The last few weeks I have been spending time preparing for some upcoming video projects and trips that GoodSeed staff will be taking. Part of my preparations has been the very fun task of shopping for shiny gadgetry! We are needing some new video gear to help us accomplish some of our goals, so I have been researching new video monitors, audio equipment, lights and other gear. “Why?” you ask.
Newish camera – really old monitors…
At over 15 lbs (without batteries) and more than a foot long, these monitors are not exactly portable. Nor are they HD, like our newer cameras. These old monitors have seen lots of action (no pun intended) and have traveled a lot more than I have. Built in 1989, they have been used for a number of our older videos, going back to Ee-Taow.
I will be donating them to the growing collection of the GoodSeed Museum of Old Clunker Video Equipment by replacing them with some new, lighter LCD monitors that can be either mounted on-camera or used by a director.
Image from Marshall Electronics
In the past we have missed shots because of problems we just couldn’t see in the small flip-out screens on the cameras. Mounting something like these on-camera or having a director looking at them would help avoid lost shots, time and money. These new monitors also can use the same batteries as our cameras, make it easy to take them on the road.
We are also getting a new broadcast quality cordless mic to supplement the one we have for an upcoming, two-person, testimonial video shoot we are doing in a few months. Other things include an addition to our portable light kit, cables and other small equipment we are needing.
A large portable softbox light. Image from Lowel. Chair sold separately.
Why all the new gear? We have some big projects happening here in our video studio, but also some important trips coming up in the next few years. Portability is key, as different members of our staff will be flying with some of this stuff around the world, Lord willing.
- May 2011 – To Ontario to record a salvation story to be a part of our upcoming Worldview Rethink DVD projects.
- June 2011 – Missionaries Richard and Brenda Flemming working with FEBInternational (Richard was the former Director of FEBInternational) have asked us to help them in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and some others on our staff will be making a first trip there this summer. More on this trip soon.
- Fall 2011 – United Kingdom?
- 2012 – India, South Korea, Singapore.
Whenever we take these kind of trips we try to film some of the testimonials that we hear about how GoodSeed resources are being used locally to share the Gospel. It is always encouraging for our staff and supporters to hear these stories. Lord willing, I will be on at least a few of these trips and will have some video to share with you.
Troy & Naomi
