I am preparing several hiking trips around the world through some of the most brutal terrain on earth. I am looking to make a Survivorman-style one man self-produced documentary as I cross the trails.
As knowledgeable as I am about picking out all of my proper survival gear and clothing, I don't know much about camcorders.
I am looking to spend no more than say, $5,000 on a camcorder. I need something that is relatively lightweight and compact enough to put in my backpack, which will have to compete for room with all of my other gear in there. I will be away from civilization for weeks at a time, so this is the foremost consideration.
I am looking for a more professional-grade camcorder, and sound quality is a must. Also, something that records onto a more compact medium, I won't have the room to deal with tapes.
Any advice on where to look? Resources I should look into? Technology I should research? Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
-GCW
Sounds exciting!
Whichever camcorder you get, just go in knowing that electronics don't generally fare well in adverse conditions. Extreme cold, extreme heat, humidity, rain all will conspire against you.
Something like the Sony EX3 will likely give you the best results in a small package, but it runs a bit more than your budget allows. Going cheaper may give you difficulties as cheap cameras are generally built with home-movies in the backyard in mind and not rugged terrain.
So, while you're investigating, remember the accessories too. Raincover is an absolute must, but know that an almost equally effective method is to use clear trashbags and rubber bands. Pull the closed side of the bag over the lens then tear just enough of a hole to fit the lens hood snugly then use a wide rubberband to secure the bag in place. Inexpensive and water resistant!
Batteries may be one of your bigger challenges. Many of the "on the road" shows on TV have supply chains which get fresh batteries and tapes (and other things) to the crews in the field. If you're all alone, you can't possibly bring enough camera batteries for the entire trip, so some kind of portable charger is a must. Solar is one option, but that typically takes a long time to give a full charge.
Some kind of lightweight yet durable tripod is a must too, particularly if you plan on any "direct to camera" standup interviews with yourself or with others you meet along the way. With that in mind, you might consider getting a wireless mic system or two in case any interviews arise that you'd prefer to have quality sound for (not using the on-board camera mic).
A wide-angle adaptor is always preferred, particularly for the smaller pro-sumer cameras. Presumably you'll be getting scenics and wide is better to capture the scope of your environment.
Here's one link I found regarding shooting in cold weather http://www.videomaker.com/article/ and I encourage you to browse through the forums at www.cinematography.com and www.cinematography.net for any advice you can dig up from professionals about shooting on the road in "nature."
Good luck!
Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com
Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com
Does Survivorman use a tripod? This site indicates he carries around 80 pounds of filmmaking gear. Ouch. Guess he doesn't carry food and such so it balances out, but ouch.
http://www.videomaker.com/article/13904/
RJSchwarz
