Hi Everybody,
Over the las few weeks my eyes have been glued to the screen of my computer trying to figure out what camera to purchase, and why. I really have had some great help with the info on this sight and want to thank you all for some of that info that I have used.
Out here I spend most my time on the river shooting everything from fish to moose in Yellowstone Park. I have been using a sony digital 8 cam for three years. I also have been able to use the PD 150 from a job I had last year and really enjoyed this camera immensely. I've been using Final Cut Pro since it first came out and work some with After Effects. I have produced promotional videos and also a few short films for festivals and know would like to start out on my own and try to make some money doing it. I know I have so much to learn, but I think I have what it takes to succeed. I'm on my way now to head up to Alaska to work and shoot a video for a lodge, and thats another reason I need to purchase a new camera soon! I shoot outdoors 90% of the time, and shoot a lot of underwater footage of fish. The cameras of choice as of today are the PD 150 and the AG-DVX100. I'm having a hard time choosing! I'm really glad that you all are so knowledgable and willing to help people out with their questions. Thanks for all the ideas in the future and good luck to you all!

Sincerely,
Todd

Hi Todd,

I'm an ex-Montanan (for a brief period)...from Missoula. You're living in the best location in the world for beautiful shots. I envy you.

Glad to have you aboard!

Todd,
Welcome !
I've got a great friend (Bob Kloskowski) who lives in Bozeman who retired early as a civil engineer and fly fishes 200+ days a year in that area. One of his favorite places to fish is Depuy's spring creek (pay to play area).

I'll be down there fishing with him for a week sometime in spring 2004.

If you've never been to Alaska, I must rub it in and say that you won't believe the fishing here until you experience it yourself.
We call the fish in Montana "minnows" or "bait" <;~).
Yes, we are spoiled up here during the summer months.....OK, spoiled period.Here are a few recent examples http://www.rollcastproductions/images/yak

Regarding your camera....
Whatever you end up with, make sure you have a rain jacket of some kind as part of your standard gear for cameras in Alaska. Our high humidity can wreak havoc on your gear. Also make sure you have some kind of hard case. All remote lodges that you go to require the use of float planes or boats for access.

I would suggest these cameras: XL1s, GL1, or a GL2.
I've rented the Sony and the JVC, and I feel there is no comparison to the Canon X or G series.

Good luck to you, and if you would like some information on the area you are going to in Alaska, please feel free to email me when you get a moment.

Montana has to be one of the most beautiful places in North America. Loved it when I was there (briefly).


For your camera choice, a logical pick would be the Canon XL1. It has to be THE camera for nature shooters, as you can fit it with an adapter to use Canon EF lenses. Slap a Canon 100-400 IS lens on an XL1 and now you have a 700mm-2800mm lens! Get a good close up on a moose from half a mile away (well almost...)