Peter000
TiVo Forum Special Member
Registered: Apr 2002
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Posts: 1882 |
Re: Safari
quote:
Originally posted by Rangers4me
I am going on a safari in Africa and was wondering if anyone knows of any good websites or books on filming animals and/or safaris.
I am bringing a Canon GL2, does anyone know of any accessories that may help me along the way.
Great Camera Choice!
Be SURE to bring lots of fully charged long capacity batteries. Otherwise you'll be cursing yourself every time you lug around your dead camera. I'm not sure what Safaris are like, but it's more than likely you'll not be able to recharge, at least conveniently. You may consider picking up a car charger or adapter for your Canon.
More tapes than you'll think you'll need. A couple of sharpies for labeling your tapes on the spot (I like to label them BEFORE I stick them in the camera... saves alot of time and tape reviewing later). You might want to even bring a little notebook along to log what you've shot. Not shot by shot... that's not really realistic, but generally what's on each tape. Lens cleaning fluid and tissues. A tripod, if you want to bother carrying it. At the very least one of those little mini tripods. Maybe instead of a Tripod, a monopod... just a single leg to help you brace the camera. Those are really wonderfully useful. And take alot less time to set up and use.
You may want to bring along a wireless mic to hook up to your guide so you can capture his comments more clearly. And if you do, plenty of replacement batteries for that.
Oh, and a cleaning tape is essential too. Maybe some canned air to blow the dust off of your camera.
Make sure your camera bag is roomy enough for all those accessories (excluding the tripod). If not, you won't regret buying a bigger bag. If it's too big, you can always carry some souvenirs home in it.
And the last thing I would suggest is to bring along a still camera of some sort as well. You'll be able to incorporate them into your final video. And if something happens that demands a quick shot, it's quicker than firing up your video camera, especially if your GL2 is packed away.
I don't have any specific tips for for filming Safaris, but in general, take shots of stuff you think you won't need. Like people reacting to what's going on. Shots you can use to break up the monotony of tiny animals in the distance. Try to get as close as you can before using the zoom, which even with stabilization will be shaky when you zoom way in. Take pictures of signs that show where you are. Try not to show your transitions in camera. Instead of zooming in or panning across to your subject, stop the camera, frame your subject, then start it back up again. Don't be afraid to use landscape and natural objects to frame your pictures, such as trees and rocks along the sides of your shots. Many times they will give added depth and dimension. Or if you're taking shots through long grass, have some tips of grass right at the bottom of your camera, blowing in the wind (while your subject is in focus of course). Very cool effect.
And have fun!  Remember the experience is more important than the picture.
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TiVo Community Forum Archive 1 > Off Topic Areas (Non-TiVo) > Happy Hour - General Chit-Chat
06-30-2004 02:00 AM
