Hardware suggestions for extreme circumstances

[Guest]

I will be doing a video docuementary for about a year backpacking with my equipement (Labtop, AG-DVX100) I need some suggestion since my sistuitions is some what strange.
I need to find a good tripod that is light and compact but under $300 bucks. A waterproof hard case for that will fit both labtop and camera. Of course it has to be small and light. Any suggestions will be greatley apperciated. Thanks

[booggerg]

I would recommend the Bogen 3130 Head and then match it up with set of light legs. This head's only $140 and offers pretty good fluidity. Maybe you can get carbon fiber legs for $150?? Dunno

[ClaytonF]

Perhaps this was already part of your inspiration, but check out this website, specifically the section on equipment used: www.vagabonding.com.

It is a great project/read in itself but the site creator also happens to be using a DVX100 / laptop setup for his one-year plus excursion.

HTH,
Clayton

[Guest]

Clayton:
I don't know how to thank you enough. That site was exactley what I needed. I have never heard of the guy, but as weird as it sounds we have planned out trips almost exactley the same asides from the actually intentions of the trip that is. But I am in contact with Mike to collobrate out two world adventures. By the way how did you find out about this?
Thanks
Steve Reynolds

[Guest]

Friends:
I would like to get a opinion from people that might have some experience with what I am attempting to do. I have selected most of the equipment and would love any feed back with any one that has what I want to buy, or suggestions of other products.

First of all the tripod. I need one that is light weight and a fluid head. But I want to spend less than $350 dollars for the whole package (Budget, budget, budget) Here is what I have selected - Manfrotto 3001D Deluxe Tripod. I want to also use the 501 fluid head on it. I would prefer to go with the 503, but not sure if it will work with the selected tripod. (is the spring loaded tension worth the extra money?)

I also need a travel case to hold my Inspiron 8200 laptop and AG-DVX100 with all the accessories (All In one case). I would prefer it to be water proof and was either going to go with a Pellican case or the Hardings storm cases. AGAIN i need light weight and as compact as possible since it has to fit in my backpack. Any suggestions would be great. Also is getting a custom made case worth the extra money? If so where to I get one?

Things I haven’t decided on are my Shotgun mic and wireless mic, these are also where I am the least educated. I was thinking of the Sennheiser ME66, but don’t want to spend 250 bucks. Is that worth the extra money? Anything other suggestions? As far as a wireless mic goes, I have no idea which model to go with. I just want small and compact as possible while keeping it around $200 Bucks. I would like to keep my audio budget around $500 bucks. Again budget, budget, budget.

Thanks for the help I look forward to everyone's feedback.
Steve Reynolds

[ClaytonF]

Hey Steve -

I'm glad to hear that it helped. I actually don't recall how I came across Mark's site - it may have been related to his using the DVX100 - but it has been a great vicarious treat ever since. It is also a good reminder that the world isn't as dark of a place as it is sometimes made out to be.

I am jealous of you both. A year long walkabout sounds great. (Guess I need to start planning...) Best of luck in both preparing for your trip and taking it. Is there a specific focus for your documentary?

As for sound, I can fully appreciate the budget constraints, but let me toss in 2 cents on the side of giving as much thought to your audio as you have to the image. I'm sure it's a cliche warning by now, but no matter how great it looks if one can't make out what is being said (presuming you are interviewing people) than it may be all for not.

I don't think you need to sink the cost of your camera into audio gear but at least give it the attention it deserves. For some more detailed info on audio gear you can check out these articles by Dan Brockett:
http://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/review_shotgun_mics.html
http://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/location_sound.html

(There also might be some other articles you'd find helpful at the main level of Ken's site.) I've also found most of the guys at www.coffeysound.com and www.locationsound.com to be helpful and patient in helping you make a good choice.

I use the ME66 and find it a very versatile shotgun mic but there are some less expensive options by Audio-Technica and the like out there as well (some of which come in kits with mounts, screens, etc). Also consider if you will need any additional mounts or screens for the shotgun on the camera. I find that the ME66 with a screen enters frame if used in the standard mount. You can get adapters/risers to mount at the hot shoe if necessary.

For wireless mics just consider how strong you will need it to be and if you have to deal with any bandwidth issues (a lot of radio interference, etc) where you will be shooting. A VHF kit will be less expensive but will probably have a more crowded band than a UHF kit. And if possible pack a few extra adapters and cables (XLR, etc) as needed in case something hoses up on the road.

Hope this helps - just take it in stride along with everything else. If you give yourself ample time to test everything out and get comfortable I'm sure it will all come together.

Best,
Clayton