Comments on: My backpack journalism kit, or where you could find gift ideas for the journo tech geek on your list http://blog.isabelleroughol.com/2007/12/07/my-backpack-journalism-kit-or-where-you-could-find-gift-ideas-for-the-journo-tech-geek-on-your-list/ The tribulations of a young journalist and writer looking for work Sun, 20 Sep 2009 02:53:17 +0200 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: What’s the least amount of equipment you can get away with for a good doc? : DocumentaryTech http://blog.isabelleroughol.com/2007/12/07/my-backpack-journalism-kit-or-where-you-could-find-gift-ideas-for-the-journo-tech-geek-on-your-list/comment-page-1/#comment-176 What’s the least amount of equipment you can get away with for a good doc? : DocumentaryTech Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:30:46 +0000 http://thejjunkie.com/2007/12/07/my-backpack-journalism-kit-or-where-you-could-find-gift-ideas-for-the-journo-tech-geek-on-your-list/#comment-176 [...] Isabel Roughel, “The J Junkie” had (at least in 2007) this backpack configuration. [...] [...] Isabel Roughel, “The J Junkie” had (at least in 2007) this backpack configuration. [...]

]]> By: davideowen http://blog.isabelleroughol.com/2007/12/07/my-backpack-journalism-kit-or-where-you-could-find-gift-ideas-for-the-journo-tech-geek-on-your-list/comment-page-1/#comment-168 davideowen Sat, 17 Jan 2009 15:56:21 +0000 http://thejjunkie.com/2007/12/07/my-backpack-journalism-kit-or-where-you-could-find-gift-ideas-for-the-journo-tech-geek-on-your-list/#comment-168 where does one get a press card/press pass from? where does one get a press card/press pass from?

]]> By: Greg Linch http://blog.isabelleroughol.com/2007/12/07/my-backpack-journalism-kit-or-where-you-could-find-gift-ideas-for-the-journo-tech-geek-on-your-list/comment-page-1/#comment-169 Greg Linch Sat, 12 Apr 2008 21:10:18 +0000 http://thejjunkie.com/2007/12/07/my-backpack-journalism-kit-or-where-you-could-find-gift-ideas-for-the-journo-tech-geek-on-your-list/#comment-169 This is a little belated, but I've updated my backpack to include: -Canon HV20 with an extra battery and UV filter -Sunpack tripod (though not in the backpack -Mass quantities of mini-DV tapes This is a little belated, but I’ve updated my backpack to include:

-Canon HV20 with an extra battery and UV filter
-Sunpack tripod (though not in the backpack
-Mass quantities of mini-DV tapes

]]> By: Beth Carpenter http://blog.isabelleroughol.com/2007/12/07/my-backpack-journalism-kit-or-where-you-could-find-gift-ideas-for-the-journo-tech-geek-on-your-list/comment-page-1/#comment-171 Beth Carpenter Sat, 02 Feb 2008 01:12:08 +0000 http://thejjunkie.com/2007/12/07/my-backpack-journalism-kit-or-where-you-could-find-gift-ideas-for-the-journo-tech-geek-on-your-list/#comment-171 Isabelle - I love this list! I'd put a wireless mic closer to the top of your list, though. I've found out the hard way that they are absolutely invaluable for a lot of situations, and makes your subject much more at home. Also, I hate DV. Passionately. I want an HD camera kinda badly. For people who don't want to spend too much on a DSLR but want the newest tech, I'd recommend Pentax's K10/K20D or K100/K200D prosumer/professional DSLRs. I have the K100D and couldn't love it more. It has its faults, but for the money, it's a great starter camera and has really helped me out. Isabelle -

I love this list! I’d put a wireless mic closer to the top of your list, though. I’ve found out the hard way that they are absolutely invaluable for a lot of situations, and makes your subject much more at home.
Also, I hate DV. Passionately. I want an HD camera kinda badly.
For people who don’t want to spend too much on a DSLR but want the newest tech, I’d recommend Pentax’s K10/K20D or K100/K200D prosumer/professional DSLRs. I have the K100D and couldn’t love it more. It has its faults, but for the money, it’s a great starter camera and has really helped me out.

]]> By: Isabelle http://blog.isabelleroughol.com/2007/12/07/my-backpack-journalism-kit-or-where-you-could-find-gift-ideas-for-the-journo-tech-geek-on-your-list/comment-page-1/#comment-170 Isabelle Fri, 01 Feb 2008 05:57:33 +0000 http://thejjunkie.com/2007/12/07/my-backpack-journalism-kit-or-where-you-could-find-gift-ideas-for-the-journo-tech-geek-on-your-list/#comment-170 Robert, I'm getting to change my opinion about tripods too. I was out yesterday afternoon shooting for a photo class assignment and my camera kept tilting forward or backward on the tripod, as though it was too heavy for it. No damage but a little heart attack for me every time. Robert, I’m getting to change my opinion about tripods too. I was out yesterday afternoon shooting for a photo class assignment and my camera kept tilting forward or backward on the tripod, as though it was too heavy for it. No damage but a little heart attack for me every time.

]]> By: Greg Linch http://blog.isabelleroughol.com/2007/12/07/my-backpack-journalism-kit-or-where-you-could-find-gift-ideas-for-the-journo-tech-geek-on-your-list/comment-page-1/#comment-172 Greg Linch Sat, 26 Jan 2008 04:27:44 +0000 http://thejjunkie.com/2007/12/07/my-backpack-journalism-kit-or-where-you-could-find-gift-ideas-for-the-journo-tech-geek-on-your-list/#comment-172 Thanks, Isabelle. I didn't plan to go with an HD, but I definitely see your point and agree. Thanks, Isabelle. I didn’t plan to go with an HD, but I definitely see your point and agree.

]]> By: Isabelle http://blog.isabelleroughol.com/2007/12/07/my-backpack-journalism-kit-or-where-you-could-find-gift-ideas-for-the-journo-tech-geek-on-your-list/comment-page-1/#comment-175 Isabelle Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:41:31 +0000 http://thejjunkie.com/2007/12/07/my-backpack-journalism-kit-or-where-you-could-find-gift-ideas-for-the-journo-tech-geek-on-your-list/#comment-175 Thanks for your comment guys. Robert, I agree, cheap tripods are not ideal. But metal ones are too heavy for effective backpack journalism and sturdy, lightweight ones are in the $200-$300 range. The price of the external flash for my 20D that's top of my purchase list. Then a 70-300 lens. Then a better audio system. Then a good tripod. Greg, for the video camera, I strongly suggest you save up and buy a basic, consumer HD cam rather than a regular DV. I got my DV just a year ago, before HD really exploded on the consumer market, and I'm regretting the choice already. Sure, HD doesn't matter so much for Web streaming, given how much you end up compressing, but HD podcasts are getting really popular on iTunes. With an HD, you can even make your own low-budget documentary and share it with independent festivals. My DV, even though it's a Canon and a good one, just doesn't have the image quality for a long feature. Thanks for your comment guys.

Robert, I agree, cheap tripods are not ideal. But metal ones are too heavy for effective backpack journalism and sturdy, lightweight ones are in the $200-$300 range. The price of the external flash for my 20D that’s top of my purchase list. Then a 70-300 lens. Then a better audio system. Then a good tripod.

Greg, for the video camera, I strongly suggest you save up and buy a basic, consumer HD cam rather than a regular DV. I got my DV just a year ago, before HD really exploded on the consumer market, and I’m regretting the choice already. Sure, HD doesn’t matter so much for Web streaming, given how much you end up compressing, but HD podcasts are getting really popular on iTunes. With an HD, you can even make your own low-budget documentary and share it with independent festivals. My DV, even though it’s a Canon and a good one, just doesn’t have the image quality for a long feature.

]]> By: Greg Linch http://blog.isabelleroughol.com/2007/12/07/my-backpack-journalism-kit-or-where-you-could-find-gift-ideas-for-the-journo-tech-geek-on-your-list/comment-page-1/#comment-173 Greg Linch Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:22:35 +0000 http://thejjunkie.com/2007/12/07/my-backpack-journalism-kit-or-where-you-could-find-gift-ideas-for-the-journo-tech-geek-on-your-list/#comment-173 Nice list. I'm still working on my backpack, so this is very helpful. I have a Canon Rebel XT with the 18-55 kit lens and a (long-term borrow) 70-300. For a tripod, I just took an old one from home that gets the job done. I recently bought an Olympus DS-30 audio recorder with a stereo mic and lav. A trip last Friday to the Everglades for a profile convinced me I definitely need a hand mic with a wind screen. For video, I switch between my old 3.2 mp Canon point-and-shoot, which can get 640x480, and the Flip video cameras we're trying to survive with at The Hurricane. I have three 2 gig cards--two to switch off with for the SLR and one for the p-&-s. I did a little research on video cameras during winter break, but I didn't buy. Definitely this summer. The biggest new element of my mojoness is my phone: an AT&T Tilt. The iPhone is sleek and sexy and can show full Web pages, which is great, but it's not that functional. The Tilt is like a little laptop. It slides open (an tilts up) to reveal a full and comfortable qwerty keyboard) and has Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PPT viewer). And you can add programs. I bought a 6 GB mirco SD card to hold photos, videos, songs, etc. While I haven't had a chance to use it to its fullest yet, I could file a quick story for online pretty easily. Nice list. I’m still working on my backpack, so this is very helpful.

I have a Canon Rebel XT with the 18-55 kit lens and a (long-term borrow) 70-300. For a tripod, I just took an old one from home that gets the job done. I recently bought an Olympus DS-30 audio recorder with a stereo mic and lav. A trip last Friday to the Everglades for a profile convinced me I definitely need a hand mic with a wind screen. For video, I switch between my old 3.2 mp Canon point-and-shoot, which can get 640×480, and the Flip video cameras we’re trying to survive with at The Hurricane. I have three 2 gig cards–two to switch off with for the SLR and one for the p-&-s.

I did a little research on video cameras during winter break, but I didn’t buy. Definitely this summer.

The biggest new element of my mojoness is my phone: an AT&T Tilt. The iPhone is sleek and sexy and can show full Web pages, which is great, but it’s not that functional. The Tilt is like a little laptop. It slides open (an tilts up) to reveal a full and comfortable qwerty keyboard) and has Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PPT viewer). And you can add programs. I bought a 6 GB mirco SD card to hold photos, videos, songs, etc. While I haven’t had a chance to use it to its fullest yet, I could file a quick story for online pretty easily.

]]> By: Robert http://blog.isabelleroughol.com/2007/12/07/my-backpack-journalism-kit-or-where-you-could-find-gift-ideas-for-the-journo-tech-geek-on-your-list/comment-page-1/#comment-174 Robert Tue, 22 Jan 2008 23:24:57 +0000 http://thejjunkie.com/2007/12/07/my-backpack-journalism-kit-or-where-you-could-find-gift-ideas-for-the-journo-tech-geek-on-your-list/#comment-174 Looks like you're on the right path to making documentaries. The only problem I have with your setup is the tripod. I bought cheap as well. The first tripod I had the leg collapsed and whacked out my Minolta. The next tripod the release lever -- which allows you to raise and lower the legs -- broke making the tripod worthless. Today most tripods are mostly plastic -- even name brands -- and major stress points, such as hinges on release levers, are also plastic. They break easily. Eventually, I bought two tripods that are all metal and about 30 years old for $5.00 each at a thrift store. They're heavy but like your Canon EOS, they'll last forever and my equipment is safe. I'm studying to become a backpack journalist. Looks like you’re on the right path to making documentaries. The only problem I have with your setup is the tripod. I bought cheap as well. The first tripod I had the leg collapsed and whacked out my Minolta. The next tripod the release lever — which allows you to raise and lower the legs — broke making the tripod worthless. Today most tripods are mostly plastic — even name brands — and major stress points, such as hinges on release levers, are also plastic. They break easily. Eventually, I bought two tripods that are all metal and about 30 years old for $5.00 each at a thrift store. They’re heavy but like your Canon EOS, they’ll last forever and my equipment is safe. I’m studying to become a backpack journalist.

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