Traveling to the Desert with the HPX500

Don Schechter

Don Schechter

Active member
Hi All,

So it looks like I might take my HPX overseas and film in a desert for a week - which makes me nervous. Originally was going to rent/buy an HVX for this trip but I just like my HPX so much more.

I'm looking for recommendations for what to buy/bring.

Right now it's pretty minimal what I have--the 500, sticks, batteries, Duel Adapter.

I haven't picked up a rain cover yet - I'm assuming that's fine for the sand---unless anyone has a specific recommendation.

Anyone have experience out in a desert? A real hot desert with no stores nearby?

Any must haves?
 
We often shoot in West Australia up north in the open cast mines with temperatures around 115 degrees. Have had no problem with the HPX in these conditions except the sun is so bright outside it's impossible to see the LCD screen. Also be careful not to leave the viewfinder exposed to the sun otherwise you will cook the screen inside.
 
It depends on which desert you're going to. Sahara sand seas are different then rock and scrub southwest desert.
Dust. It will get in everything. Bring two of everything. At least you don't have a tape mechanism to grind to powder.
I'm assuming you're going solar for batteries laptops etc.
Also bring an extra ND filter set so you can control your stop.
 
Don,
As Davhud indicated, if you're going to be in Sahara-like deserts with fine sand, the slightest wind will kick up lots of camera-invasive sand particles. If you have access to cover, like an enclosed vehicle or something you should be okay. But make sure you have something to protect the camera and lens if the wind picks up.
 
Don,

I've shot a lot in the Utah deserts. Definitely turn you viewfinder down or away from the sun when not in use. You are shooting in a very bright environment, so a "baseball type" hat will help shade your eyepiece when shooting. Your big problem will be sand getting into the rings of the lens as well as the tripod head. I use the Porta-Brace backpack and immediately put the camera into the case when winds pick up. Plastic garbage bags can be helpful too. You can drop one over the camera and sticks when needed. I use a threaded clear UV, warm polarizer, etc. screwed onto the front element. The filter can be replaced much easier than the front element of the lens when scratched by sand! Be careful with your cleaning cloth, a static brush may be a better option.

Clean you camera every night after shooting. Make sure exposure, focus, and zoom rings operate smoothly. Try to avoid canned air. It can force sand and dust further into you lens gearing and rings. Again, a good static brush should attract dust and not push it further into the camera.

You did not mention audio, but desert winds are like sticking a mic out of a car window. Bring along good wind-screens for your lavs, on camera mic etc. Depending upon what you are doing, sound can be just as important as the picture and should not be overlooked.

We have developed a lens cover that may help you out, the Cover Lens. Shoot us an email and we'll send you a Cover Lens to try out in the desert. It should keep the sand and dust off of your front element. We'd like to hear how it works for you.

Best of luck!
-Cordell
Cover Lens, LLC (sponsor of DVXUser.com)
 
Last edited:
desert winds are real bad for cameras

ALWAYS, keep at least an optical flat or pola on to protect the lens

Keep a large sheet of duvetyne to cover yourself and camera when shooting and to cover the camera when its sitting idle.

Raincover is good but seal it well. I only use it if the conditions are windy.

Good to have 3 stage carbon fiber 10mm bowl stix. Only because its light and versital.

Be careful when it comes to carrying the camera with strap slung around your back, the sweat off your body can work its way into the camera.

Don't think because the weather is beautiful you can leave the protective gear in the vehicle, the wether can turn very quickly in the desert.

there are a lot of personnal dangers in deserts as well you need to watch out for, dependign on which desert you are going to. ALWAYS, notify people of where you will be and when you should return.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top