Consumerism isn’t good for the Solo VJ Profession
By Cliff Etzel • Jan 21st, 2008 • Category: EquipmentUp until December of 2007, I had been a vocal opponent of making the switch to HD – especially for those solo video journalists who were dedicating their craft specifically for the web.
The idea of shooting HD with the end product being a 480×270 pixel end product just didn’t seem practical in my opinion.
Of course I have made the jump to HDV – Why the change now?
One of my/bluprojekt’s core mission values is to reduce my footprint on the environment by consuming as little as possible.
I personally drive less than 100 miles per month (except when I have some sort of assignment to shoot which requires me to drive my paid for 1988 Volkswagon Rabbit). I plan any errand running as specifically as possible – thus driving only when I absolutely need to. I avoid driving to the mall, opting instead to purchase what I need online. It saves time and energy by letting the postal service, FedEx or UPS bring to me what I need – unless it can’t wait.
I made the jump to HDV after having lost out on two potential broadcast projects where the producers specifically asked me if I shot HD. Having to say no I didn’t shoot HD probably lost me those possible projects. So it was a necessary expendeture I had to make. My previous SD gear found a good home with a shooter who was looking to begin making underwater content but felt overwhelmed by all the choices in HD gear – and the cost associated with it. More or less, my beloved TRV950′s and underwater housing were in a sense, recycled.
It disgusts me to see companies like SONY, Canon, JVC and others working on nine month production cycles for ther products – causing consumers to feel the ever nagging need to have the very latest and greatest – even if they just purchased something a few months before.
I staunchly refuse to fall into that consumerism trap and it’s a core belief that drives what I do in my work as a Solo Video Journalist in bluprojekt.
Cliff Etzel is a regional award winning photojournalist from the Pacific Northwest who has been a visual content creator since 15 years of age. In his past still work, he specialized in photo documentary and slice of life stories. Since discovering the new paradigm of self contained video journalism, he now focuses his energies in the Solo VJ paradigm with an emphasis on people-based stories, environmental, social justice, travel and documentary work through his company, bluprojekt
All posts by Cliff Etzel
‘It disgusts me to see companies like SONY, Canon, JVC and others working on nine month production cycles for ther products – causing consumers to feel the ever nagging need to have the very latest and greatest – even if they just purchased something a few months before.’
I couldn’t agree more.
As for me I’m considering an additional new hobby/career and am curios. Do you have a link to the type of equipment you personally use. I have been considering a HV30 or HV20. I’m interested in doing artist type interviews-in studio-as a possible spring board for more in depth discussions on art etc. Ceramics, mostly. I am a ceramic artist and would probably post such stuff on related sites. Thanks ahead for any info.
MY gear, xp duo core, 1gig memory, with vegas 4 and 8b installed. Yes I will at update the memory.
Thanks, again
Al
Hi Al,
I work with a pair of SONY HC7′s with an Azden SMX10 External mic. I did pimp my camera’s so to speak by purchasing and modifying a couple of SONY A1U lens hoods. Lighting is simple – A lowel totalite and a lowel iLite. I use a couple of softboxes designed for video hot lights, a couple of compact light stands and some collapsible reflectors. I don’t usually work with the lights unless I have a formal interview I’m shooting. I honestly don’t think many need the upper end gear that spin doctoring ad wizards say they do to accomplish their work.
I hear that there can be challenges getting footage from the Canon’s into Vegas so be aware of that. Only Vegas Pro 8 will allow you to work in HDV with what you are working with NLE wise.
HTH,
Cliff