Shooting in Pakistan desert--mic recommends?

W

Wendy Johnson

Member
I will be shooting some doc footage in mainly desert location with dvx100b--limited budget. Lots of footage of flying falcons and interviews with the Arabs who are flying them. At times there is a lot of wind, and at times, it's very quiet. I also run the camera while traveling in an SUV--picking up chitchat while sitting in the backseat. Last year I used a Rode videomic and was not entirely unhappy with the sound. But this year I have the new dvx100b and am hoping to bring along a suitable mic. In a situation like this do the at897 or ntg-2 sound like good options? I can't afford more than either of these. I'm new to the world of video...used to shoot 16.:dankk2:
 
What ever shoot gun mic you choose, You have to use it inside a full size Rycote wind shield.
 
danny said:
What ever shoot gun mic you choose, You have to use it inside a full size Rycote wind shield.
Click to expand...

I am really grateful for this recommendation. The winds were pretty fierce last year. Thank you!
 
Audio is audio is audio, no matter if it is used with film or video.

Be prepared for some expence, you really need a (short) shotgun and the full Rycote Zeppelin/Windjammer thing. I used that in Tibet, cuts out all the wind. Softie is cheaper, but does not work 100% in real life conditions, desert wind in this case.
 
Petrus said:
Audio is audio is audio, no matter if it is used with film or video.

Be prepared for some expence, you really need a (short) shotgun and the full Rycote Zeppelin/Windjammer thing. I used that in Tibet, cuts out all the wind. Softie is cheaper, but does not work 100% in real life conditions, desert wind in this case.
Click to expand...

Thank you! This Rycote Zeppelin/Windjammer is now researched and budgeted for! Do you have a short shotgun you recommend? If not, I'm sure B&H will recommend something and I am hunting through these forums, too. Best!
 
MKH-416 is the best and most reliable mic for documentaries and difficult envairomental condition, will never let you down.

AT-897 lower cost but a good substitute.
 
Petrus said:
Rode NTG-1 would also work, if you are truly short of money.
Click to expand...

Thanks. Money is tight. I looked at the MKH-416 and if the trip gets delayed till Dec. vs. Nov. I will aim for it, but I probably can't afford it cuz I am also outfitting a 2nd dvx100b for my friend who is shooting with me.

I do have another question. Is there a reliable substitute for the CGR-D54 battery? I see B&H offers one called Impact and I've spotted generic types at ebay. The 9 hour life is very attractive in this situation. I am only able to recharge at night and there is limited time before the generators in the camp are turned off. I will need to bring several batteries as backup.

I am grateful for your all your responses. Last year we borrowed a Sony camera at the last minute (the trip was last minute) and relied on a random guy at B&H for info. on which mic to buy, etc. That was stressful.

Best!
 
I have shot several times when we had no electricity of any kind available for up to 4 weeks time. I used Sony TRV900 at that time and found out that the biggest battery, 950, lasts for about 4 hours when used sparingly*. That is about half of what is advertised. With a one year experience with DVX100 I have a feeling that Pana is more energy hungry and that I would not trust the big battery (same size as the sony 950) for more than 3 hours.

I have found it easier to get more big batteries than to try to arrange solar charching or other rube goldberg type solutions.

One thing to look at would be to use the ac adapter plate and solder a some kind of power pack using Energizer Lithium AA batteries, with a shelf life of 10 years. Of course if you have a generator this does not aply to your expedition.

----

*) do not use the LCD screen, no power zooming for fun, no rewinding and reviewing of tapes (this is also a safety issue in dusty conditions, less chance of tape getting stuck).
 
shooting in Pakistan desert--mics, batteries, bar support, etc.

shooting in Pakistan desert--mics, batteries, bar support, etc.

Petrus said:
I have shot several times when we had no electricity of any kind available for up to 4 weeks time. I used Sony TRV900 at that time and found out that the biggest battery, 950, lasts for about 4 hours when used sparingly*. That is about half of what is advertised. With a one year experience with DVX100 I have a feeling that Pana is more energy hungry and that I would not trust the big battery (same size as the sony 950) for more than 3 hours.

I have found it easier to get more big batteries than to try to arrange solar charching or other rube goldberg type solutions.

One thing to look at would be to use the ac adapter plate and solder a some kind of power pack using Energizer Lithium AA batteries, with a shelf life of 10 years. Of course if you have a generator this does not aply to your expedition.

----

*) do not use the LCD screen, no power zooming for fun, no rewinding and reviewing of tapes (this is also a safety issue in dusty conditions, less chance of tape getting stuck).
Click to expand...

Thanks! I will have to use the LCD sparingly--I love that LCD. :( And last year there was no time to rewind or review, so no problem there. But dust and sand were big issues. The Sony camera I returned with last year looked as if it had been buried in sand. Amazingly, it kept shooting with no problems whatsoever. I should look into some kind of cover.
I will have to bite the bullet and buy a lot of batteries. The generator is not always available to us--everyone is charging up their satellite phones and then everyone hits the sack early and lights go off. I was able to charge a battery using the car battery a couple times.

My friend who is coming along said she was told to get a bar support? I handheld everything last year except for a couple interviews, but I can tell this camera is heavier. Hmmm, the list keeps growing and growing...a lot to organize before Nov. 4. Sleepless nights ahead.

Thanks again!
Wendy
 
Get a lightweight monopod, either aluminium (cheaper) or carbon fiber (lighter). I have a Slick carbon monopod which weights next to nothing. Can use either long against the ground or short tucked under the belt.
 
I have all the same questions as Wendy going to Pakistan. i will be leaving Nov 7 for one year + for Central Asia, border China, Mongolis, Russia, Uzbekistan. I am a videography novice but investing in a HVX200 -- I will be backpacking the camera, need laptop, editing software, tripod, portabrace for <32F, shoulder holder, lights, clip on mike, directional mike, wind hood, tapes, batteries
I would appreciate some mention of reliable brands
--- I have noted all the suggestions for my minimalist budget (after the HVX200),
any other absolutely essential equipment I should buy now as I will not have access later? lenses, filters, ???
 
GoingAbroad said:
I have all the same questions as Wendy going to Pakistan. i will be leaving Nov 7 for one year + for Central Asia, border China, Mongolis, Russia, Uzbekistan. I am a videography novice but investing in a HVX200 -- I will be backpacking the camera, need laptop, editing software, tripod, portabrace for <32F, shoulder holder, lights, clip on mike, directional mike, wind hood, tapes, batteries
I would appreciate some mention of reliable brands
--- I have noted all the suggestions for my minimalist budget (after the HVX200),
any other absolutely essential equipment I should buy now as I will not have access later? lenses, filters, ???
Click to expand...

I just spent some time with David Ambrose at B&H (is there mon-fri). He was a tremendous help and is a friend of a friend. His area of expertise is the dvx100b, but I'm sure he can point u in the right direction.

This might be no-brainer stuff, but the first thing he dropped into my bag: hoya polarizing filter and UV filter for when not using polarizer. He had a freak accident first time out. Shooting in some dunes. A grain of sand got into his lens--ruined all footage--camera had to be repaired. 1 in million chance, but they said if he'd protected lens with UV filter--wouldn't have happend.

He and the guy in the audio dept. suggested the Rode ntg-2 shotgun. others had recommended it to me here. I asked about the MK (expensive one) and the at-897, but he said people have been coming in and expressing their great satisfaction with this (something like $267). his audio guy sold me the rycote softie windjammer. he said the next level up cost $700 so way outta my budget (tho I have a recollection and need to re-read that someone suggested a windsock other than the softie). the guy said this handles winds up to 25 mi.

i got a Steady stick (for balance), but haven't tried it yet.

still need to do more shopping. the BEST OF LUCK!

Wendy
 
carbon monopod

carbon monopod

what is the brand for the arbon monopod? and what do you think of the Steady Stick ($99 version)? Also, what's a good light?

:dankk2:
Petrus said:
Get a lightweight monopod, either aluminium (cheaper) or carbon fiber (lighter). I have a Slick carbon monopod which weights next to nothing. Can use either long against the ground or short tucked under the belt.
Click to expand...
 
Slik PRO 381 CF, $99.95 at B&H photo.

Also others make carbon fiber monopods, but this one is the lightest I know and it does the job.
 
Thanks for monopod

Thanks for monopod

Thank you for taking the time torespond to my email before your imminent departure. I will head out to B&H tomorrow. Have a good trip. If you will be in Central Asia - the 5 Stan area - let me know at ivm1@columbia.edu.
:beer:


Wendy Johnson said:
I just spent some time with David Ambrose at B&H (is there mon-fri). He was a tremendous help and is a friend of a friend. His area of expertise is the dvx100b, but I'm sure he can point u in the right direction.

This might be no-brainer stuff, but the first thing he dropped into my bag: hoya polarizing filter and UV filter for when not using polarizer. He had a freak accident first time out. Shooting in some dunes. A grain of sand got into his lens--ruined all footage--camera had to be repaired. 1 in million chance, but they said if he'd protected lens with UV filter--wouldn't have happend.

He and the guy in the audio dept. suggested the Rode ntg-2 shotgun. others had recommended it to me here. I asked about the MK (expensive one) and the at-897, but he said people have been coming in and expressing their great satisfaction with this (something like $267). his audio guy sold me the rycote softie windjammer. he said the next level up cost $700 so way outta my budget (tho I have a recollection and need to re-read that someone suggested a windsock other than the softie). the guy said this handles winds up to 25 mi.

i got a Steady stick (for balance), but haven't tried it yet.

still need to do more shopping. the BEST OF LUCK!

Wendy
Click to expand...
 
backpacking lights/mike/accessories for HVX200

backpacking lights/mike/accessories for HVX200

Thanks. I will check it out tomorrow at B&H. Any suggestions of equally light lights, mikes, suitable for backpacking?


Petrus said:
Slik PRO 381 CF, $99.95 at B&H photo.

Also others make carbon fiber monopods, but this one is the lightest I know and it does the job.
Click to expand...
 
Petrus said:
Slik PRO 381 CF, $99.95 at B&H photo.

Also others make carbon fiber monopods, but this one is the lightest I know and it does the job.
Click to expand...

I just wanted to say thanks for all your help, Petrus! I'm pretty much set now. Leaving Sat. I got a Velbon monopod today, but may take it back. I raced into B&H before closing and after trying two lighter ones, opted for a neopod 6-4 (I prefered the twist to the snap locks) and had forgotten to write down your recommendation--slik. I'm having second thoughts now after feeling the weight of the quick release plate and may decide to get a lighter monopod. It was a little easier to handle the 6-4 cuz of its good size, but it weighs more. Not much, but enough. Also, my friend bought a steady stick and returned it. It would be good if one were filming in a situation where everyone was in place for awhile, but we're going to be jumping in and out of SUVs and for us gadget-phobic types, it was a little too much too manage.

Thank you for all your advice!!!
Wendy
 
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