I'm gonna shoot soon (20 min short on XL1S), and I wanna get a little checklist for the things I will probably overlook.
I can't get kem (sp?) whipes in my town. The local camera store has a dry cloth for cleaning, but I don't know if that will do with the dirtier stuff on my UV filter. Any suggestions? Do I need a liquid cleaner of some kind?
Also, can I use canned air on my XL1S manual lens? Even though I keep the filter on, the lens seems to gather a bit of dust.
As to sound, I know people have commented before, but is it a fairly safe idea to use a mini-disc? I don't have that much dialogue, and if needed a good chunk could be post-dubbed. It would be cheaper for me to borrow a mini-disc than rent a dat, and also a disc would be easier for me to load onto a comp later on and use for sound.
Anything else I should remember that I'll probably forget? Are there handy all-purpose tools I should carry with me? The shoot is all exterior, so I have a nice light-disc, but as to other equipment I don't know what else to bring.
Thanks in advance to all help...
Man, I always forget to clean the lens and then kick myself for it later. I forget the brand I use, but I've got seperate lens cleaner and wipes. It's strange that your photography store doesn't carry anything. A mini disc should work great, but make sure your XL-1's mic is on just for safety (the on-camera mic isn't preferable but is good in a pinch). Don't forget to charge your batteries the night before. Check the weather forecast since it's all outside (and since it's all outside, keep an extra special watch on the exposure, since the sun will keep changing things for you -- this is where it's always good to have a light meter). When you're using sunlight, you don't need lights, but you should have reflectors and flags and scrims so you can work with the daylight. You can either rent these or make them.
Canned air is perfectly okay for lenses.
I'm gonna try to think of some more stuff once I'm not sleepy. I don't know if it's possible to ever be completely prepared.
You're able to get an XL1S but not wipes? Wierd.... try B&H (bhphotovideo.com)... they'll hook you up. Why wouldn't you use the XL1's onboard audio capabilities with an external mic? You've basically got a built in DAT in that thing... sure, you can use mini-disc, but why would you when you can get better quality straight from the camera. Just use a really good shotgun mic and be sure to monitor your levels!
Nick
Tried it before. The way I shoot, I can't have the camera tied down to the sound guy. Lotsa movement. To be sure, I'll use the onboard as a fail-safe.
Yeah, the whole wipe situation is a strange one. I might be able to order some though. Just if there were any cleaners that are okay to use.
Anyway, this is great so far, guys. Keep it comin' !!
Well, here's some my mom told me to tell you:
Red leaves of three, leave them be.
You can never have too much toilet paper.
Know your way home.
Be polite, thank them for dinner.
Bring snacks, like gorp (a combo of peanuts, raisins, M+Ms)
Wear a sweater, cuz you'll catch your death out there.
You keep doing that, you're going to go blind...[/list:u]
aw
ps-remember to print this page out and bring it with you!
If that last one was true, not even my glasses would help me...
But anyway, back to lens/tool kit help please.
Just be prepared for anything to go wrong. Having a flawless production is like screwing Pam Anderson -- ain't gonna happen!