When building your start-up broadcast kit we understand that you'll need to complement the camcorder with the required or sometimes optional accessories. Here's a referential guide to those accessories.
1. Camera Power Supplies
Batteries are always number the one priority. Without batteries we can't use the camera on location. Your running time requirement should be considered when purchasing as manufacturers will often only include a low capacity battery as part of the supplied accessories with a new camcorder. Consider going for a larger capacity battery, to allow shooting to carry on throughout the day.
Some camcorders only charge the battery "in-camera", whilst others have a separate charger that can only charge a battery or power the camcorder. You may wish to consider a charger that can power the camcorder and charge a battery simultaneously, or maybe a multi-battery charger or in-car charger.
Larger on-shoulder camcorders which have V-lock or gold mounts will not usually be supplied with any batteries at all, due to the higher cost. Consideration should be given to both the running time that you will require and also whether you will want to power a light from the same battery, as most professional mount plates will provide a power output in addition to powering the camcorder.
2. Protection for Your Camcorder
Protecting your investment from the elements is important and you have a wide variety of options available:
Soft Carry Case
Ideal for carrying camcorder with accessories from location to location. Be sure to choose a carry case which can accommodate all the items of kit that you would normally use; such as extra batteries, charger, wide angle adapters and any other accessories you need to bring. Soft carry cases are available as backpacks as well as conventional hand carry cases.
Hard Carry Cases
Most commonly used when travelling overseas as protection in the hold, a hard case will protect your equipment from heavy handling and is the best design if your kit is constantly being shipped. Available in a variety of materials, a hard case can be either heavy duty plastic with an insert that you cut to fit or a bespoke flight case designed to accommodate all your required items. Hard cases can be supplied with wheels for ease of use and with locks for extra security.
Operational Cases
These designs are used with the equipment in situ. Camcorder operational cases are designed for the larger on-shoulder camcorders with access windows provided for all relevant control panels. In addition, an operational case can have an in-built rain protection cover for extra security.
Hard flight cases can also be designed for monitors and VTR's which have removable front and rear panels, allowing them to be used whilst still in the case.
3. Microphones
Wired Microphones
Standard on-camera microphones which connect to the XLR mic input - are generally basic and omnidirectional. They can be changed for higher quality unidirectional microphones. Some microphones can have replaceable front capsules allowing a variety of specific pick up patterns to be used for more flexibility.
A wired microphone can be hand held with a pistol grip or can be mounted on a boom pole. Where more than two microphones are to be used, a field audio mixer will be necessary.
Wireless Microphones
A wireless microphone system comprises a receiver (RX) and a transmitter (TX), and either a hand-held or tie-clip style microphone. They allow the camera operator and the subject freedom of movement and greater distance without cable complications and restrictions.
Headphones
To be able to monitor your incoming audio, a good pair of headphones will be required. Normally they are closed ear styled to keep out external noise and allow precise adjustment and monitoring of your incoming audio levels.
4. Finding Stable Camera Tripods
Tripods provide a stable platform for smoother and steadier shooting. Unlike photographic tripods which are fixed in position, video tripods are designed for movement of both the pan and tilt and will have a fluid head. The fluid head will have a variable or stepped adjustment of the fluid setting. All professional video fluid head tripods will also have an adjustable bowl mount, allowing the head to be independently levelled together with a level bubble for accuracy.
The vast majority of general use tripods are supplied with single or dual stage legs and will have a single pan bar, ground spreader and soft carry case. Additionally, mid-level spreaders, pan bars and dollys are available.
5. Zoom & Focus Demands
For tripod or jib mounted cameras a zoom/focus controller is used to control the speed of zoom and allow the operator to control focus remotely from behind the camcorder rather than leaning over the camcorder for long periods. Audio can also be picked up by the camcorder's on-board microphone whilst operating the controls, but this can be eliminated when using a pan bar mounted controller. Professional lenses generally have separate connectors for both zoom and focus whilst the smaller camcorders with fixed lenses have remote or LANC interface connectors.
6. Camera Light Filters & Lighting
Filters can make a huge difference in a number of situations whether you are indoors, outdoors, in wide open landscapes, in midday sun or sitting in the shade, the right filter will aim to deliver a great image. It doesn't matter whether you're shooting videos or photos, in black and white or colour, filters offer a variety of special and spectacular effects to give you more enjoyment every time you use your camera or camcorder. At Proactive we can supply a massive range of filters either for matte boxes or direct thread fitting.
Whether you require an on camera light or portable lighting kit Proactive are on hand to offer advice depending upon your application. We supply lighting from all the major manufacturers and can offer location lighting for any situation.
For both of these areas, there's a vast array of options and it's difficult to list every single type of filter or lighting setup. Please feel free to contact us and explain what you need and we'll provide expert advice on your best options.
7. Wide Angle Lens Systems
A wide angle is an essential purchase. You will at some stage require a wider shot that cannot be taken with your existing lens. Wide angle lenses are available as adapters that fit onto the front of your existing lens or as lenses that replace your standard lens. Wide angle adapters are available as zoom through or non-zoom through. We have a wide variety of options that are available in all filter and CCD sizes.