anyone a good photographer

[outwest77]

My last trip i shot about 15 rolls of film i think, and used a canon sureshot 35mm for the first half of the trip, until i dropped it in the ocean while looking for shells, its only a 50 dollar point and shoot camera, so i bought another small one for 30 bucks in puerto galera.
  I still got many great shots  even shooting directly into the water
from the boat, amazing clarity.
   This trip i want to bring a video cam with lcd screen on the side to make it easier to shoot, since video to me really tells the story the sights the sounds etc.
   Anyone shot video in the phils, if so, wat type of camera,
VHS-C, or hi 8, etc and how did it come out.

[Dave H]

... in response to anyone a good photographer, posted by outwest77 on May 29, 2002

Hi Outwest,

I used a Sony Handycam Hi8. I also transported it during the flight in my carry on bag, inside its own case for added protection. It worked great until the 5th day of my trip. I had the camera carelessly hanging around my neck from its strap. As I dismounted (more like disentangled myself) from a tricycle, it swung forward striking a metal roof support. The tracking went out of alignment when the film cradle inside became bent, making the camera useless for the rest of the trip. Ditto for SJ's "extra re-charge batteries, with recharger AND power converter"!!!

Dave H.

[outwest77]

... in response to I'm not a pro but..., posted by Dave H on May 29, 2002

Hi Dave
lol sounds like a funny story but i'm sure your camera was more expensive to replace than mine, i just bought a 30 dollar replacement 35mm in the store.
Now if i dropped my video cam , yikes............i would be mad. I am just wondering how to make a copy of a vhs-c onto a vhs while im in the philippines and about the electricity
conversion, etc. Im sure it will be an adventure like everything else.
     Thanks for the comments

[Dave H]

... in response to Re: I'm not a pro but..., posted by outwest77 on May 29, 2002

Hi Outwest,

I just was able to film most of the important moments. When I got back home, I sent in the extended warranty application that had been sitting on my desk for months. LOL It cost me $100 and they replaced just about everything inside the camera until they fixed it. )

You have two choices with the VHS-C format:

1. You can usually just cable the VHS-C camera into the VHS recorder (video and audio "In") and copy the tape. Press "Play" on the camera and "Record" on the VHS recorder. It may take a few tries to get the recording source settings correct on the VCR (VHS). Monitor your recording with a TV plugged into the VHS video and audio "Out" jacks. Bring your camera's cables, as they are often designed to plug into a specific camera (some are S-Type and others have a funky configuration with the video and sound combined into a single plug). The other end usually has standard RCA plugs, which should work in the Philippines.

2. Your other choice would be to cable two VHS machines (at least 1 must be a recorder, the other can simply be a player) together, put the VHS-C tape into the VHS adapter cartridge (probably came with the camera), insert into the player, press "Play" and "Record" on the other machine. You need at least two RCA cables, 1 for video and 1 for sound. If you want stereo (which your camera probably doesn't record anyway) you will need another cable.

The electricity is usually 220V so you will have to use a 220V-110V stepdown converter to charge your batteries. Some hotels will provide them if you ask. They can also be purchased here at department stores, luggage or electronics stores. They can also be easily found in the Philippines. If bought in the US, make sure that the instructions state that it is suitable for use in the Philippines.

Any problems in the Philippines...E-mail me. Good Luck,

Dave H.

[outwest77]

... in response to No Biggy..., posted by Dave H on May 29, 2002

thanks ffor taking the time to explain all that, i was mostly concerned about compatibility of vhs C with phils
vhs machines and plug in the wall  etc etc, i heard the electricity needs adapter etc, i will take all your advice to heart and thanks dave

[Dave H]

... in response to No Biggy..., posted by Dave H on May 29, 2002

My wife's brother is an electrical engineer...so I didn't have to worry about any of these things. LOL

Dave H.

[SJ]

... in response to anyone a good photographer, posted by outwest77 on May 29, 2002

I used a Sharp Hi-8 video with excellent results, both audio and video, on two trips there. I recorded onto VCR when I got home and then added my wifes arrival, her first few weeks here and a trip across the country. I sat in the front of a taxi and recorded a couple of trips thru traffic, both in Cebu and Manila. Even with great footage of the Taal Valcano and other sites, it's the traffic shots that bring "WOW" from friends and neighbors. Those shots also bring back all the senses of being there. I was also lucky to be by poolside at the hotel when 35 or so lovely ladies came in for a "Miss World Filipina" finalist swimsuit photoshoot. Got it all on film, Yup!
   Two warnings..have extra re-charge batteries, with recharger AND power converter. Also carry it with you on flights. My first camere, although sandwiched in the middle of my clothes still had broken screen when I got home. They must have unloaded baggage before the plane landed.

[outwest77]

... in response to Video, posted by SJ on May 29, 2002


Hi SJ,
thanks much for the comments, i dont know if i want to use a hi 8 or a VHS-C, but, im leaning towards vhs-c since its so easy to watch on a standard vhs machine without converting. I cant wait to see how the video turns out.
The cab driver video will  , im sure be amazing
Wish i could happen upon a beauty contest like you did,
some guys have all the luck..........)

[SJ]

... in response to Re: Video, posted by outwest77 on May 29, 2002

plugs straight into my VCR for viewing or recording. I use the same camera for still shots when I sell on E-Bay or just to send photos. There's alot of good cameras out there. I chose the Sharp vl-ah60  as it was big bang for the bucks, I found a new one on E-Bay for $300.
    It was great timing for the pageant. My wife still questions me about what I was really doing when she was at work and I was just hanging around the hotel.

[Dave H]

... in response to Re: Video, posted by outwest77 on May 29, 2002

Hey Outwest,

I have both VHS-C and Hi8. I like them both. Hi8 is supposed to produce sharper images, but VHS-C uses larger film which also produces good quality video. Hi8 or 8mm comes in longer recording times, but VHS-C is just so easy to put in the adapter, slap into a VCR and play.

Dave H.