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Gear & tech

A practical overview of the equipment Daniel uses in fieldwork and production.

Daniel Wheeler's essential equipment for conflict reporting, including press body armor, cameras, and medical supplies.

Equipment and approach

A collection of the camera and lenses Daniel uses and recommends

Main camera

Nikon Z9

A professional-grade flagship full-frame mirrorless camera used as Daniel’s primary system for both stills and video.

The Z9 is the backbone of Daniel’s field kit. It combines speed, reliability, and image quality in a way that suits the demands of documentary and editorial work, particularly in fast-paced or high-pressure environments. Its autofocus tracking, video capabilities, and durability make it well suited to working independently in the field. The camera’s ability to adapt across formats and conditions is one of the reasons it remains Daniel’s first choice on most assignments.
Lens

NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S

A fast, standard zoom that covers the majority of focal lengths required in field production.

This lens is part of Daniel’s core setup for both stills and video. It handles a range of shooting situations well, from interviews to reactive field work. The build quality is solid, autofocus is fast and quiet, and image quality remains sharp across the zoom range. It’s a dependable, all-purpose lens for professional use.
Cinema camera

Canon C300 MkIII

A dependable cinema camera used for long-form documentary work and more structured production environments.

Daniel uses the C300 Mk III when a project calls for cinematic quality and consistency. It’s well suited to controlled interviews, multi-day shoots, or collaborative productions. The camera integrates easily with other systems and has proven reliable in both field and studio environments.
Lens

NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S

A macro lens with excellent clarity, often used for detailed close-ups and selective framing.

Daniel uses this lens when a project calls for precise detail or controlled composition whether that’s a portrait, object work, or visual texture. It’s sharp, well-built, and stabilised for handheld use. While not always in the main kit, it’s a useful option when time and space allow for slower, more focused shooting.
Secondary camera

Nikon Z6

A compact and capable mirrorless camera used as a reliable secondary system in varied shooting conditions.

The Z6 serves as a secondary camera for photography and video, offering quality and flexibility in a smaller form. It’s particularly useful for lighter travel, discrete setups, or situations where a second angle or quick deployment is needed. It shares lens compatibility with Daniel’s main kit and performs reliably in low light.
Lens

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens

A long zoom lens offering reach and stability in unpredictable or fast-paced settings.

Used with the Canon C300 Mk III, this lens allows Daniel to work at a distance when necessary, without losing clarity or depth. It’s optically stabilised, fast to focus, and holds up well in demanding conditions. It’s especially useful when space is limited, or when a more discreet approach is required.