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1 - WHAT CAMERA ?

Let’s start with the basics: what cameras guarantee you good-quality video? One option is to use a Digital Single-Lens Reflex camera, more commonly known as a DSLR. These can retail for anywhere from US$600 to $5,000, but even those on the cheaper end of this scale can shoot great video. DSLRs can be outfitted with a variety of different lenses, but we recommend a mid-range zoom lens like a 24–105mm zoom, which is the most versatile. But if you plan to share your videos via social media or online, the truth is that an iPhone 6 Plus with the maximum memory (132GB) can reap fantastic results. Install the iMovie app to allow you to edit the footage there and then; this technology is so sophisticated and intuitive to use that anyone can produce well-crafted shows on their handset, ready to upload directly to any social media platform. Of course, you may prefer to consider the equivalent Android option. Don’t shoot in portrait Whichever smartphone option you choose, make sure that yo...
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2 - LIFE THROUGH THE LENS 

There is a bewildering choice of lenses for DLSR on the market and most videographers need to be selective, for reasons of budget and portability. The best all-round lenses are the zoom lenses with a good range, such as 24–105mm (1). Both Canon and Nikon offer these models with an image stabiliser, which really helps when shooting video. If you’re set on capturing wildlife, it’s wise to invest in a longer lens, but check out the size and weight of the lens in person before ordering online, as some of these lenses will outmuscle the camera itself. Choose a zoom lens with a good range, so you can capture action both far and near. A 100–400mm (2) will do the trick, although it is pricey, so novice shooters might prefer the distinctly cheaper 70–300mm flavour (3). Longer lenses are also favoured by sports photographers, so are good for all-round action shots. A fish-eye lens or ultra-wide (4) is good for indoor scenes. Favoured by hotels and estate agents hoping to use sleight of eye...
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3 - ACCESSORISE

Preparation is everything. Before you leave, think about what you plan to shoot and how location, weather and access to power will affect your production.   If you’re out for the whole day , bring a couple of extra batteries (1). Anything longer than a day and it’s time to start thinking about access to power so you can recharge (2). There are some great choices like Goal Zero for solar and battery packs that can charge on the go. Think about how you will carry your camera and gear . If you’re planning to shoot on rough terrain, an adventure camera pack can be a great investment (3). Make sure you choose one with a hip belt, straps for attaching tripods and back support. Check out Dakine and F-Stop packs for some great options. Travelling in a wet environment? Look into drybags and dryboxes like Pelican cases for digital cameras (4). For smartphones there’s a huge choice of waterproof cases available: these also serve to protect the phone from dirt and knocks, so it’s...
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4 - HAVE A PLAN

Take the time to consider the final product before you start shooting it – or even before you leave for your trip. Are you filming for personal use or to share it with others? Do you want to send the footage back during the trip or store the content while travelling? With a firm understanding of what you’re trying to achieve, you can set yourself up perfectly with the right equipment, the right social media links and any other assistance you might need. Think too about your practical plan of action. For example, do you want to film your travelling companion(s) or film a piece to camera yourself? Do you want to do a voiceover or just a soundtrack? Try presenting to camera before you go to see how you come across and to make sure that whoever is filming gets the composition right and is technically aware of the equipment you’re using. It is dreadful to come home to discover that they filmed everything portrait instead of landscape or obscured part of the lens with their finger (t...
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5 - POWER OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

In remote areas, power sources may be unreliable, scarce or simply non-existent. So if you’re going off the beaten track, it pays to think ahead. If you’re using a DSLR, pack plenty of spare batteries and memory cards to carry with you on the road. Take any opportunity to recharge, and never just assume that the power will stay on. If you plan to buy a back-up hard drive, it’s worth choosing one that can be charged directly from a laptop – that way, as long as your laptop has power, your files can be backed up safely. If your accommodation doesn’t have power, check the local cafés for power sources you can borrow. Failing that, seek out a vendor who charges mobile phones, but be wary of leaving expensive equipment there: it may be too much temptation for someone who earns very little money. Stay with them while recharging, or leave a trusted tour guide with them. Waste not want not Be wary of wasting precious battery life on filming for filming’s sake. It’s frustrating to ...
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6 - KEEP EQUIPMENT SAFE

Whether it’s a top-of-the-range DSLR or just a smartphone, visible camera equipment can make you a target for thieves. Be savvy and stay aware of those around you. Check the small print of your travel insurance to ensure it will cover all your equipment for the entire duration of your trip. There are specialised travel gadget insurers: Travel Gadget Insurance, Protect your Bubble, Gadget Guardian and Gadget Cover. Pack expensive equipment in your hand luggage when travelling by plane or bus, never in the hold. Stay in self-contained rooms, not dorms. Shared rooms may be cheaper, but in dorms you have no control over who can gain access to your stuff. Leave expensive items in a safe or with reputable receptions rather than in your room. Best of all, keep them with you. It can be annoying, but not as frustrating as returning to a room and finding them gone. Keep your luggage on your lap or under your feet on public transport. Buy a camera bag that can’t b...
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7 - TRIPODS

Tripods are a frontline weapon in the battle for better video. Broadly speaking, the bigger (or heavier) the camera, the more stable the tripod needs to be. Tripods are best used for dramatic landscapes or buildings where the action is incidental to the scene. People, animals or vehicles might come in and out of shot, but it’s the iconic Himalayan peaks or the towers of Angkor Wat that you’re after. Combine this with a sunrise or sunset and the opportunity for a time-lapse presents itself, an advanced trick to speed up nature that definitely requires a tripod. Gorillapods are some of the most compact and reliable tripod devices on the market, for use with a smartphone, tablet or light camera. Retractable monopods are another good option for a more elevated perspective. Bigger tripods can be a burden to carry around, but will help to get the money shot if you’ve already invested in a quality camera. As real-world action unfolds unpredictably, you may not always have time to s...
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