Off to Burundi

[Jacques le Clochard]

That's pretty much in the heart of Africa. I'm shooting a piece on a humanitarian organisation. So far, I have my cam, my tripod, a shotgun, led light. So the setup is pretty solid.

But I only have one SD card, and one battery. How much of those should I take, taking in consideration that I do not know where I will be connected to power?

And this is my first time shooting on a remote location using the SD medium. Could someone talk me trough this? I was thinking about offloading the footage every eve on my laptop, and start the day with a fresh set of cards. Is there an easier way?

Needless to say, I'm pretty stoked about this! :cheesy:

 

[qap15]

That's pretty much in the heart of Africa. I'm shooting a piece on a humanitarian organisation. So far, I have my cam, my tripod, a shotgun, led light. So the setup is pretty solid.

But I only have one SD card, and one battery. How much of those should I take, taking in consideration that I do not know where I will be connected to power?

And this is my first time shooting on a remote location using the SD medium. Could someone talk me trough this? I was thinking about offloading the footage every eve on my laptop, and start the day with a fresh set of cards. Is there an easier way?

Needless to say, I'm pretty stoked about this! :cheesy:

Take nothing for granted, get several cards and an extra camera if possible. This is Africa, not even power when you get to your hotel is guaranteed. Get those car usb adapters you might need them to charge even your camera batteries. Just assume that you are going to a place with no power supply and prepare yourself with that in mind.

 

[ChrisPrine]

You can get a bunch of those 3rd party batteries off ebay. I've had no problems with them. More affordable than brand name. I have a nice little Pelican waterproof hard plastic case for my SD cards. I recommend that.

 

[BrianMurphy]

You can get a bunch of those 3rd party batteries off ebay. I've had no problems with them. More affordable than brand name. I have a nice little Pelican waterproof hard plastic case for my SD cards. I recommend that.

Get yourself a peican case for the SD Cards, I would get a NEXTO backup unit if I were you they are super in the field, and lighter than carrying a laptop . Several batteries are a must. Pick up a small 12volt inverter that plugs into the lighter of a car. It is handy to recharge when on the move. keep things out of the sun and dust in a good bag or case. My HMC150 travels in a Panasonic hard side case that is airline legal.
Bring one or two extra large "moving supplies" type about two foot by two foot ZIPLOCK bags with you and carry one in your bag or pocket. You can fit the whole camera inside one in case of a rain or dust storm. Bring a spare plate for the tripod, if you can.
Bring a bounce reflector the largest you can fit in your luggage. it will be very handy for shade as well as lighting.
Lots of lens cleaning supplies and a spare UV filter, a polarizer and an extra ND for good measure. A small hand mic and xlr cable is always handy.
Best of Luck. Oh yeh, Label everything, do an equipment travel manifest with all serial numbers and have it authenticated with your customs office before leaving.
Be safe