Matti Haapoja's Camera Gear & Studio Setup
Matti Haapoja films with a Sony A7S III, records audio on a Rode VideoMic NTG, and lights the shot with the Aputure MC. Below is Matti Haapoja's full camera, lens, microphone and lighting setup — each item cited to a public source video or interview, with a budget-friendly alternative for every pick.
◆ Gear below reflects what Matti Haapoja has publicly disclosed (see sources). Lensbook is not affiliated with Matti Haapoja. Video embedded from YouTube — views and ad revenue remain with the creator.
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Style analysis
Matti shoots with a full f/2.8 zoom system rather than a prime kit, favouring flexibility for run-and-gun cinematic work over maximum bokeh. His output leans heavily on gradable S-log3 or XAVC-S-I flat footage paired with his own Travelfeels LUTs, giving a warm, filmic look that has become a recognisable signature in the creator-filmmaker community. The Sony A7S III's low-light prowess drives his lens choices: compact, fast zooms that stay sharp when ISO climbs.
His primary A-roll body. Matti built his entire 2021 kit around the A7S III's extraordinary low-light performance (ISO 409,600) and 4K 120p slow-motion, which he demonstrates extensively in his travel and documentary content.
Source: What's In My Camera Bag 2021 - All My Gear Has Changed... — Matti Haapoja (2021-08-16)
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Budget pick: Sony ZV-E10 II ($800) — A fraction of the price with full 4K video, Sony's Real-time AF, and the same E-mount lens compatibility. The crop factor means lenses read a bit tighter, but for creators who want Sony color science and modern AF without a $3,500 outlay, the ZV-E10 II is the natural entry point into the same ecosystem Matti shoots on. View →
His wide-end vlog and travel lens. On a full-frame body like the A7S III, 17-28mm covers everything from tight interiors to environmental wide shots in one compact, weather-sealed barrel — a natural pairing with run-and-gun filmmaking.
Source: What's In My Camera Bag 2021 - All My Gear Has Changed... — Matti Haapoja (2021-08-16)
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Budget pick: Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD ($550) — Same lens — budget-friendly because the original A046 version is now available used or refurbished as Tamron released the G2 update. If budget is a concern, the original A046 delivers identical optical quality at a lower street price. View →
The mid-range anchor of his Tamron trinity. 28-75mm covers talking-head framing (35-50mm equivalent), interview work, and cinematic medium shots without switching bodies. Compact enough to stay in a travel bag alongside the 17-28 and 70-180.
Source: What's In My Camera Bag 2021 - All My Gear Has Changed... — Matti Haapoja (2021-08-16)
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Budget pick: Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary ($499) — The smallest and lightest f/2.8 full-frame standard zoom for Sony E-mount. Slightly narrower range than the Tamron but meaningfully cheaper and lighter — a strong budget alternative for solo creators who want one fast zoom for YouTube talking-head work. View →
His on-camera shotgun for run-and-gun acquisition. The VideoMic NTG auto-senses camera vs. mobile and switches output accordingly — a convenience feature that matters when moving between shooting setups quickly on location.
Source: What's In My Camera Bag 2021 - All My Gear Has Changed... — Matti Haapoja (2021-08-16)
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Budget pick: Rode VideoMicro II ($79) — Ultraminiature, no batteries needed, and costs a quarter of the VideoMic NTG. For a creator who mostly shoots indoors or at medium range, the VideoMicro II's narrower reach is rarely a problem and the size advantage is real. View →
Wireless lavalier system he publicly highlighted for its internal noise cancelling, 32-bit float recording, and cable-free Sony camera connection. Sponsored post marked #ad, but the feature set he described reflects real workflow benefits he values.
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Budget pick: Rode Wireless GO II ($299) — Two-transmitter wireless system with onboard recording backup — slightly cheaper than the DJI Mic 2 and widely used by filmmakers and vloggers who need reliable dual-source audio without the DJI ecosystem. View →
A pocket-sized RGBWW LED that fits in a jacket pocket. Matti uses it for fill, accent colour, or practical background light when shooting on location — useful for the moody, cinematic look his travel films are known for.
Source: What's In My Camera Bag 2021 - All My Gear Has Changed... — Matti Haapoja (2021-08-16)
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Budget pick: Lume Cube Panel Go ($60) — Slightly larger but still portable panel light with bi-color and adjustable brightness. At about half the price of the Aputure MC and more straightforward to dial in for a beginner, it's a good first portable light for talking-head or vlog work. View →