Cameras and Audio Equipment used in TV Fishing Shows
 

Does anyone know what kinds of equipment / setup are used in some of the fishing TV shows for in-boat shots or shots from boat-to-boat?

It looks like predominantly shoulder-mounted cameras without external stabilizers, and wireless mics. I was curious if any particular brands or models of cameras and audio equipment have a reputation for standing up to usage in areas of high humidity and bouncing around.

Similar questions regarding low-light performance. I was wondering if there are any cameras that seem to be standouts when it comes to filming outdoors in early morning/late-evening lighting conditions.

Hi John,

I do not shoot fishing shows but make my living shooting over, on and around the water. It is important to cover any camera in the marine environment then most do just fine.

As for cameras I now use the Sony XDCAM EX1 and am very happy with the results. In the past I have used the Canon A1, Sony Z1, Canon GL-2, Sony mini DV, Hi-8, 8mm, VHS and all worked great at the time.

Start with your output format and budget. Make sure you are able to get all the equipment you need with the budget. Editing, cameras, stabilization gear, underwater gear, mikes, and what ever else you can think of with dollars left over since something always comes up. Trust your gut and don’t buy just because it is cool buy because it will make you money.

And most of all have fun doing it.

My GlobetrotterWorld Adventure series of DVD's covers fishing adventures around the World (I fly out to Africa in a few days to make a new film for the series).

I use the Canon XL2 with a range of Canon & Nikkkor lenses + on-camera XLR connected shotgun mics & Sony Radio mics, and also inside a special Scubacam housing for Subsurface/Underwater work.

I know that quite a lot of fishing shows on BBC, Discovery and Sky TV have used the XL2 or H1, and also the Sony cameras such as the Z1. A few of the BBC teams also use the more expensive Sony HD cams, although that is not really needed for most shows on TV or for DVD sales.

I use

Sony FX1 - for A_Camera on the captain, covered with rain/water protection, lock down on a tripod.

Sony XDCam HD - For A_Camera cockpit, shoulder mount.

Sony EX1 with Letus Adapter - For DOF shots and interviews. Either locked down or on a DVRig Pro

Audio - Technica Dual Receivers, 4 wireless mics hooked to XDCam and 1 Wireless and one shotgun on the EX1

Sony wireless for Captain Cam.

Might be a little overkill but the images and audio are stunning.

Jim

There's a small story in the Sony Scan newsletter that is about a fishing show. This show is quite popular here in Oz and is well shot and put together. It's a 2006 publication but the show is still going strong.

http://www.sony.com.au/objects/pdf/Scan12006.pdf

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the input!