The “MegaRig”

Amazon-proof? Questionable. Frankenstein’s Monster of a contraption? Correct.

After weighing up the pros and cons of obtaining a DSLR camera for the trip, I’ve instead opted to retrofit my dutiful Huwaei Honor 9 mobile phone with a variety of select components to achieve a much more expedition-friendly deal. Here’s what the aptly nicknamed ‘MegaRig’ is made up of:

• OptixMania ‘Maniac’ Flexible Tripod
• Spigen Rugged Armour Case + Screen Protector
• Distianert Camera Lens Kit
• Rode Videomic Pro (Attached via superglued cold shoe mount)

The benefits of this setup are;

• Battery life (to be charged by portable solar panel)
• Waterproof (…ish…at least moreso than a Canon or suchlike)
• 64GB internal storage (courtesy of the Honor 9 model)
• Lightweight and easy to carry. This whole setup can easily fit into a day bag.
• Discreet. At least inbetween points A and B on an expedition.
• Improved zoom and macro photography (courtesy of lens kit and a key need of mine!)
• Collapsible and fun to put together. Looks like the offspring of two Mars rovers.

Looking forward to putting this to the test! Early test results are great and (luckily) punch past the novelty factor.