Vacation Videos: Part 2 Preping your Camcorder

by Terry Williams
Published on Jun 22, 2004 12:00 AM



Taking your camcorder on vacation is a great idea, but you want to make sure it gets there in good working order. If you�re flying, take it as a carry-on if possible. If not, make sure it�s well packed to avoid being damaged. If you are driving, try to pack it inside the passenger area, rather than the trunk, especially if it is particularly hot or cold. Always try to avoid extremes of temperature, humidity, and vibration. And, believe it or not, this is as important for your batteries and tapes as it is for the camera itself. Batteries, especially, do not like high temperatures. Using or charging batteries in extreme heat can render them useless. Keep in mind that over and above the ambient temperature, your batteries and tapes are affected by the internal heating of the camera. And, in the case of batteries, they generate their own heat. As for tapes, extreme heat can damage the tape or the transport mechanism, and can even zap high frequencies, severely affecting anything you have previously recorded. Try to avoid exposing either to temperatures exceeding 95 degrees if at all possible

If your destination is going to be cold, try to keep from exposing your equipment to subfreezing temperatures, and be sure to allow it to become acclimated to the surroundings before shooting. This is especially true when going from the cold in to warm conditions. This will usually cause condensation to form on the various camera parts, and may result in the �dew sensor� activating, thus keeping you from rolling tape until it dries out. If this should happen, open the tape door and leave the power on. This will warm up the inside of the camera, hastening the process. If you�re in a really big hurry, use a hair dryer to blow air in to the camera. Just make sure to use low heat and fan settings.

An important consideration when flying is customs, and security checkpoints. You may be asked to show what is inside your case, and you may even be asked to prove that it is a functional camera. I have known of cases where officials insisted that a tape be inserted in the camera, and then have the owner prove that it will record and play back. This is rare, but it is done to flush out �dummy� equipment used to house explosives or contraband

If you are taking your camcorder to the beach, the environmental concerns are of utmost importance. Salt spray and sand can do major damage to your investment. I strongly recommend that while you are on the beach or near the ocean, keep your camera inside a tightly closed plastic bag any time it is not in use. At the very least, wrap it in a clean towel and keep it zipped inside your camera bag. If you should commit the ultimate sin, and drop it in the water, you can pretty much kiss it goodbye. The best you can hope for is to salvage the tape, and hope your homeowner�s policy will cover it. Once water gets in between the lens elements it�s pretty much history, even if the electronics survive.

Speaking of insurance, it never hurts to double check that your equipment is, in fact, covered. This is especially true when traveling. Some policies don�t cover your property when it is away from your home. To be sure, ask your agent. It might also be a good idea to investigate traveler�s insurance. The price is generally inexpensive, especially when compared to the cost of a new camcorder.

In the third, and final, installment of this series I�ll take a look at capturing the image once you have arrived.