Gearing up..... Tips and info
Hi Everyone. On the brink of a year long stay in NZ and then hopefully OZ and the pacific. Coming from a pro video/photo background I'd love to develop a great video blog/site. I have a few obstacles that I'm sure most of you have dealt with, and would love some advice.
1) Weight/size issue. Coming from being a full time shooter as my day job, I find myself building a list of gear that would be ideal. Well, ideal if I had a few assistants... and a camel or two to carry all that crap. And I haven't even added in things like clothes yet! So what do you all like to use that doesn't weigh you down too much?
2) Cost vs quality compromise. I know what results I'd love to achieve in my head. But then the price tag will cost more than the trip! I assume most of you are funding your adventures yourself. Am I too hung-up on "pro" gear? Can you get good results with most consumer cameras these days? Again, any favorites?
3) $$$ Stealability and storage. Ok, so you invest in some gear; a cool camera, maybe a shiny new Macbook Pro, but you're a budget traveler without the luxury of bell hops and concierge. How easy is it to secure your gear on the road? You're out Hostel hopping or maybe for a few days you want to pair down and go for a hike/trek. So what the heck do you do with your stuff? I know a lot of hostels have some sort of lockers and etc., but what about when you simply don't want to carry stuff around for a while. Any tips here? Any horror stories and things to avoid?
Sorry to be long winded here. I'm just finding it hard to get started and don't want to make mistakes if I don't have to.
Thanks all in advance!
Cheers,
-paul
1) Weight/size issue. Coming from being a full time shooter as my day job, I find myself building a list of gear that would be ideal. Well, ideal if I had a few assistants... and a camel or two to carry all that crap. And I haven't even added in things like clothes yet! So what do you all like to use that doesn't weigh you down too much?
2) Cost vs quality compromise. I know what results I'd love to achieve in my head. But then the price tag will cost more than the trip! I assume most of you are funding your adventures yourself. Am I too hung-up on "pro" gear? Can you get good results with most consumer cameras these days? Again, any favorites?
3) $$$ Stealability and storage. Ok, so you invest in some gear; a cool camera, maybe a shiny new Macbook Pro, but you're a budget traveler without the luxury of bell hops and concierge. How easy is it to secure your gear on the road? You're out Hostel hopping or maybe for a few days you want to pair down and go for a hike/trek. So what the heck do you do with your stuff? I know a lot of hostels have some sort of lockers and etc., but what about when you simply don't want to carry stuff around for a while. Any tips here? Any horror stories and things to avoid?
Sorry to be long winded here. I'm just finding it hard to get started and don't want to make mistakes if I don't have to.
Thanks all in advance!
Cheers,
-paul
Tags: Cameras, gear, laptops, software, tripods
Views: 0
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Craig Martin on -
Hi Paul,
1) Weight/size issue. This is probably the biggest. I studied film and Uni and would love to be able to get some real gear. As it stands, we use a Flip Mino HD and a small tripod, with a Zoom H2 mic when we need another sound source. It's all damn light and portable, but doesn't always produce the best results.
2) Cost vs quality compromise. Depends on what you want to use it for. If you're solely publishing to the web, you really don't need pro gear, something pro-am with a decent sensor will do the trick. If you want to make DVDs or angle for a TV placement, you'll obviously want something more.
3) $$$ Stealability and storage. It's pretty safe out there. Sure, stuff gets stolen but not as often as you'd imagine. NZ and Aussie have their share of thieves, but it's pretty safe to leave things either in a locker or with the hostel management for a few days. I tend to a) carry stuff with me, b) hide it for a few hours, c) always lock my pack, d) use lockers when available, e) Leave with hostel staff if I feel uncomfortable.
If you're hitting Auckland before February, let's hook up for a drink. Linda and I are heading off to the South Island for a few weeks then to South America around then.
Cheers,
Craig - http://indietravelpodcast.com -
-
Permalink Reply by Paul Nelson on -
Thanks Craig. Your advice is much appreciated, and I will definitely look you up when I arrive!
-
-
Permalink Reply by Paul Nelson on
-
Starting getting together some gear. I REALLY wanted a new Macbook pro. But the one I wanted was out of my budget. I just bought this one from ASUS. The specs are great. As long as I can get Windows 7 tricked out on this it should be a pretty good little workhorse. I'll keep everyone posted on how it performs. Any favorite windows editing programs out there? I'm probably going to try Adobe Suite CS4 (Premiere).
-
Connect with TBEX
TBEX '12 SPONSORS
Presenting Sponsors:
Platinum Sponsors: 
Gold Sponsors:
Silver Sponsors:
Media Sponsors:
For a TBEX sponsorship rate card email us: info [at] travelblogexchange.com
Recent Visitors
Latest Activity
Culture-ist Magazine commented on Craig Martin's group 'Twitter-lovers (and -users)'
Fantastic Jamacian artwork from Harmony Hall in Ocho Rios, Jamaica http://www.thecultureist.com/2012/02/12/pin-it-jamaican-artwork-from-the-harmony-hall-gallery/
Ruth Rieckehoff commented on No Vacation Required's group 'Social Media Connect'
Discovery of the week: Kaieteur Falls, Guyana. Take a look at the gem of this country.
Juliet & Lane replied to Shanna Schultz's discussion 'How soon is too soon to start attending conferences and events?' in the group Newbie Travel Blogger
We started our blog in late Dec and we're going to TBEX '12 in June. Networking as much as possible seems to be a key element for successful blogging.
Dian Emery commented on Soultravelers3's group 'Stumble Upon Travelers'
I would love a stumble on my story about women, tipping, travel and coffee:
http://www.girlsgetaway.com/2012/02/wheres-my-coffee-beotch/
Thanks!!!
© 2012 Created by TBEX Admin.
