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Originally posted by docmaker

Hope this is the correct section i'm posting in. I will be travelling around asia and i want to interview the locals that i meet on the way. I want equipment that will enable me to do it to a professional standard if possible. I have about 1500 GBP to spend.

This is my first step researching this so i;m really looking for a foothold. Obviously i will need a camcorder capable of recording long periods, decent mics and reliable storage devices for backup.

I already have a laptop and editing software. Do you think portable lighting equipment would be necessary as well? It would be much appreciated if someone could be so kind as to give me some advice on what sort equipment i should be looking at. Thanks.

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I assume you're traveling alone, so you'll be carrying all the gear, setting it up, and operating it all by yourself.

You have some issues to balance. If you are alone, then it helps if you carry less and what you do carry is small and lightweight.

BUT, you need to start your research by asking what your project is for. What kind of distribution are you hoping for? And are there minimal delivery specs you must meet to qualify? Once you have answers to that question, THEN you can look at all the possible cameras that meet or exceed those delivery requirements.

You'll also need some kind of lightweight quality tripod with a quality fluid head.

Sound is vitally important for interviews so the on-board mics are hardly ever adequate. You have to include a lavaliere type mic package (mics, cables, batteries, wireless?, headphones) into your plans.

You could attempt to shoot all of your interviews in natural light, but that's a risky bet that you'll always have adequate quality natural light where and when you want it. It's really difficult to recommend any single lighting unit as different situations require different lights and accessories. Lowell makes some smaller kits that you can get by with. At the very least, you need one unit that will be your key light. Ideally, you'll carry a 1K unit with diffusion and scrims as well as the stand. You'll also likely need an extension cable AND the variety of power plug adaptors for different countries. ALSO know that there are 110 bulbs and 220 bulbs. Make sure that your lights have the correct lamps in them.

You could also carry a small foldup FlexFill bounce which can provide a nice bounce light when you are outdoors and away from power.

I also recommend that you place this question at www.cinematography.com to try to get input from working professionals.

Good luck!

Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com