4 https://amzn.to/3zScOze
- Sony 90mm Macro https://amzn.to/3HYzGzO
Godox SL60 continuous light https://amzn.to/3qiVOyC (occasionally used as majority of my photos are window lit)
Aputure Light Dome Mini ii https://amzn.to/3tmdCuO
Aputure MC https://amzn.to/3fe1mV5
Neewer light stands https://amzn.to/3I20mjb
Neewer 5 in 1 reflector https://amzn.to/3tlBLSm
Honourable mention: inexpensive Amazon lighting kits https://amzn.to/34JmTTv (note that these fall under various brands but all function the same)

The Space

To set the scene, I’ll talk about the space I work in.

Despite how magical some photos may seem (other creators included!), you’d be surprised at what happens out of frame. I personally work in a small spare bedroom, roughly 3m x 3m. This includes my desk and hardware for my day job, as well as storage closets, before even considering the photography space.

What’s my photography space you ask?
I have two IKEA Bror workbenches on castor wheels that sit next to a window. That’s it. That’s where all my photos are taken. That’s where the magic happens.
Storage shelving on the bottom to hold all my random props and cam gear, which I’ll pick and choose to curate a little scene on the top. The actual surface area of what you see in my photos is probably using 20cm x 20cm of one bench top.
Why am I telling you this? To show you that space shouldn’t be an excuse, and you really don’t need much!
*Note: this is IKEA stock footage, not my actual room. Actual room below.*

The Lighting

I’ll start with lighting because this is the biggest factor that will separate the amateurs from the pros. Common mistakes I see (I used to do them too) include insufficient lighting, too harsh lighting, and too small of a primary light source.

So what do I use?
Nothing will ever beat natural light! My first priority source is my own large window (I park Bror under it), covered in frosted window film to diffuse the light for a softer effect. Silhouette curtains or large light diffusers will do just the same.
The vast majority of my photos are window lit, which offers the most even lighting. The only downside to this is that I can only shoot at certain times of the day.
*Fun fact: I had put frosted film on my window long before I got into watch photography, and that was for privacy as my window looks into the building block right next door!*

My second source of light is controlled. I use a Godox SL60 continuous light source, paired with an Aputure Light Dome Mini ii (you can use any modifier of choice). I personally use the Light Dome Mini ii due to it’s small footprint and quick and easy setup given the small space I work in. I tend to only use controlled lighting if there’s a very specific effect I’m after, or if I feel like shooting and it’s past sunset.

My third little back up friend is the Aputure MC. Great for fill or back lighting (with RGB), and in certain scenarios even main lighting!

The Camera

I’ve shot with multiple camera systems, both APS-C and full frame. If you can master lighting, the camera merely becomes ergonomic personal preference. Don’t believe me? Go look at all the great photographers and you’ll find a myriad of different cameras being used!

Sony A6400

I started my account with a Sony A6400 paired with the Sigma 30mm f1.4 and 56mm f1.4 lenses. This is a rather inexpensive combo that I would still highly recommend to this day, especially if you can get them second hand. I personally don’t think you can go wrong with any A6XXX series camera paired with the Sigma lenses, as they’ll produce sharp images.
Image from dpreview.com.

My 5 second A6400 review -

Inexpensive today
Produces very sharp images
Surprisingly good low light performance
Kit is very light, making it easy to attach to table-clamped flat lay rigs, as well as just holding it up with your arms
Flip out screen is useful
Battery life is garbage, so you’ll need some spares (aftermarket ones are cheap and work fine)
Menu is super clunky and takes some learning, but you get used to it and can customise your own favourites menu