sound setting one person crew /cinema verite

[flean]

This is going to be my first documentary as a one person crew. I will be following a family around in different places (airport, local public places, restaurant etc..)
During shooting, I will need to focus more on the subjects and their first reactions rather than on the tech aspect of the camera. I am a ONE PERSON CREW!!! :-(( due not only to the budget limitation but also because the family did not want to be filmed at the first place. They finally accepted if I am not in their way and I bring as little attention as possible in public places with my camera. So to stay as discreet as possible (almost like in a hidden camera show) what would be the best tips to filming? anyone who had experienced this type of limitation?

So my questions are :
in terms of sound, any advice for a one person shooter?
The family doesn't want to be wired up with wireless mics , no boom pole, so I guess I would just have to mount a shot gun on the camera.
Any great and reasonable priced brands out there? What basic package do I need to still a good quality sound? any great tips on filming as one person crew in public places so I don't loose sound of the people I am filming? and for interview?
There are 2 films which were shot as a one person crew and had a very good sound "Born into Brothels" and "Fragments in Iraq". what did they use and how they did the audio setting on camera?
any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much to anyone who could help.

Fred

PS: I am going to be using the Panasonic DVX 100B

 

[Bobonli]

Sooner or later someone will mention this, so let's get it out of the way: Get help.

If you're working the camera you can't do an effective job on the sound blah blah....

I'm being sarcastic not to offend but because it's true and yet somehow folks do a passable job as one person crews. But do think about getting someone to help.

You've not made it easy with all of the conditions your family has placed on you. If you are indoors, that shotgun will likely stink. I'm a one person crew also, and the stuff I've shot indoors with a shotgun is poor compared to a wireless lav. I don't have a hyper on a boom but conventional wisdom calls for this tool indoors. Do consider asking your family to consider the wireless as that will be your best option if you cannot boom.

We'll need more info:
How many people will be in the scene at once?
Will they be together (proximity) or several feet apart?
What's your budget?
Primarly indoors or out?

Basic tip: explain to them the limitations of your gear; for example, "If you walk over here, you will be in the frame but the mic will not pick up your voice."

Also: wear headphones to monitor the audio while you shoot.

Cheers,
Bob