Hey guys. I just bought an A1U, largely on the advice of this board. I'll be using it to document a journey I'm taking this year. I'm walking from Madrid, Spain to Kiev, Ukraine and making a film of it. (Much more info on my website at http://www.madridtokiev.com).

The A1U is, I believe, the perfect camera for my project. Captures HDV, takes XLR input, and perhaps best of all, is extremely small and discrete.

I'll be checking this board often as I learn how to use this machine in the next month before I leave. In the meantime, can anyone offer tips about traveling with the A1U or using it in documentary situations?

Best,
Lee

take a bunch of tapes and batteries.

...and probably a wide-angle converter. Mini tripod too. And some foot ointment.

Got the tapes, batteries, wide-angle converter and foot ointment. Haven't settled on a tripod yet. I need one that is decent and very lightweight. Under $100 too. Any recommendations?

Lee

If you get something like the spiderbrace you could carry it on your shoulder for probably an infinite amount of time.

How about a monopod?

not quite a camera tool, but a gps device? the only sub $100 tripods that are even worth considering are the velbons.

How about one of those really versatile and very small tripods that clamp onto trees, doors, cars, and even stand up on tables? I've got one shown here ~
http://www.fortvir.net/gallery/tom-s-photo-album/Mini_tripod
and in surrounding pictures.

tom.

Nice project. I have just seen your site.
But if you are going to shoot in different countries in Europe, you will need a lot of adapters to be able to recharge your batteries. Almost any country in Europe have 220 v, but with diferent plugs.
Good luck.

How about a monopod?

I'd actually never even seen one. Looks like most of them are made to be held while you shoot, although some have small legs you attach at bottom. Could one of the latter support my camera as I stood in front of the lens and spoke into it? Seems like a large gust of wind would knock one down. I do like the lightness and compactness of them.

Lee

How about one of those really versatile and very small tripods that clamp onto trees, doors, cars, and even stand up on tables? I've got one shown here ~
http://www.fortvir.net/gallery/tom-s-photo-album/Mini_tripod
and in surrounding pictures.

tom.

Who makes that thing and where could I look at more info?

Nice project. I have just seen your site.
But if you are going to shoot in different countries in Europe, you will need a lot of adapters to be able to recharge your batteries. Almost any country in Europe have 220 v, but with diferent plugs.
Good luck.


They've got universal plug adaptors, for instance: http://traveloasis.com/plugadapters6.html

I'll carry one, but I may also have a small solar panel with me to trickle-charge my batteries as I walk.

Lee

not quite a camera tool, but a gps device? the only sub $100 tripods that are even worth considering are the velbons.

Ever used a Slik brand tripod? Someone recommended this model to me: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=333974&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Hi Lee

I am travelling too (though not 100% on foot)!

my recommensations :
- I bought a cheap Slik tripod in Australia. Had to be light, compact. It is.
I cannot remember the name of it (it's in another country at the moment) but it was about 60dollars (US dollars). It has served me well.
Take a look at Sprint mini :
http://www.thkphoto.com/products/slik/slik-ss3.html
or Compact XL :
http://www.thkphoto.com/products/slik/slik-cts-02.html


- GPS : YES 100% definitely. I use Garmin etrex Vista all the time. You can enter in your destination for the day and it tells you how far away you are, you estimated time of arrival, your current piosition, speed, max. speed, avg. speed, time moving, time stationary, distance and direction to ANY town, electronic compass, even an altimeter (height in meters or feet or any unit). Also gives sunrise and sunset times for any location, anywhere. useful to know how mcuh daylight you got left til you get to your destination.
So pretty much everything. Will run about 12-20hours on 2 AA batteries.
On batteries: best AA you can get is Enregizer Lithium AA's. They cost about 3x as much as Duracell Alkaline but last forever. (well about 5x as long as duracell alkaline).
http://www.garmin.com/products/etrexVista/index.jsp

- MONOPOD = YES definitely. you'll get much steadier footage using this. I would consider it mandatory and WELDED to your camera unless your using a tripod. I have a cheap monopod that has served me very well. Plus you can use it as a weapon if things get bad. (i haven't needed to but i've encountered crocodiles, v.agressive vultures and eagles, and other rather territorial animals..).

DUCT TAPE: staple of any traveller. YOu can fix anythin with it (almost) and you can even stop blisters with it.

SOCKS: boring i know, but get double-skin socks. inner layer sticks to foot, outer layer sticks to shoe, 2 socks rub, NOT your skin. stops blisters. You will see. Shoes i will personally recommend Asics Gel Kayano or Nike Air. They're both tough, light, breathable, flexible.
http://www.1000mile.co.uk/1000milesocks.htm

WIDE-ANGLE LENS: absolutely 100%. Recommend one of two Sony 0.7x WA : VCL-HG0737X (i have it) or VCL-HG0737Y (similar but bigger, heavier, and black)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=396837&is=REG&addedTroughType=search


External mic : yes 100% get one. Something like a Sony HGZ1 should do. It is (i *think*) reversible so you can switch it 180degrees and so it's pointing at you, not the scenery in front, if you need (you will) to do narration while you're shooting. Sound for narration will be crap unless you get a shotgun mic that you can point back towards yourself, or get a wired lavalier mic for this.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=396837&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
I just checked and it doesn't look like HGZ1 reverses. My HSM1 mic (v similar to HGZ1) does.
I also got Rode Videomic which is superb - that will be fine on your A1 as if you take XLR module off it bolts straight on. excellent sound quality too. It's my default mic. Get a Rode Deadcat windshield for this is you get it as it's v sensitive and you'll get windnoise unless you have a windshield.

PLUG ADAPTORS: is easy. A1 i think will charge from 110V or 220-240V. One adaptor should be fine for your whole trip. not a problem.

TAPES & BATTERIES: take lots. i have 3 batteries for my cam and that should give me about 3.5hours min. shooting a day and that's always been enough. Take a Sony cleaning tape cos thats a showstopper if your cam (probably WHEN your cam..) insists it needs heads cleaning.

Backpack is obviously critical. i like macpac. I have Macpac Genesis. very tough, water resistant, well-made, good reputation, intelligent design.
Take as little as you can. You will hate it if your pack is stupidly heavy. uby stuff along the way, chuck stuff along the way.
http://www.macpac.co.nz/

Knife: Buy a really good multi-tool / knife. I have Leatherman Charge Ti. It's not cheap but i use it literally almost every day. Fixing things, cutting things, mending stuff. amazing what you can do with a very good penknife or multi-tool. Leatherman Wave are almost as good and cheaper than Charge Ti.
http://www.leatherman.com/
http://www.leatherman.com/products/tools/charge-Ti/default.asp

ok thats it for now.

recommend you go on a test trip for maybe a week fully-kitted out. The lessons you will learn in that week will make your longer trip much more enjoyable and a better experience.

rgds

Hi Lee - I got that 'clamp to anything' tripod in a blister pack in the photographic shop down town, Jessops here in the UK. Very useful little tool. It even clamped my second (unmanned) VX2000 to the gym's wall bars for a shoot last month.

tom.

They've got universal plug adaptors, for instance: http://traveloasis.com/plugadapters6.html

I'll carry one, but I may also have a small solar panel with me to trickle-charge my batteries as I walk.

Lee

What solar panel are you planning on using? I'd be interested to know, as i may be doing a project where i'm away from power for 4-5 days straight.

Stu,

Thanks a lot for your long and thorough response. Here are some comments on your comments.



my recommensations :
- I bought a cheap Slik tripod in Australia. Had to be light, compact. It is.
I cannot remember the name of it (it's in another country at the moment) but it was about 60dollars (US dollars). It has served me well.
Take a look at Sprint mini :
http://www.thkphoto.com/products/slik/slik-ss3.html


I went with the Sprint Mini. Didn't like the idea of buying a tripod over the internet but if it turns out I don't like it I'll just buy a different one and I'm only out $60. I liked that the Mini was lightweight and had a ball head. I did not like that it was only extendable to about 4 feet, but I think I'll be able to live with that.


- GPS : YES 100% definitely. I use Garmin etrex Vista all the time.


Still giving thought to this. For awhile I was determined not to use one, as I thought it might "diminish" the project, but it seems like it could quite literally be a lifesaver at some point. I love all the things it does. In a way it's not all that much different from using maps.


SOCKS: boring i know, but get double-skin socks. inner layer sticks to foot, outer layer sticks to shoe, 2 socks rub, NOT your skin. stops blisters. You will see. Shoes i will personally recommend Asics Gel Kayano or Nike Air. They're both tough, light, breathable, flexible.
http://www.1000mile.co.uk/1000milesocks.htm


Thanks, I'll look at those more closely.


External mic : yes 100% get one.

Absolutely. Actually I dropped some decent cash on microphones: a Rode NTG-1 for primary shotgun mic, and two Countryman B3 lavaliers for interviews/monologues/ambient stereo sound. Also bought a Rycote softie and pistol grip for wind protection.


TAPES & BATTERIES: take lots.

I've got three QM91Ds, which I think should be enough. That should give me about three days of shooting without charging before I'm without juice. If I do go with the Solar Panel, that should never ever happen.


Backpack is obviously critical. i like macpac. I have Macpac Genesis. very tough, water resistant, well-made, good reputation, intelligent design.
Take as little as you can.

I'm looking seriously at the Osprey Waypoint 80. Seems like a tough pack, holds 80 litres, and perhaps best of all, it opens like a duffel bag, so I don't have to worry about taking all my stuff out to get at something that's at the bottom of the bag.


Knife: Buy a really good multi-tool / knife. I have Leatherman Charge Ti. It's not cheap but i use it literally almost every day. Fixing things, cutting things, mending stuff. amazing what you can do with a very good penknife or multi-tool. Leatherman Wave are almost as good and cheaper than Charge Ti.
http://www.leatherman.com/
http://www.leatherman.com/products/tools/charge-Ti/default.asp

I'll have to look into that. Would probably help a lot.




recommend you go on a test trip for maybe a week fully-kitted out. The lessons you will learn in that week will make your longer trip much more enjoyable and a better experience.


I don't have time for a weeklong trip. (Leaving for Europe in about a month.) But I will try a few day trips or perhaps a weekend one fully-kitted.

Thanks again for your helpful advice and be sure and pitch in again if you have more thoughts!

Lee

What solar panel are you planning on using? I'd be interested to know, as i may be doing a project where i'm away from power for 4-5 days straight.

I haven't done enough research yet to be able to say anything on the matter. I was looking at the products at http://www.icpsolar.com/4105/portable_power_charging.asp but again, have no idea if they'll be good enough for what I want yet.

Lee

If you get something like the spiderbrace you could carry it on your shoulder for probably an infinite amount of time.

I took a look at this on the web. Seems pretty handy. Would be great for getting steadier "handheld". How much does it weigh?

I'm not sure but I think it's pvc so it should be extremely lightweight.

This is a great idea (and great idea for soliciting donations).

I lived in west Ukraine; you better not go there when it's cold!

I'm sure you'll be pelted with advice left and right, but how about keeping the title "Madrid to Kiev". That's a great title.

BTW, here's a book you should read before going (or bring along with you).

Bill Bryson: Walk in the Woods. A comic writer talks about how he planned to walk the entire Appalachian Trail over a three month period. Hilarious and instructive.

My main concern would be about security. (I just got robbed last week and lost $1500 of equipment). Also, the Ukrainian police might treat you strange (but alas, that will be part of the fun!).

rj

Robert,

Thanks for your advice and encouragement. The reason I am leaving so early in the year is to avoid the Ukraine in late fall or winter, which I am sure is NO FUN.

I have read some of Bryson's stuff, wasn't aware that he wrote about the App. Trail. I hope I have time to look at it before I leave.

Who knows, perhaps I will keep the "Madrid to Kiev" title.

Any advice you have to avoid getting robbed?

Lee

This is a great idea (and great idea for soliciting donations).

I lived in west Ukraine; you better not go there when it's cold!

I'm sure you'll be pelted with advice left and right, but how about keeping the title "Madrid to Kiev". That's a great title.

BTW, here's a book you should read before going (or bring along with you).

Bill Bryson: Walk in the Woods. A comic writer talks about how he planned to walk the entire Appalachian Trail over a three month period. Hilarious and instructive.

My main concern would be about security. (I just got robbed last week and lost $1500 of equipment). Also, the Ukrainian police might treat you strange (but alas, that will be part of the fun!).

rj

Is your site down?

I wonder if you should keep a list of video equipment dealers near your chosen route should something happen to whatever you are carrying. It would be bad if a critical part broke along the way with no way to fix or replace it.

edit: sorry, the parenthesis in the URL threw me off, the site works fine.

Jeff,

That's a really good idea. I'll have to get on that. Actually, I was planning on calling Sony's Broadcast division (which services the A1U) and getting their advice about what exactly I should do if something goes wrong with the camera along the way.

Lee

Very nice description here:

http://www.madridtokiev.com/

Robert,

Any advice you have to avoid getting robbed?

Lee

Sounds trite, but look poor. Not ragged, just look like all your stuff is cheap (think casio watch and no designer anything). Low profile helps, but decent enough looking you don't look like a vagabond and get harrassed by cops either. Thieves look for signs of money and distracted people to victimize.

Some of that duct tape mentioned above should be used covering HDV and Sony logos on the camera. More it looks like a cheap tourist cam, better you will be. Black Duct tape is great for "grunging up" things. Example: Making the lcd finder look like it's held on by duct tape lowers it resale value for the thief big time.

REI.com has a backpack with built in wire cage, helps prevent someone slashing your pack open and grabbing stuff. Gypsies do that. Pack is also helpful 'cause you can padlock it to something while you sleep - good for hostels.

Europe is pretty stupid in they seem to tolerate a lot of petty theft IMO. Should shoot 'em like we do here in Florida (we all got guns). You can expect no help over there, so avoid being a target.

More upbeat - moleskin is wonderful and cheap for blisters. Also you really need to consider barn doors of some kind. I could imagine your sun position won't be optimal and need to control lens flare in ad hoc situation.

Cosider sony's quick chargers too. I bought a cheaper slow charger - I never plug the camcorder into AC power. I'd rather fry the charger if we get a lightning hit/power surge. The quick chargers significantly decrease charge time too.

Rain cover- portabrace's is pretty good.