Filming in the Ecuadorian Amazon with DVX100A: A few questions.

K

kahina

New member
Hello people:

I will be using my DVX100A in the jungle for the next three months, and I am not as technically inclined as I am creative.

1. To seal out rain and dust in the camera, do you have anything to recommend other than the plastic bag?

2. I have to buy a wide-angle converter lens, do you have one to recommend for the DVX 100A?

3. I have been quite unlucky with camera batteries including Panasonic's; is there a brand of camera batteries that hold the charge as long as they claim?

4. Ever heard of a small portable generator for the camera batteries that is solar-powered?

5. A sales rep. @ B&H NYC calls me "cheap" because I only buy Panasonic mini-DV tapes? Is there truly a difference in image quality with say the more pricey Maxel or Fujifilm mini-DV tape?

6. I despise the menu button on the camera and the infrared light on the camera's remote control is no longer working/emitting light. The DP on this film project does not use the menu, but I do and I will be filming at times. Is there anything that can be done to repair this remote? Or should I buy a new one?

Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any suggestions or tips. I thank you in advance for your knowledge and energy.

K
 
I'm no pro - but for what it's worth, here's my 2 cents:

You'll obviously need to purchase (or make) a reliable rain cover for the camera at the very least - there are also camera gloves (read: non-waterproof neporene camera wraps) that are designed to provide dust and moderate shock protection - although a lot of people simply seal up the tape deck with gaffer tape :)

As far as a wide angle lens goes, I'm partial to the century optics ones (although I use their fissheye lenses for action sports filming) but there's a ton out there that I'm sure other more experienced members will be able to advise on.

These batteries are the ones to go for - 5600mAh, and good reviews
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=51980

Which panasonic tapes do you buy - do you have a model number that you can share with us? The MQ or AMQ tapes made by Panasonic are pretty popular around here...

As for the remote - It could be that the IR LED is dead on the remote, or that something else in the remote has died.

Go buy a new one or get accustomed to the menu button :)
 
DVX100A in jungle...

DVX100A in jungle...

Phew! Thanks MasterP for being courteous, as I realized that I could have answered some of my own questions through further research, not to mention my omitting to specifiy the tape's model number.

The tape model number I have been using is Panasonic AY-DVM60EJ which you may not have heard of as it is in the consumer category, not the pro's :undecided. Can I switch to one of the models, Panasonic MQ or AMQ, you recommend without any problems?

Thanks for taking the time with the other questions, I am taking notes.

Take care.
 
Did my homework at last on Pan Mini DV Tapes

Did my homework at last on Pan Mini DV Tapes

Hey MasterP:

Don't bother answering my questions about the mini dv tapes and going from PAN DVM60EJ to PAN DVM63AMQ: I finally found out that all Panasonic tapes use a dry lubricant, hence I can upgrade without a problem.

I feel better now that I have taken responsibility for my ignorance rather than dump it on a thread.

In hoping that my second thread on this site will be more interesting.

Ciao
 
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