HDV For Expedition Travel

[Scott Brady]

The last few years have been an interesting exercise for Overland Video, and the pace of technology change has really facilitated the documentation of our travels.

We have several premium cameras, including the Canon XL-H1.

One of the challenges we have faced is finding equipment that is supremely durable and also compact, especially for the Adventure Moto treks. Our first attempt was the Canon HV20, which made it only 1/2 way across the TAT before giving up the ghost (tapes would no longer record, the gears would just spin).

So, much to my horror, I had to patronize Walmart at some remote town in Utah and buy a little Samsung SC-HMX10C. The only HD camera within 400 miles. It was solid state, with an 8gig internal memory and the option for another 16 with an SD-HC card.


So, when I got back from the trip, I returned the broken HV20 to Best Buy, and with their typical great service, it went off to Canon, and I just received a phone message a few days ago saying that the camera was beyond repair, and that I qualified for a replacement.

This gave me the chance to abandon tape for good and switch to a Canon solid state model.

I moved over to the HF10, which has a 16gb internal flash drive and room for as big of an SD-HC as you care to afford. It will shoot in full 1080 resolution and also at 60/30/24 frames per second. It fits in the palm of my hand.

3.3Mp 1/3.2" Full HD CMOS Sensor Canon 12x HD Video Zoom Lens12x Optical Zoom SuperRange Optical Image StabilizerMini HDMI Connection 24p RecordingDIGIC DVII Image Processor Microphone Input SD/SDHC Flash Memory Slot 16GB Internal Flash Memory



Interestingly, there is a suite of upfitment accessories for the camera, including high-end mics, wide angle lenses, etc.


Certainly, these cameras do not replace the glass quality and professional functions of the larger cameras, but they are getting closer, for sure.

Due to the size, much care is required to get a stable image, even with optical image stabilization, so I am looking into something like the FlowPod


I think Pasquale uses the Merlin, by Steadicam


I will post up a few clips in the coming days.

Any thoughts on the equipment you all are using?

[haven]

This is only tangentially on topic, but I'm really impressed with the convergence of still photograph and video. Exhibit A: This very successful 5 minute video created using the new Canon 5D Mark II and a set of Canon lenses

http://www.vimeo.com/2125645

Chip Haven

[Scott Brady]

Chip,

I am in complete agreement. The 5D MII is an amazing confluence of technology, and really improves efficiency and effectiveness for the traveling I do. I can just think of how well the TAT can now be documented from an Adventure Moto.

[RoundOut]

Warning - OT humor

This microphone (I assume that is what it is) cracks me up. My first thought was "Is this a hat for the camera designed to disquise it as a British guard?"

[Lost Canadian]

I think RED is going to totally change the game. A well equiped Scarlet or Scarlet Pro could be the perfect answer for adventure travellers,....if travellers are willing to wait. Here's the announcement page.

[Speaker]

I think RED is going to totally change the game.

I saw some demo reels off a RED ONE that were absolutely stunning. Amazing camera, but well out of my price range. A few years ago I was really big into video production, and bought a lot of fancy equipment including an XL1s, fluid head Bogen tripod, Senheisser boom mic with boom, mobile camera jib... turns out there isn't much need for videographers around here that aren't doing weddings... Sold all the stuff, and now I'm just using a borrowed GL1 for making mountain bike and sking videos with buddies.

I really think it's time to move up to HD. The technology is so cheap and convenient now. I was in Sams Club the other day and saw a three chip JVC HD cam with an 80gb HDD for less than 600 bucks. That kind of technology would have costs thousands upon thousands less than 10 years ago.

[mountainpete]

I was reading about RED today on Gizmodo. Very, very impressive unit. It could become the professional choice but it also has a pricetag to match.

[mtnbike28]

Did you see the video produced with the new Canon 5D?

http://blog.vincentlaforet.com/2008/...r-ado-reverie/

still waiting to try it myself, interested in audio control and file format, but love the idea of using a SLR body and lenses to do my video work!

[West Coast Mags]

Scott, did you end up trying out the Flowpod and what were your thoughts. Still happy with the HF10? I'm in the market for a camera upgrade have about a budget of about $1000. Have you moved on to other models or is the HF10 doing it for you folks?

[Scott Brady]

So far, I really do like the camera, principally because it is so compact, yet still shoots 24p at 1080. Compact dimensions are a big deal for me while on the KTM or in the ER/LR. I am working on a new mic setup and will evaluate audio. I also love the lack of tape (solid state).

However, the larger Canons Pasquale shoots are noticeably better in all regards.