Wireless Camera Link/Hop Options

whitneyince

Someone email me today and asked me what I thought about the New Lectrosonics SR receiver. I have seen the unit in person but have not used it in actually field production.  It looks great, however  I do not like the fact that the antennas’ are fixed and not remove able and that you cannot put batteries in it. I have been a zaxcom wireless hop user for a few years and the unit always does an amazing job with no issues. I also like the fact that the transmitter is small and easily fits into my bag. I just don’t like having to carry two tx, 9v battery eliminators, and a bunch of cables. The only advantage to using the lectro camera hop is that if you need extra wireless for talent you can cable yourself to the camera but I have used my zaxcom as a talent tx once as well with no issue. I also have about $5000,00 invested in my Zaxcom Hop when you figure all the cables I have for it, The BEC box and mounting plates. Camera man also like how it is a worry free piece of gear that always works. Now if I didn’t own a camera hop I may consider the Lectrosonics SR but since I own a zaxcom I will stick with it. Neither one is a bad choice

Taking a hard look at my approach to things

whitneyince

I have been working alot recently on a new reality show that has yet to air and it has been a rough bit of shooting. 4 or 5 wireless going all the time, lots of quick location changes and alot of people to mic up quickly and since we don’t have a 2nd crew I need to move fast so that camera is not waiting on me. Everyday I have been trying to figure out ways to move fast and do a better job at the same time, which is easier said then done. My first challenge was lighten by 25lb sound bag up a bit by using thinner cables and cable the exact length I need this saved me about 1lb . I also am now using a wireless plug on tx on my boompole at all times now this saves me time when setting up for our sit down interviews and allows me to have more freedom of motion when booming and not having to worry about plugging the boompole in. I have also started leaving more spare items in the production van instead of on me this has saved me 3lbs so my bag is now about 21lbs which is much better than 25. So I invite all of you to really take a hard look at how you do things and maybe you can save some weight too.

Dealing with the unexpected on location

whitneyince

Sometimes despite your best efforts to be prepared things always don’t work out and that is why being over prepared is better than not being prepared enough. As an example always carry every special thing you could need to save yourself in a pelican case near by. Things like Heavy duty wind protection if you ended up shooting at the beach without knowing (Like me the other day) Always carry a Zepplin with you if possible, carry enough batteries to record for 24 hours if needed, always carry a spare lav microphone or two and spare cables. Remember that your spare doesn’t have to be as good as your everyday item it just has to work long enough to save yourself. Just be like a boy scout (Always be prepared).