The DV Show...Podcasting the ins and outs of digital video

Tips for Traveling with your Video Camera

So many of us, myself included, naively thought that digital cameras would mean less "stuff" to tote along and fewer complications! But much like the myth of the "paperless office", we've discovered that digital cameras bring their own "baggage" - no pun intended.

In this article I've tried to give an overview of some of the difficulties that digital video presents to travelers, and suggest some solutions and tips for coping.

Before Your Trip

Create a checklist

Many of us could not survive without a packing list for our clothes and sundries. Create a separate checklist for your camera equipment. Include every piece of equipment that you own; then customize it for a particular destination by deleting what you don't need to bring for that specific trip. You may not want your telephoto lens on a sun 'n fun trip to the Caribbean, but you'll surely want it on an African safari! Don't forget to include batteries, cleaning supplies, cables, plug adapters, tape, etc. By having a primary list with ALL your equipment you are sure not to forget anything you really need.

Check your insurance

If you are taking substantial equipment, make sure it is properly insured. Your current homeowner's policy may cover you (make sure it covers "off-premises theft"); or you may need to purchase a rider. These policy additions are relatively inexpensive, and well worth the peace of mind. They usually cover not only loss by theft, but damage as well. so if you drop your camera off the Leaning Tower of Pisa, yes it is covered! If your equipment is stolen, be sure to report it to the police and get a copy of the police report. Your carrier may or may not ask for this, but better safe than sorry. Make sure your policy covers "full replacement cost", as cameras, especially digital cameras, depreciate fast.

List your serial numbers

This is a simple, yet crucial step that many don't consider. Make a list of the serial numbers of all your equipment; if possible, also list the cost of each item. Carry a copy of this list with you while traveling; keep it in your money belt or wherever you keep the photocopies of your passport. These will be invaluable in making a police report in the event of theft, and will save much time with the insurance claim. It is also useful if you are questioned at customs. (If you are carrying a laptop or other electronics, it wouldn't hurt to put that on the list as well. As bird-watchers, our expensive binoculars are also on this list.)

Carry on vs. checked luggage

We are all struggling to keep our carry-on baggage light and small. With digital, it seems we have more and more accessories to contend with: batteries, flash cards, chargers, back-up devices. Of course, everyone knows never to pack their camera in their checked luggage. But I am amazed that some people will pack their battery charger!

Outbound, I check nothing related to my camera, other than my tripod or monopod. Other things that you can check: user manuals, extra batteries, tele-converters or other accessories that you can live without. Coming home is a different story. Then, if you need to make room in your carry-on for wine, souvenirs, or olive oil, you can check less expensive accessories such as the flash, chargers, cables, etc. Just make sure they are insured!

Many wonder whether the x-ray security machine will damage digital equipment or memory cards. The simple answer - no. Pass your equipment through without worry. Of more potential concern are metal detectors, which emit magnetic fields. There's a slight chance that these could effect memory cards or other magnetic media. But no matter; you won't be walking your camera through the metal detectors!

Bring your user manual

No matter how well you think you know your camera, bring your user manual! You just never know when some mysterious error message will appear that you've never encountered before. Or you may suddenly decide that you want to try that nifty multiple exposure or panorama feature you've never thought you'd need.

Tip: If you are bringing a laptop, you can download many manuals in PDF format from the manufacturer's website and leave the bulky booklets at home.

Know About Transformers and Adapters

Much confusion revolves around what you need for charging your batteries in another country. Virtually all electronic devices, including laptops, digital cameras, and portable digital storage devices, are sold with a dual-voltage compatible charger. To be certain, check the ac adapter or your charger; if its dual-voltage it will say "Input 100-240V". You can use this anywhere in the world without a transformer or "power converter". (For more information on this, with photos, see the Slow Travel article Bringing your Electronics to Europe.) What you will need is a plug adapter for the country you will be visiting.

Tip: Bring an extension cord, and/or a multi-outlet adapter (make sure these are rated appropriately for the voltage at your destination). Often there may be only one outlet in your room, usually located "conveniently" under the bed, or in the bathroom (and you don't want to be charging your camera or battery on the bathroom sink, unless you want to be fishing it out of the toilet!).

Bring your laptop

This is often your best choice, if you have one; but depending on your travel habits and type of trip, it may not be practical. You may not want the extra weight and bulk; or you may not want to have to worry about the security of a laptop left in a hotel room or car. I only bring a laptop if my trip doesn't involve day-tripping which necessitates that luggage be left in a car or another non-secure place.

Pros: You can do minor editing or culling of your videos during your trip, if you are so inclined. If your laptop has a CD or DVD burner, you can further back-up your videos for optimal security.

Cons: The obvious: extra weight and bulk to pack. Something else to worry about in terms of theft. Expensive if you don't need it for other purposes.

Portable CD/DVD writers

Many people are unaware that there are now several portable CD and DVD writers available that are specifically tailored for backing up video files. These are about the size and bulk of a CD Walkman� and come equipped with a slot to input your Compact Flash, SD, or other memory card. No computer is required! This is my method of choice when bringing a laptop is not feasible. I feel most comfortable knowing that my videos are safely stored on CD or DVD discs, rather than on a hard drive.

Pros: More portable than a laptop; relatively fool-proof; for additional safety, you can make duplicate discs and mail one set home if you like. When hooked up to a TV (via provided cable) most units also can serve as a portable DVD player and also display your videos.

Cons: You need to carry ample blank discs, adding to the weight (not as much of a problem with DVD units, since you need far fewer discs.) Current DVD units available today are quite slow and it can take 15 minutes or more to burn 1GB of files. Battery life is generally poor, so these work best when an outlet is available.