[Thomas Kaufman]

Wow, this is yet another reason why air travel is the pitts. So now that I have 6 Dionic 90’s, I can only take 2 with me when I travel solo? Sheesh. I called customer service at Anton Bauer and they didn’t know about these new rules. Too bad, it would’ve been nice to get a little more warning.

Well, happy new year’s anyway, everybody. A safe and productive 2008!

Tom Kaufman

Thomas Kaufman, DP
Washington, DC

[Thomas Kaufman]

I suppose you’re right.

The idea is to expedite the editing for the sake of time. It is a lot of extra work and expense, but…is there a way to do it?

thanks

Thomas Kaufman, DP
Washington, DC

[Thomas Kaufman]

Contact me off-list if you still need someone: 301-891-3009

thanks

Thomas Kaufman, DP
Washington, DC

[Thomas Kaufman]

One other thing to watch for is dust — from shooting in Ghana I can tell you it’s eveywhere. You might want to tape along the seams of the camera, and try to change cassettes when you’re in an interior space. Maybe even worthwhile to bring some kind of changing bag so dust particles don’t enter the camera when you change tapes.

The advice on a white shroud over the camera is excellent. Even a hotel towel can do a lot of good.

cheers

Tom Kaufman

Thomas Kaufman, DP
Washington, DC

[Thomas Kaufman]

Sorry, but I think checking the Varicam as luggage is a big mistake.

I’ve traveled the day before a shoot only to find the camera got lost in transit. What a hassel!

The other posts are right — it is a pain to carry on the camera, find room to stow it overhead, etc. But at least you know it’s headed where you are. Also, I find that, once folks know you’ve got an expensive camera, they are careful with their own stuff.

It gets down to what you’re comfortale with.

Cheers,

Thomas Kaufman, DP
Washington, DC

[Thomas Kaufman]

Unless I’m mistaken, the CCD array of the Varicam would cost about $30,000 to replace.

The price of the HDX900 is under $30,000.

What does that tell you?

Long live the COW!

Thomas Kaufman, DP
Washington, DC

[Thomas Kaufman]

Sam,

Thanks for your suggestion. And yes, since 9/11 I’ve had a few problems: the worst was when I shipped the camera and lens in a thermodyne case and yahoo took off the lens, then didn’t re-attach it. Since then I’ve made a point of carrying the camera and lens in a porta-brace case on board always.

Now that I’m getting a second zoom lens, I have to rethink my approach. I’d still like to carry it all onboard, I’d like to stash at least part of it overhead, I’d like to have wheels on the case (fantastic invention, wheels).

I’d appreciate any suggestions from travelers who take flights with thier camera body and 2 zoom lenses.

thanks

Thomas Kaufman, DP
Washington, DC

[Thomas Kaufman]

Sam,

Thanks for your suggestion. And yes, since 9/11 I’ve had a few problems: the worst was some when I shipped camera and lens in a thermodyne case and yahoo took off the lens, then didn’t re-attach it. Since then I’ve made a point of carrying the camera and lens in a porta-brace case on board always.

Now that I’m getting a second zoom lens, I have to rethink my approach. I’d still like to carry it all onboard, I’d like to stash at least part of it overhead, I’d like to have wheels on the case (fantastic invention, wheels).

I’d appreciate any suggestions from travelers who take flights with thier camera body and 2 zoom lenses.

thanks

Thomas Kaufman, DP
Washington, DC

[Thomas Kaufman]

Probably these decks come directly from Japan, so I doubt that there would be any US warrantee. You would probably have to ship it to Japan for warrantee service. Also, if you need some technical advice, I would doubt the dealer would be able to help you, as opposed to buying from a US dealer who has tech-minded people on staff to answer questions.

Hope this helps,

Thomas Kaufman, DP
Washington, DC

[Thomas Kaufman]

Hi Leo,

Yes, I thought the same things, but the tech guy at Discovery knew about the difference between the constant record speed of the camera and frame rates, and still wanted 60 fps. Go figure. He said somethng about ease of conversion for international markets, but hasn’t 24 fps achieved that years ago?

What amazes me is that, after years of hard work, Panasonic (and Sony) have come up with a DV camera that looks like film — and the client doesn’t want it! They want nice-looking video!!

IMHO, it’s like buying a Ferrari to use for trips to the grocery store.

Thomas Kaufman, DP
Washington, DC