Comments on: Basic kit: Gear for the multimedia reporter http://mindymcadams.com/tojou/2007/basic-kit-gear-for-the-multimedia-reporter/ Notes from the classroom and observations about today's practice of journalism online Fri, 05 Dec 2008 08:05:14 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 By: Mindy http://mindymcadams.com/tojou/2007/basic-kit-gear-for-the-multimedia-reporter/#comment-3387 Mindy Mon, 10 Sep 2007 19:14:55 +0000 http://www.mindymcadams.com/tojou/2007/basic-kit-gear-for-the-multimedia-reporter/#comment-3387 Curt, thanks so much for the helpful comment. A ton of people use the ME-66. A few experienced video people have told me that if you can only have one shotgun, the ME-66 is the one. My AT835b uses a AA battery for power -- fits right into the plug-end of the mic -- and it came with a decent windscreen (and a hard case too). It is not a blimp windscreen, but it's much denser than the average cheap foam. If you have the $400, you should get the Sennheiser ME-66. That seems to be unanimous! Curt, thanks so much for the helpful comment.

A ton of people use the ME-66. A few experienced video people have told me that if you can only have one shotgun, the ME-66 is the one.

My AT835b uses a AA battery for power — fits right into the plug-end of the mic — and it came with a decent windscreen (and a hard case too). It is not a blimp windscreen, but it’s much denser than the average cheap foam.

If you have the $400, you should get the Sennheiser ME-66. That seems to be unanimous!

]]> By: Curt Chandler http://mindymcadams.com/tojou/2007/basic-kit-gear-for-the-multimedia-reporter/#comment-3384 Curt Chandler Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:17:47 +0000 http://www.mindymcadams.com/tojou/2007/basic-kit-gear-for-the-multimedia-reporter/#comment-3384 I've used a Sennheiser ME66 short shotgun mic for years and it comes in two parts. The condenser capsule is $175 but you also have to have a K-6 power module -- an XLR interface that provides phantom power and/or battery power. You can't use the condenser capsule without a power supply, so the real cost of the mic is a tad under $400, not $200. Also, the Sennheiser is made for recording conversation and to be encased in a blimp windscreen. It is much too sensitive in the field if people start raising their voices (think any athletic event). For serious news audio, when you have a budget, I strongly suggest a Sanken CS-1, which is made to work in a much noisier environment (like people shouting). It costs $800 and requires phantom power, but is worth every penny. I’ve used a Sennheiser ME66 short shotgun mic for years and it comes in two parts. The condenser capsule is $175 but you also have to have a K-6 power module — an XLR interface that provides phantom power and/or battery power. You can’t use the condenser capsule without a power supply, so the real cost of the mic is a tad under $400, not $200. Also, the Sennheiser is made for recording conversation and to be encased in a blimp windscreen. It is much too sensitive in the field if people start raising their voices (think any athletic event). For serious news audio, when you have a budget, I strongly suggest a Sanken CS-1, which is made to work in a much noisier environment (like people shouting). It costs $800 and requires phantom power, but is worth every penny.

]]> By: Thomas http://mindymcadams.com/tojou/2007/basic-kit-gear-for-the-multimedia-reporter/#comment-3059 Thomas Fri, 24 Aug 2007 08:03:23 +0000 http://www.mindymcadams.com/tojou/2007/basic-kit-gear-for-the-multimedia-reporter/#comment-3059 Thanks a lot for the startup guide. Very useful! Thanks a lot for the startup guide. Very useful!

]]> By: Miha Jesenšek: mreža http://mindymcadams.com/tojou/2007/basic-kit-gear-for-the-multimedia-reporter/#comment-2350 Miha Jesenšek: mreža Tue, 10 Jul 2007 03:23:48 +0000 http://www.mindymcadams.com/tojou/2007/basic-kit-gear-for-the-multimedia-reporter/#comment-2350 <strong>Domače branje, 9. 7. 2007...</strong> Zanimivo in/ali branja vredno: Kako učiti novinarstvo?; Demokracija na Kitajskem; Web 2.0 redizajn: CNN, USA Today in AOL News; Multimedijske veščine za citizen novinarje; Plagiati in YouTube za v arhiv. ...... Domače branje, 9. 7. 2007…

Zanimivo in/ali branja vredno: Kako učiti novinarstvo?; Demokracija na Kitajskem; Web 2.0 redizajn: CNN, USA Today in AOL News; Multimedijske veščine za citizen novinarje; Plagiati in YouTube za v arhiv.
……

]]> By: Teaching Online Journalism » Blog Archive » MVPs for June 2007 http://mindymcadams.com/tojou/2007/basic-kit-gear-for-the-multimedia-reporter/#comment-2337 Teaching Online Journalism » Blog Archive » MVPs for June 2007 Sun, 08 Jul 2007 15:43:39 +0000 http://www.mindymcadams.com/tojou/2007/basic-kit-gear-for-the-multimedia-reporter/#comment-2337 [...] Basic kit: Gear for the multimedia reporter [...] [...] Basic kit: Gear for the multimedia reporter [...]

]]> By: Pierce http://mindymcadams.com/tojou/2007/basic-kit-gear-for-the-multimedia-reporter/#comment-2230 Pierce Fri, 15 Jun 2007 08:47:30 +0000 http://www.mindymcadams.com/tojou/2007/basic-kit-gear-for-the-multimedia-reporter/#comment-2230 <p>Pinnacle Studio (often bundled with MPEG grabbers) and even Windows Movie Maker have worked for me in pinches. At one time, I used Zwei-Stein, but my chops have fallen way off, and its interface is a tradeoff for how powerful it is (but its free AND Windows AND nonlinear).</p> <p>On another note, I'm glad Matt's fearless (and I feel your pain on the plumber, man). I want to hear how it turns out.</p> Pinnacle Studio (often bundled with MPEG grabbers) and even Windows Movie Maker have worked for me in pinches. At one time, I used Zwei-Stein, but my chops have fallen way off, and its interface is a tradeoff for how powerful it is (but its free AND Windows AND nonlinear).

On another note, I’m glad Matt’s fearless (and I feel your pain on the plumber, man). I want to hear how it turns out.

]]> By: Mindy McAdams http://mindymcadams.com/tojou/2007/basic-kit-gear-for-the-multimedia-reporter/#comment-2229 Mindy McAdams Sun, 10 Jun 2007 17:53:12 +0000 http://www.mindymcadams.com/tojou/2007/basic-kit-gear-for-the-multimedia-reporter/#comment-2229 <p>Oh, and for video, I use a backpack. I have two that have a low side pocket (suitable for a fat water bottle) that is perfect for carrying a lightweight tripod. The higher-up clip strap on the side of the backpack holds the tripod in place. I found a nice Deuter backpack (Trans Alpine 25) in Asia that has separated top and bottom compartments inside. (Deuter is also sold in Europe.)</p> <p>I keep cameras (and papers) safe inside small "dry sacks" (used by kayakers) from <a HREF="http://www.outdoorresearch.com/home/category/home/storage" rel="nofollow">Outdoor Research</a>.</p> <p>I keep a lot of gear separated in small zipper pouches (collected on transoceanic air flights and emptied of the tiny toothpaste, earplugs, and funny socks). If the pouches are different colors, it's easy to grab the right one fast.</p> Oh, and for video, I use a backpack. I have two that have a low side pocket (suitable for a fat water bottle) that is perfect for carrying a lightweight tripod. The higher-up clip strap on the side of the backpack holds the tripod in place. I found a nice Deuter backpack (Trans Alpine 25) in Asia that has separated top and bottom compartments inside. (Deuter is also sold in Europe.)

I keep cameras (and papers) safe inside small “dry sacks” (used by kayakers) from Outdoor Research.

I keep a lot of gear separated in small zipper pouches (collected on transoceanic air flights and emptied of the tiny toothpaste, earplugs, and funny socks). If the pouches are different colors, it’s easy to grab the right one fast.

]]> By: Mindy McAdams http://mindymcadams.com/tojou/2007/basic-kit-gear-for-the-multimedia-reporter/#comment-2228 Mindy McAdams Sun, 10 Jun 2007 16:51:04 +0000 http://www.mindymcadams.com/tojou/2007/basic-kit-gear-for-the-multimedia-reporter/#comment-2228 <p>Great question, Kate (and answer, Kirk)!</p> <p>I agree with Kirk that <a HREF="http://www.timbuk2.com/" rel="nofollow">Timbuk2</a> messenger bags are awesome. That's what I have carried for about six years (an earlier "Commuter" model).</p> <p>The other bags that I covet come from <a HREF="http://www.crumplerbags.com/home.php" rel="nofollow">Crumpler</a>.</p> <p>For cords, I bought a packet of plastic ties a while back. Not sure where -- maybe Lowe's or Home Depot? They are not twist-ties but rather a sturdy narrow strand with a slide-through slot at one end.</p> <p>Also: Velcro! I have a lot of Velcro bands of a similar design, with a slide-through end that allows you to attach it permanently to the cable, wrapped or unwrapped. Those came from Office Depot or Staples.</p> Great question, Kate (and answer, Kirk)!

I agree with Kirk that Timbuk2 messenger bags are awesome. That’s what I have carried for about six years (an earlier “Commuter” model).

The other bags that I covet come from Crumpler.

For cords, I bought a packet of plastic ties a while back. Not sure where — maybe Lowe’s or Home Depot? They are not twist-ties but rather a sturdy narrow strand with a slide-through slot at one end.

Also: Velcro! I have a lot of Velcro bands of a similar design, with a slide-through end that allows you to attach it permanently to the cable, wrapped or unwrapped. Those came from Office Depot or Staples.

]]> By: Kirk http://mindymcadams.com/tojou/2007/basic-kit-gear-for-the-multimedia-reporter/#comment-2227 Kirk Sat, 09 Jun 2007 19:39:28 +0000 http://www.mindymcadams.com/tojou/2007/basic-kit-gear-for-the-multimedia-reporter/#comment-2227 OK, I have spent way too much time and way too much money trying to find the perfect bag to carry all my multimedia tools. There really isn’t one, but I can give you two suggestions that might work for you. First is a backpack style model called the CompuDayPack from LowePro. It is meant for carrying a laptop and SLR-type camera gear, but I have made it work just fine for a small video camera setup instead of the SLR on more than occasion. It also can handle up to a 17-inch laptop, which few bags do well. LowePro has a wide line of bags for photographers of every ilk, but this one has been the best fit for me. (http://www.lowepro.com) Second nod is to a more traditional briefcase-style bag called the Commute from Timbuk2. At the risk of being way too enthusiastic about these folks, every bag I have bought or given as a gift from these folks has been solid. If you need more room, one of their messenger bags is a good choice. I find the Commute model holds everything in my basic kit, when I am not using a lot of camera gear–either video or still. Plus you can make it your own with a lot of custom options available. (http://www.timbuk2.com) My disclaimer is that I have no connection to either of these companies except being a happy customer after trying too many alternatives! OK, I have spent way too much time and way too much money trying to find the perfect bag to carry all my multimedia tools. There really isn’t one, but I can give you two suggestions that might work for you.

First is a backpack style model called the CompuDayPack from LowePro. It is meant for carrying a laptop and SLR-type camera gear, but I have made it work just fine for a small video camera setup instead of the SLR on more than occasion. It also can handle up to a 17-inch laptop, which few bags do well. LowePro has a wide line of bags for photographers of every ilk, but this one has been the best fit for me.
(http://www.lowepro.com)

Second nod is to a more traditional briefcase-style bag called the Commute from Timbuk2. At the risk of being way too enthusiastic about these folks, every bag I have bought or given as a gift from these folks has been solid. If you need more room, one of their messenger bags is a good choice. I find the Commute model holds everything in my basic kit, when I am not using a lot of camera gear–either video or still. Plus you can make it your own with a lot of custom options available.
(http://www.timbuk2.com)

My disclaimer is that I have no connection to either of these companies except being a happy customer after trying too many alternatives!

]]> By: Kate http://mindymcadams.com/tojou/2007/basic-kit-gear-for-the-multimedia-reporter/#comment-2226 Kate Sat, 09 Jun 2007 06:11:29 +0000 http://www.mindymcadams.com/tojou/2007/basic-kit-gear-for-the-multimedia-reporter/#comment-2226 <p>I love the list, but you forgot one thing: The bag to put all that stuff in! I am seriously frustrated trying to find a good bag with pockets and such.</p> <p>Granted, I am a reporter, and I just need a bag for my recorder, a couple of microphones, extra batteries, cables my cell phone, palm pilot, notebooks and pens and pencils. And some way to keep the cords all straightened out and easily deployable.</p> <p>Any suggestions in that department?</p> I love the list, but you forgot one thing: The bag to put all that stuff in! I am seriously frustrated trying to find a good bag with pockets and such.

Granted, I am a reporter, and I just need a bag for my recorder, a couple of microphones, extra batteries, cables my cell phone, palm pilot, notebooks and pens and pencils. And some way to keep the cords all straightened out and easily deployable.

Any suggestions in that department?

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