I'm thinking (dreaming) about an Antarctic wildlife cruise. Two possibilities, one on a large cruise-ship, perhaps not dedicated to wildife watchers/filmers, the other on a small dedicated wildlife cruise vessel.

I'd be taking my XLH1/nanoFlash outfit (unless I get an EX3) and heavy tripod. I'd welcome any tips or suggestions about filming in these circumstances. I'm guessing engine vibrations less in a big cruise ship than on a smaller vessel.


Ron

ps heard of a Brit bloke, a beginner to video, who took his brand new EX1 to the Antarctic. His spare batt and ONLY charger in his check in bags which the airline misplaced so he had to embark with his one batt and no charger on board. Schadenfreude I think is the word!

Ron,

I haven't done either of those types of cruises, but my day job frequently requires me to go out with aircraft carriers and have been allowed to shoot lots of video while underway. Some thoughts that I came up with:
1. How much stuff do they let you bring on those cruises, only what you can carry?
2. How much lockable storage space do you get in your cabin?
3. Will the large cruise ships let you set up a tripod, for extended times?
4. I wouldn't think the vibration of the engine on either type vessel would be severe enough to be a problem; however, bigger ships rock less.
5. If filming outdoors while the ship is moving, there will be wind, so I'd take that into consideration. Handheld could be a challenge to keep steady. Besides a decent tripod, I'd take one of those clamping tripods so if needed, you could attach it to the railing.
6. Some areas of the ship may have strong rf fields (radar system), which can screw up your video.
7. Carry extra lens cleaning supplies.
8 . Take your CPL and ND filters.
9. Plan ahead on how you're going to move about the ship with your gear, while keeping one hand free to hold onto hand rails. Maybe have your tripod in a bag slung over your back and your camera on the neck strap, steadied by one hand.
10. I recently got some of those photographer's gloves that fit nice and tight, keeping my hands warm and still able to handle the camera controls.

Mark

You might be able to do better than that if you have a necessary skill and migration or temporary work visa can be worked out. I understand that they are under-quota for their recruitments.

Jobs in Antarctica — Australian Antarctic Division (http://www.antarctica.gov.au/jobs/jobs-in-antarctica)