Using a plastic bag as a rain cover... at DVinfo.net

Ayesha Khan · April 27th, 2009, 08:20 AM

When using a plastic bag as a rain cover:

1. Should the external microphone be inside or outside the bag?

2. Is professional grade gaffa tape appropriate to reinforce the plastic around the matt box and in other areas?

3. Are there any other hints and tips you can recommend?

Cheers in advance for your help.

Bill Pryor · April 27th, 2009, 10:14 AM

I use plastic bags all the time. Usually I cut a slit in the side of the bag, smaller than the lens hood, and stretch it so the bag will cling to the lens hood. Let that stick out just a little. Tape shouldn't be necessary. I put a bag over the whole camera, and also do a slit for the viewfinder. The way the Canon mic is positioned, you'll probably get noise from the bag hitting the mic, but if you're not moving and the wind's not blowing it will be OK.

Better than a bag, depending on the circumstances, is a golfing umbrella. They're larger than a regular umbrella. You can get an articulated arm and clamp one to your tripod, or use a C-stand, or have somebody hold it.

Ayesha Khan · April 27th, 2009, 10:27 AM

doesn't sound recorded on a mic inside the bag sound a little muffled?

I guess another slit for the mic should be okay?

April 27th, 2009, 08:20 AM	#1
Ayesha Khan Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: london, england Posts: 50	Using a plastic bag as a rain cover... When using a plastic bag as a rain cover: 1. Should the external microphone be inside or outside the bag? 2. Is professional grade gaffa tape appropriate to reinforce the plastic around the matt box and in other areas? 3. Are there any other hints and tips you can recommend? Cheers in advance for your help.

April 27th, 2009, 10:14 AM	#2
Bill Pryor Contributor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449	I use plastic bags all the time. Usually I cut a slit in the side of the bag, smaller than the lens hood, and stretch it so the bag will cling to the lens hood. Let that stick out just a little. Tape shouldn't be necessary. I put a bag over the whole camera, and also do a slit for the viewfinder. The way the Canon mic is positioned, you'll probably get noise from the bag hitting the mic, but if you're not moving and the wind's not blowing it will be OK. Better than a bag, depending on the circumstances, is a golfing umbrella. They're larger than a regular umbrella. You can get an articulated arm and clamp one to your tripod, or use a C-stand, or have somebody hold it.

April 27th, 2009, 10:27 AM	#3
Ayesha Khan Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: london, england Posts: 50	doesn't sound recorded on a mic inside the bag sound a little muffled? I guess another slit for the mic should be okay?