Trip Details

The trip is getting closer. My house is getting close to being put on the market and the semester is nearing an end.

Here is where some things stand:

Website

I’m probably going to have to get some help in developing the website. I’d like to keep the core of it a standard blog application like WordPress, but make some modifications to it. Associate country, lat/long, video, etc for each entry. That shouldn’t be much more than adding a few fields to the database.

I’ll also need a complete design for the website, which I am in no position to do. I also need to find a host that can handle any increases in traffic I might see. I have no faith that my current host could handle it.

Photo/Video Serving

At this point, I’m assuming I’ll just use Flickr and a similar service for video like Youtube or Google Video. They can host the files, and I can integrate them into the site. Its the cheapest, easiest solution I can think of.

Licensing

I’m going to release all the content I create via a Creative Commons License. Its my hope that some people may take some raw video footage and do some editing or do some photoshop work on the still photos. The license will be a “you can edit and distribut but you can’t sell” type.

Video Camera

I’m leaning towards a Sony Z1U, HC1 or HC3. There is a big difference between the Z1U and the HC cams in terms of price, portability, battery life, and weight. I’m not sure which way I’d go yet.

Computer

I think I’m going to get a Macbook. Not only is the bundled video editing software pretty good, but the universe of video editing knowledge out there for it is pretty rich. I figured out how to do the basics of video editing in five minutes at the Mac store. Moreover, the Mac warranty is now global, so if I have issues somewhere else, I can still get it fixed.

SLR Camera

I’m leaning towards the Nikon D200.

Misc

I’ll need a good storage container for my electronics. I’m thinking of going with a hard sided case at this point. I’ll also need some sort of bag for carring gear around when I’m out for the day. Preferably, something that could carry both the video camera and the SLR. I’m planning on having two containers currently. One for personal stuff like clothes, and one for electronics. Some sort of security device will be needed too.

I’ll also need some electrical adaptors, but I hope not much in the way of bulky transformers. I’m also thinking a small device for finding wireless access points, an iPod, and small pocket camera (which I already have). I’ll probably need extra DV tapes, DVDs for archiving, a small extension cord/power strip, extra batteries, and memory cards. A tripod would also be necessary as will a lavaliere mic and an waterproof bag for underwater shots. A small GPS (maybe a USB one for space) will be nice too.

I’m planning on taking 2 pairs of pants, 4 shirts, 4 pair of underwear/socks, 1 pair of shoes, 1 pair of sandals. I’ll have way more gear than clothes.

I’ll be looking for help to set up the website before I go. I’m assuming that there is little need for on-going support once its up and running. If anyone is interested, please let me know. I’m going to be setting up a dummy site soon where I can start working on it.