(image from: http://lesstroud.ca/survivorman/episodes.php)
If you’ve ever watched Survivorman and thought “I could do that”, then why not make your own Survivorman-style videos this summer on your annual camping trip?
Survivorman is a show created by Les Stroud, who goes into the wilderness and demonstrates how to survive in any part of the world. What makes the show unique is that Stroud is also a documentary filmmaker and goes into the wilderness without a camera crew, filming the entire the journey himself. However, the show is filmed as if he has a full camera crew at his disposal with multiple angles and cameras. But even all of those long shots of him walking off into the distance are somewhat just for show – he’s made it clear on a number of occasions that he has to come all the way back and get his camera afterward. But fatigue and hunger don’t stop Stroud from getting all of his important shots, no matter how difficult or inconvenient they may be at the time – which is why it’s such a great show!
If you’ve got some outdoors knowledge, you could make your own similar videos and put them on YouTube or start your own website. Whether you showcase tips for the ultimate camping trip, the best fishing spots or all of the types of wildlife you can find in your area, the right equipment can make all the difference.
On Survivorman, Stroud uses Sony HVR-Z1Us (Deadliest Catch also uses these), a Sony HDR-HC3, a Sony DCR-HC96 and another waterproof camera. According to an article with DigitalVideo.com, Stroud sticks to one brand, because initially using three different brands made editing a “nightmare, because all the white balancing was different,” he said. Aside from the small waterproof camera that runs at about $300, most of these cameras cost $3,000 and up.
To save costs, you may want to consider an interchangeable lens handycam such as the Sony NEX-VG10 – which is considered the first high-end HD camcorder for consumers – to keep costs down. The camera is the initial investment and additional lenses can be purchased depending on your shooting requirements. This also leaves room in your budget for waterproof cases and extra-durable camera bags to keep the camera protected from the elements.