My first intl. shoot...any advice?
 

I'm going to Mexico City this August to shoot a doc, and I was hoping for any and all advice....

Getting all my equipment thru the airport....and having it show up when I get there

I want to travel lite as possible...camera, lav, tripod...not sure about lighting. Its awfully bulky

Shooting permits? Power outlets different?

Please give me any and all advice you got.....
Thanks
Bryan

Get a set of handcuffs. Place one half on your wrist and the other on the handle of the XL1. Always hold the camera in front of you so it is continuously in your field of vision (even when sleeping).

;)

Good luck

Greetings Bryan,
I dont know about Mexico City but I hauled my xl1 to and across S.E. Asia and my biggest recommendation is to take the smallest tripod possible. Pack the xl1 in a toolbox with a lock instead of a fancy professional case. Also, if this is a noncommercial production, consider taking out a State Farm Personal Articles Policy. I got $7,000 worth of XL1 and laptop equipment insured for under $100 a year and the policy is effective worldwide! As for power outlets, make sure you get a worldwide power adapter (i got mine from the Sharper Image) and then plug in a GOOD surge protector. I recommend one of the lower models from APC that wont be too heavy to lug around. Get one that is also a UPS if you can afford it. Good luck!

PS I always take my XL1 wrapped in clothes in a backpack as my carry on, with battery and charger so even in the worst case I can still shoot.

I have to reiterate what randor10 says. He's got the right idea.
Don't put the camera down, keep it within the center 30 degrees of your eyesight at all times and always at least one hand on it.

A good camoflage idea is to use the raggedest POS bag you can find, like a cloth grocery bag to carry it in. The last thing you want to do is attract attention to it. Theives will wait all day for you to sit it at your feet while paying for a taco, or sit it beside you on a bench, or even just blink for too long, then send a kid to snatch it.

Happy shooting!


Oh and... Don't drink the water!!! :)

Hello:

Don't know too much 'bout international shooting, but one tid bit of advice I overheard once is: DON'T LOSE YOUR PAPERS. Don't lose the papers to get the camera back into your home country. Be safe and keep those papers with you the whole time so you can come back, and your camera can too.

Regards,

Kyle "Doc" Mitchell

Thanks for all the advise...it great to hear from you all
 

And yea...I already know...don't drink the water!!

Consider "Carnet" which is a temporary import permit.

http://web.ita.doc.gov/ticwebsite/FAQs.nsf/6683DCE2E5871DF9852565BC00785DDF/7453DBFE8896DE5B85256A00007E835C?OpenDocument

Another link is http://www.atacarnet.com/ata-carnet-countries.htm

You should really take me along with you. Not only have I always wanted to go to Mexico, but can help with the gear and whatnot. You asked for any and all advice? From this crowd?
Keith

Hello,
If you use wireless, you might want to check out Mexico's laws on the subject. A few years ago you couldn't even bring a CB unit in your car into Mexico. The people of Mexico are pretty good folks, but stay away from the boarder towns.

Good Luck

If you are worried about getting the equipment back into the country just register it with the US Customs Bureau. It is simple paper work to fill out. It's free and it's a breeze to go through customs with it. Have a great time and take more tape than you ever think you'll need.

Jeff