Wildlife Film-Making

Over the past couple of years I have steadily built up my videography arsenal. By starting small and purchasing a Canon XM2 I was able to shoot some freelance projects and gradually fund the purchase of the professional equipment below. Having now built up a stock of professional field gear (mainly focused around the Canon XL2 workhorse) I have now (for the most part) given up freelance projects and am about to pursue my childhood ambition, Wildlife Film-Making.

Having been raised on a farm in the Wicklow countryside I have always had a passion for the outdoors and wildlife in general. I am a Discovery Channel / Animal Planet addict and since I bought my first PC (with DVD player) which came packed with a disk called "Africa, The Serengeti" narrated by James Earl Jones, I have dreamt about becoming a wildlife film-maker.

This year plans have already begun on making the dream a reality and in October '07 I will be shooting my first wildlife piece around the Grey Seal in the Saltees, Iniskea and Lambay islands off the coast of Ireland. Check out my blog for updates on how things are progressing. I'm a big fan of Simon King's work over at www.simonkingwildlife.com

Canon XL2

The Canon XL2 video cameras are world famous, renowned for their use in natural history programs and documentaries alike. The camera can often be seen popping up on The Discovery channel, Animal Planet and BBC Wildlife programs.

Such is the quality and class of this TV broadcast camera from Canon that it has even been utilised in conventional filmmaking with the most famous examples being, Steven Soderbergh's "Full Frontal" and Danny Boyle's "28 Days Later". The camera has also been used widely on Irish Television for documentaries and programs such as RTE's 'Nationwide'. It is also a popular choice for Indie film makers.

The camera itself is well constructed and tough, perfectly suited for the outdoors. The lens on the XL2 is interchangeable which makes it possible to use (with the help of a Canon EF adapter) the wide range of Canon photo lens available. This enables the Canon XL2 operator to achieve astounding focal lengths, making the XL2 a perfect choice for wildlife film-makers.

Steadicam JR

The Steadicam JR is part of the family of Academy Award winning Steadicam Camera Stabilization Systems. Steadicam inventor, Garrett Brown, undertook the challenge to design a compact, superbly styled, jitter-free, personal Steadicam for today's lightweight Compact video camcorders. Jiggle-free shooting, freedom of movement, performance, versatility, rugged design, durability and award-winning technology allows the camera to be as mobile as the camera operator - walking riding, running, or standing still.

Structurally, the Steadicam JR is deceptively simple: a camera platform, a gumball handle, a flat screen monitor and two folding arms. The secret of the Steadicam JR's patented stabilization concept is in its ingenious system of weights and balances which places the centre of gravity within its free-floating, inter-gimballed handle assembly.

What all this means is, while you may shake or rock or turn, the camera will remain absolutely steady. With the Steadicam JR, you can take shots at "impossible" angles, above, below or even behind you. You simply can't get that with any other video product.

Varizoom Stealth Controller

A lightweight body houses second-generation electronics. The pressure-sensitive throttle control allows easing into zooms in either direction, holding of a steady speed, or instantly accelerating into a crash zoom. The Stealth is completely smooth, requiring no setup or power.

+ Throttle provides variable-speed zoom control
+ Dedicated "rocker style" focus button
+ Low profile record/pause button
+ Power On/Off button for toggling camera into or out of standby mode
+ LED light indicates recording, low battery power, and tape end

VariZoom is the world's largest manufacturer of lens controllers. Varizoom controls are used by CNN, CSPAN, National Geographic Society, Nickelodeon and many other professionals.

Peli Safety Case

Safety container for Canon XL2 and equipment. Unbreakable, watertight, chemical resistant, dust proof, shock resistant and corrosion proof. These are some of the features of this Peli case that offers total protection from the elements. The case is made of Ultra High Impact structural copolymer that makes it strong and durable.

Its exclusive 6.4 mm neoprene o-ring and ABS latches seal perfectly and includes an automatic purge valve for quick equalization after changes in atmospheric pressure. It is equipped with 5 cm hard rubber transport wheels, a retractable extension handle and multiple fold down carrying handles.

Equipment is fitted into the high density foam or padded dividers for total subjection and protection against impact, vibration or shock. The case is tested to MIL C-4150J (Military Standard), IP-66 (Ingress Protection) and ATA (Air Transportation Association). It is "unconditionally guaranteed" by Peli... "forever".

Manfrotto 560B Fluid Base Monopod

The 560B Fluid Monopod is another innovative world-first product from Manfrotto. Manfrotto have incorporated a fluid cartridge into the base of the monopod that produces vividly smooth pans.

A set of retractable feet attached to a pivot ensures the base of the monopod always touches the ground for maximum performance, even on un-level terrain. To top off the 560B is a qick release tilt-top head to better position your camera.

Wireless Microphones

The 122-p G2 system is ideal for video recording theatre performances and presentations. The ME 4 clip-on microphone is virtually invisible and has excellent feedback rejection. The extremely small SK 100 G2 bodypack transmitter and EK 100 G2 camera receiver feature nine frequency banks with four directly accessible presets each.

+ Body pack Transmitter w/ME4 cardioid lavaliere and portable Receiver
+ Secure frequency selection autoscan on all receivers
+ 1440 frequencies within a 36MHz switching bandwidth
+ Small body pack transmitter and receiver
+ Audio signal metering on transmitter LCD display
+ XLR jacks on all rack-mountable units

Sennheiser MKE300

Given its super-cardioid polar pattern, the MKE-300 has the ability to pick up only those sounds that correspond to the scene being filmed and rejects any disturbing ambient noise. This high directivity also attenuates the sounds made by a camcorder's auto focus and zoom motors. An essential piece of equipment for documentaries or picking up distance sound.

Manfrotto 516 PRO Fluid Head

Specifically designed for the latest video cameras used by documentary and industrial videographers. The 516 head is very compact and light but can support cameras up to 10 kg. The 516 is a high performance head equipped with fluid cartridges that provide continuous adjustable drag control. This system gives quite a wide range of friction control down to virtual zero drag and operates on both pan and tilt axis.

Other important features of the head are: separate tilt and pan locking mechanism; a fixed counter balance spring of 7,5 kg load capacity at a center of gravity of 125mm; two telescopic pan handles; a bubble level. The head has been designed so it can be mounted on a flat base tripod with a 3/8" female thread attachment or by attaching the ART 500BALL to the head base, allowing it to fit a 100mm bowl.

Manfotto 028 Triman PRO Extended

Strong, sturdy and reliable, the Triman tripod is the ideal studio tripod. The geared centre column has a non roll-back feature and has a threaded 3/8" mount on the bottom of the column to allow low angle shots. Twin shank leg design, built-in spirit level and rubber feet with retractable spikes are standard features. The tripod uses a centre column strut design for added stability. Includes a mid level spreader and carrying strap. Ideal for heavy cameras. Diameter legs in mm: 25,20,19 tandem. Same as 028 but black.

Manfrotto 190DB Tripod

This lightweight sturdy and portable tripod is one of the easiest of all Manfrotto tripods to handle providing outstanding Manfrotto quality. Quick wingnut style leg locks secures the tripod legs while each leg can be adjusted in 4 different angles. The optional 190LAA low angle adapter can be added to achieve ground level shots. Black anodised finish stops reflections and glare. Diameter legs in mm: 26,22,19.

Manfrotto 128RC Fluid Head

A lightweight fluid head with pan bar and quick release camera plate with secondary security, ideal for cameras up to 4kg in weight. It has smooth fluid movement, pan and tilt locks. This version is black painted. Optional Plates: 200PL-38.