Photojournalism Photographers

What’s the best camera gear for photojournalism?

If you want to become a photojournalist, you need a solid kit. And the best research you can do? Looking inside the camera bags of professional photojournalists from around the world to see what gear they use.

That’s exactly what we’ll do in these pages. What’s better, these photographers do more than list their gear: they share their stories, their experiences in the field, and their tips for getting incredible shots.

The life of a photojournalist can be dangerous. You know when you’re carrying a bulletproof vest in your kit (as more than a few our featured photographers do) you’re in a pretty serious profession.

Conflicts, protests, political rallies and natural disasters are some of the most typical events photojournalists find themselves covering.

That’s why photojournalists need to develop a particular set of skills to be the best at what they do.

If you want to become an award-winning photojournalist, you need more than good camera gear: you need to be able to spot the opportunities for powerful, moving shots.

You need to be able to nail your settings in a heartbeat before the moment passes. And you need to be brave enough and committed enough to stand your ground even in the face of danger.

But it’s not all doom and gloom: don’t forget that photojournalists can capture positive and uplifting stories as well.

Maybe it’s a pride march or peaceful demonstration, a world cup, or a fuzzy news story about the birth of a baby panda at the zoo (because who doesn’t love those?).

In fact, one of the best things about photojournalism as a career is that it can provide a lot of variety and constantly throw new challenges your way.

You’ll notice from browsing these photojournalists’ features that every kit is very different. And a photographer will also select different equipment depending on the situation they’re going into.

Sometimes a photojournalist needs to slink around discreetly with just one camera body and lens (in which case a small mirrorless camera will likely do the trick).

Other times they head off on location with a hard case filled with multiple DSLRs, a variety of lenses – maybe even one or more drones.

Durability of gear is an important factor for the venturous photojournalist. When you’re in the middle of a warzone or getting knocked about in an impassioned street protest, you want to come out of it with your gear (and your shots) intact.

Protecting the work is also the reason why plenty of extra memory cards, portable hard drives and backup power sources feature in these photojournalists’ kits.

Another thing to look out for: an exceptional camera bag. Photojournalism requires travel, mobility, and an adventurous spirit. Which means that not just any old backpack will suffice.

A carry solution that’s tough, secure, comfortable and that allows quick access to your camera gear makes all the difference.

The pro photojournalists featured here have been through the trial and error already – find out which cameras, lenses, bags and other gear they use and recommend.

Gear is just one part of it – but get that right, and your photojournalism career will be off to a head start.