So you want to make a travel documentary. Anyone these days can grab acamera and shoot. To make a good documentary you should first think ofa few things:-What is the story?
-Why is it important?
-Who are the characters?
-What is the character’s main goal?
-Who is the target audience?
Pre-Production: Planning your Documentary
You must first think of all the practical issues of traveling withequipment. You can spend $15,000 and buy the best camera, tripod,light, and audio kit, but do you really want to be carrying that stuffon your trip? Probably not. Be reasonable. What trip are you taking? Isthe main goal to have a good time, or to put together a great movie,and how many people are going to help you with the production?
You must first think of all the practical issues of traveling withequipment. You can spend $15,000 and buy the best camera, tripod,light, and audio kit, but do you really want to be carrying that stuffon your trip? Probably not. Be reasonable. What trip are you taking? Isthe main goal to have a good time, or to put together a great movie,and how many people are going to help you with the production?
Once you have decided exactly what you are planning to shoot, then you canstart looking for equipment. A full set of entry-level equipment shouldcost between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on quality and amount.
Cameras
Ifyou plan to use a camera that you already have, check to see if it is a3ccd. Most standard camcorders are only 1ccd, the image quality is notas good, and it will only be capable of taking home-video qualityfootage. If buying a new camera, get an HD (High Definition) camera. Here are four HD cameras worth looking into:
-Canon XH A1 Possibly the best option, everything you could want at a reasonable price. $3,500
-Sony HVR- Z1U Very similar to the Canon at the same price point. $3,500
-Sony HVR- A1U The HVR- Z1U’s little brother, cheaper and more compact. $2,000
-JVC Everio GZHD7 The smallest and cheapest of the four. No XLR inputs. $1,200
Ifyou plan to use a camera that you already have, check to see if it is a3ccd. Most standard camcorders are only 1ccd, the image quality is notas good, and it will only be capable of taking home-video qualityfootage. If buying a new camera, get an HD (High Definition) camera. Here are four HD cameras worth looking into:
-Canon XH A1 Possibly the best option, everything you could want at a reasonable price. $3,500
-Sony HVR- Z1U Very similar to the Canon at the same price point. $3,500
-Sony HVR- A1U The HVR- Z1U’s little brother, cheaper and more compact. $2,000
-JVC Everio GZHD7 The smallest and cheapest of the four. No XLR inputs. $1,200
Do your own research to find out what camera best suits your needs and desires.
Tripod
tripod or not to tripod, that is a big question. If you are planning ongoing all out, then by all means have a (very good) tripod. If you aretrying to get by with as little equipment as possible then you mayprefer going without. But be warned, video shot without a tripod lookslike video shot without a tripod. If you can find a compact tripod thatfits in your travel bags, pans smoothly and holds your cameraadequately, then that would be a smart investment.
Lights
Ifyou are shooting at night in the ‘real-world’ (not in a room set-upwith perfect lighting), then I’d recomend an on-camera light. There are many choices ranging from $30-$60
Ifyou are shooting at night in the ‘real-world’ (not in a room set-upwith perfect lighting), then I’d recomend an on-camera light. There are many choices ranging from $30-$60
Audio-Audiois important. Make sure you are happy with your audio capabilities. Ifyou are not satisfied with the on-camera mic, then buy an external mic.
-If your camera has XLR inputs then the Azden SGM-1000 is about the cheapest option for good quality sound ($270).
-If you do NOT have XLR inputs (or a good on-camera mic) thenyou still can improve the audio quality with the Rode VideoMic($150), but your camera must have an audio input similar in size to a headphone jack.
-If your camera has XLR inputs then the Azden SGM-1000 is about the cheapest option for good quality sound ($270).
-If you do NOT have XLR inputs (or a good on-camera mic) thenyou still can improve the audio quality with the Rode VideoMic($150), but your camera must have an audio input similar in size to a headphone jack.
Carrying Bag
-Find a bag that can fit all or most of your equipment. If you’ll be outside a lot, make sure the bag is waterproof.
-Get a comfy bag, you’ll be lugging it around a lot.
-Find a bag that can fit all or most of your equipment. If you’ll be outside a lot, make sure the bag is waterproof.
-Get a comfy bag, you’ll be lugging it around a lot.
Tapes
-Take as many as you can reasonably carry. There have beenplenty of times that I was stuck in a random village without anytapes.
-It is smart to carry several ziploc baggies with you so that you can keep your tapes and any other small equipment dry.
-Beforestarting its really important to know your equipment and know how touse it, and what you need and don’t need. Take a day or two andpractice on something around your area before your big trip. There is asteep learning curve in video shooting and editing, and the more youknow before you start, the better the end result will be.
-Take as many as you can reasonably carry. There have beenplenty of times that I was stuck in a random village without anytapes.
-It is smart to carry several ziploc baggies with you so that you can keep your tapes and any other small equipment dry.
-Beforestarting its really important to know your equipment and know how touse it, and what you need and don’t need. Take a day or two andpractice on something around your area before your big trip. There is asteep learning curve in video shooting and editing, and the more youknow before you start, the better the end result will be.
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