Travelling with DVX & tripod

Re: Travelling with DVX & tripod

Aside from all the DVX/video/film expertise, I find this one of the amazing things about DVXUser.com - there are so many people of different backgrounds that one learns a lot about other things as well - like baggage handling at airports.

So - thanks everybody, I love this site!
 
Re: Travelling with DVX & tripod

Im heading off tomorrow for Venzuela with my DVX. Im really worried as I dont have insurance (and didnt really think about it until now!) and how i hear horror stories of crime. Its my home ocuntry, but i havent been there in 8 years so I cant say what its like really.

Im taking my DVX in a padded bag as a carryon, and my tripod in a suitcase (checked in). Im just hoping that I dont have some crooked guard trying to tell me I cant bring that camera into venezuela for 'security reasons' or something and have it be taken from me (Worst case scenario i guess!). Also creeped out about me being mugged while out (i'll be visiting family all over the country).

Anyone goy any tips to keep it safe while traveling. I was told to take a receipt of my purchase incase the airport officials accuse me of having it stolen....I think these people are just paranoid maybe? I dont think it could be THAT bad?
 
Re: Travelling with DVX & tripod

Jim,

Thanks again. Very interesting. $130/bag - ouch! Never thought about that. And Jerry, yeah this site rocks. So much great information.

Carlos, wow, is it that bad in Venzuela? Man, that sounds bad. Some obvious tips when you're out and about, don't have a flasy camera case that draws attention - no name brands, etc. Also you can do what I do when I'm out shooting and afraid someone might give me problems - give the meanest scowl of your life!! >:( Come on. Who's gonna mess with a mean crazy camera guy?

Bill
 
Re: Travelling with DVX & tripod

im having second thoughts on taking the camera, i could always ake my small 1ccd sony trv25 instead, but...its so...blah.

maybe it'll be alright, just wished i had that insurance
 
Re: Travelling with DVX & tripod

This info is terrific.

Traveling alot with media equipment and cameras is a part of my day. My experience is that misplacement is a bigger problem than theft, but it can happen. Remember to register the DVX with TSA and there will be no problem with duty or ownership questions on reentry to the USA. As for putting optical gear through baggage handling, bad idea.... Tripod well packed is OK, and easier to replace on the move.

Film is an entirely different consideration, and it is best to hand carry and request hand inspection, however they may not comply. Xray is the enemy of film so negotiation skills and careful appeal may suffice. With large amounts, perhaps fedex to the destination may be best.

As far as securing equipment once you get there. Before 9/11/1 an Australian firm manufactured a stainless steel mesh "device" that can be pulled around your suitcase/roller bag, and can be locked with a steel cable to some fixed structure. Today, you cannot send your bag checked through with this device, but when in a hotel or other "place" where security of one's goods might be in question it is a reasonable solution. I dont know where you might find them now, but they should still be available. They are called safe lock or something of the like.

Finally, one of those small waterproof containers,eg Pelican, Otter etc, makes a secure place for the tapes. If you are in a damp place, a little silica gel keeps the humidity down, and preserves them. After all, it is the images we are after, not babying the gear, except to make an image another day...

Enough rambling.

Happy trails///
 
Re: Travelling with DVX & tripod

[quote author=Carlos Crespo link=board=Offtopic;num=1102753059;start=15#21 date=12/13/04 at 17:39:18]Also creeped out about me being mugged while out (i'll be visiting family all over the country).
[/quote]
Learn to swing the tripod - baseball bat style :-)

I had similar worries when I went to Czech Republic last month (especially in tourist areas, there are occasional problems with pickpockets and muggers). I must say, most people were extremely nice, or I was shooting in a location where no one goes in November. But swinging the tripod - I actually did a dry run, to get a feel for it just in case.
 
Re: Travelling with DVX & tripod

I sent some tapes back to MN with my partner. They wouldn't hand check them , so he mailed them to himself.
 
Re: Travelling with DVX & tripod

I carried all my tapes in carryon. DVX, Tripod, accessories, etc all checked in pelicans and portabraces. Made it around the world to 8 countries without a problem at all.

That said, i'm sure there are different stories out there of massive theft, damage, loss of sleep, etc.
 
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