Ok... I see all these great YouTube videos of trips. I do have a Hero Black with several batteries. If I want to document a BW adventure, what would be minimal essential equipment/accessories I could get away with and still produce a solid video?

I already have power banks and solar charging capabilities.

Typically, one would want to try new camping equipment in their backyard or a low risk environment before venturing into the wilderness. For example, it would be foolish to learn to use a camping hammock for the first time on day 1 of a week long BWCA trip.

You should consider the same for your video production. Make and edit videos around your daily activities for practice. What gets used? What does not?

Yes, there are many really good YouTube videos of wilderness trips, but so many bad ones as well. Good story telling is a skill that needs practiced. If you don't know what equipment you'll need to tell a compelling story, then what you really need is more practice.

EDIT: If the goal is simply to capture video and still photographs as a record of your trip for personal use then any recent model digital camera would suffice.

Good Luck

Your iPhone, small tripod, selfy stick, maybe a gimble if you want to get fancy. There's some great You Tube videos showing how your iPhone works very well for outdoor videos

This Guy Is pretty good

Yes…simply for personal use. Would like to capture some fishing. Nothing fancy whatsoever. Appreciate the responses.

iCallitMaize: "Yes…simply for personal use. Would like to capture some fishing. Nothing fancy whatsoever Appreciate the responses. . "

One of the coolest cameras currently available are the Insta360 series cameras. They can capture everything 360* of camera while recording, then in editing, you chose what is displayed. A camera mounted on the bow of your canoe could capture simultaneously you paddling and what you are paddling toward. It is more than "bare minimum" but popular with the YouTubers. The advantage for action fishing shots is it wouldn't need to be aimed to capture the epic fish battle shots.

All I ask is that when you produce your video you avoid hokey music. Or just avoid music altogether. Many videos are ruined this way. Oftentimes you'll see videos with great visuals but are ruined by the music. Sometimes the music is bloody awful and sometimes it's just that the audio mix is terrible - drowning out the the narration.

Some folks do it well but you can tell they are either highly skilled or have professional production.

Argo: "All I ask is that when you produce your video you avoid hokey music. Or just avoid music altogether. Many videos are ruined this way. Oftentimes you'll see videos with great visuals but are ruined by the music. Sometimes the music is bloody awful and sometimes it's just that the audio mix is terrible - drowning out the the narration.


Some folks do it well but you can tell they are either highly skilled or have professional production."

I 100% agree. Music ruins so many videos that would otherwise be very enjoyable to watch.

Thanks everyone!

Hello!
I have done a lot of video work professionally and as a hobby. I would encourage you to browse all the options at a site like B&H.com. Great prices and shipping. There are so many modern lightweight options with a lot features and control options.
A smartphone is a powerful tool but its form limits it in many cases. A small mirrorless camera by companies like Fujifilm, Panasonic or Olympus for instance, can offer a lot of features for outstanding video AND audio along with stills. I would recommend getting a small field recorder and microphone for audio, again many versatile lightweight options there. Get the ‘nat’ sounds of wildlife, waves and storms to soundscape your videos.
The best gear is the gear you have but if you find you want more than that take a look. Davinci Resolve has a powerful free video editor. There is a full version and a iOS version.
I’m happy to offer any more insight if you need any.

I love making videos of my BWCA trips and am excited for you for the fun you're gonna have doing it too!

Especially to start with, I would not get real hung up on gear to take with you in hopes of a good video. To me, the strength of a good video stems more from creativity and skills with editing the visuals you were able to capture and with your ability to tell a good story. All I've ever used for my BWCA videos is a Go-Pro (my current one is already 8 to 9 years old) and a small little Nikon Coolpix "point and shoot" type camera. I do not even bring my cellphone--which these days CAN get you pretty good images as well. I usually end up with something I've had fun creating and am proud enough of to post it. Granted, I do sacrifice some image quality with my level of gear but it's really only those with a very discerning eye who will note and care that the pictures aren't top professional level, if you've done a good job with the editing and storytelling. It depends who you are making the video for. If it's like me--for personal enjoyment and to share with a few friends--I'd say that if you've already got that Go-Pro camera, you are well on your way!

Regarding adding music to your videos, I agree that in some cases I do not find the music enhances the video I'm watching and would prefer that music had not been added. But that's my taste. If you, as the artist, feel that certain music enhances your video and makes it more fun for you, by all means go for it! I personally like adding music to my videos and actually spend a lot of time trying to find and edit music that at least to me, fits my video "just right". I know that some viewers will wish I hadn't added music and struggle to appreciate it that way but the video wasn't made for them just like the videos I wished were music free weren't made for me. Do it the way YOU want to do it.

Have fun!