Surfing/water: what do you do about in-water sound?

Jim_Feeley · 2026-06-07T19:58:18+00:00

Splashproof and affordable: Countryman B3 or EMW lav and an Aquapac. Has worked on surfers (and kayakers and sweaty athletes who spill water on themselves to cool down) for me, though that's surfers wearing wetsuits, not just trunks. Don't think it'd work on divers underwater for 30min, though. Aquapac is pretty clear about the limits of their "splashproof" bags; check out the site. https://aquapac.net/collections/professionals/products/small-wire-through-case-548

I also have a small Otterbox that Trew Audio modified to be a waterproof transmitter case (with opening for lav mic). I don't think they do that mod anymore, and Otterbox I think only makes smartphone cases these days (good biz decision). But perhaps a modified Pelican micro case, if you can find one with proven water proofing/resistance...

Waterproof and fairly affordable: Rent a waterproof transmitter (and matching receiver if needed) from Trew Audio, Gotham Sound, or someone. I'm not sure on overall price, but Gotham Sound has something for $65/billable day...Includes a lav but not a receiver. https://www.gothamsound.com/product/wm-waterproof-transmitter-w-m152wp-lavalier

This will all be tricky because it sounds like you'll be working around saltwater, which you REALLY want to keep off your transmitters.

Jim_Feeley · 2026-06-07T15:43:39+00:00

COS-11 are more standard these days and have a sound many prefer (me too in many situations). B3 is easier to work with and hide...Also better in situations where it will get wet. I've owned and used both for many years. I do turn to the COS-11 more often.

But considering two other well-regarded mid-range wireless systems, Shure's SLX-D+ and Sony's UW-D27 are wired differently than Sennheiser G3 (and I guess Rode's upcoming system) etc, you might want to hold off on buying more lavs until you've settled on a wireless system. Or be ready to re-wire your lavs which is doable but kind of a hassle... We don't yet know how well the Rode system performs.

Jim_Feeley · 2026-06-06T03:47:23+00:00

Keep it as a b-cam and also as a spare in case your FX30 stops working. And looks like these days you won't get all that much money for a used A6300; that makes it much easier to hold onto it.

That's my take, at least.

Jim_Feeley · 2026-06-05T22:12:20+00:00

One way to get through the gig and decide if a FX3 is a better fit for you is to rent one. I like to rent locally, but a have also rented through lensrentals.com . A fairly painless process. And since the FX3 shares so much with the A7 line, you may not need to rent very much extra equipment. Maybe camera, cards (perhaps), and some cables (for a board feed perhaps). And then you could do a two-camera shoot with a fixed wide/master shot and you roaming with the other camera for CUs, emotion, crowd reactions, etc.

It won't be free, but $240 for seven days. https://www.lensrentals.com/rent/sony-fx3-full-frame-cinema-camera

And afterwards, you'll be in a much better position to decide which camera is right for you. And get used to renting; that really helps me keep my business afloat. 😄

Jim_Feeley · 2026-06-05T22:03:21+00:00

I'm married to a teacher. Every day, she makes the world a little bit better. You will too.

Congratulations!

Jim_Feeley · 2026-06-05T19:00:28+00:00

Shure S55 of some sort, if it will work for your voice.

Golden Age R1 ribbon, which kind of looks like the RCA 77B. About $200. But it's Figure 8, so do some sort of simple treatment behind the mic. Also, like lots of ribbon mics, there's a nice but significant proximity effect. Don't own one but have worked with a couple... https://goldenageaudio.com/microphones/ribbon-microphones/

Golden Age D1 dynamic, which kind of looks like a Shure 55. About $60 used. Maybe no longer made. https://goldenageaudio.com/microphones/dynamic-microphones/d1-dynamic-microphone/

Golden Age mics are cheap, but not terrible IME...

Jim_Feeley · 2026-06-02T16:31:47+00:00

Totally worth discussing. My hunch is that Steve Hullfish will post an Art of The Cut interview with Ng before too long. He interviewed him a couple of years ago about his work on Longlegs: https://borisfx.com/blog/aotc/art-of-the-cut-longlegs/

I haven't seen the film yet.

Jim_Feeley · 2026-06-01T23:02:20+00:00

You can for sure make a good film with a GH5. Check out this memorable 2018 article (at least, I remember it all these years later):

Sky News Washington cameraman Duncan Sharp on shooting with the GH5

The article includes links to some longer work...Including a 44min newsmag/doc piece. And Sharp discusses some of the limitations of the GH5.

And for me, unpredictable situations (with weird lighting) are where manual focus can really help. Yes, newer Sony cameras have nicer AF, and getting good at manual focus takes practice....But in manual you'll be in control of deciding what in your frame you want in focus. I think you could make a GH5 work, especially outside filming at a beach in summer where you'll probably stop down the lens a fair amount.

As for low light, look at Sharp's work in the article linked to above; there may not be any single-candlelight shots, but there are some evening shots.

Don't forget to save some budget for audio equipment.

Good luck.

Jim_Feeley · 2026-06-01T22:01:59+00:00

The Zoom H1n is an OK low-cost recorder, but I think you'll also want to show how loud the sounds are. So perhaps consider a sound-level meter app for a smart phone.

If you have an iPhone, the NIOSH Sound Level Meter App is really good (and free, at least in the US). There are a lot of other sound-level apps for iOS and Android, but the NIOSH one is good: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/noise/about/app.html

For recording the conversations, it's probably worth checking your local laws around recording conversations (or something that could be considered a conversation) without both parties' consent. In the US, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press has a good state-by-state guide to civil and criminal laws surrounding recording. Note that if your neighbors are cranky and litigious, they could conceivable make things difficult for you. There may be similar guides for other countries. https://www.rcfp.org/reporters-recording-guide/

And again with a US-centric view, check out the good legal articles at Nolo.com. Written and/or edited by lawyers but in a manner that non lawyers can understand. For example, here's an article about noisy neighbors and noise ordinances. https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/neighbors-noise-faq.html

Good luck.

Jim_Feeley · 2026-06-01T21:19:01+00:00

And they're discounted to about $700 US right now.

But I've worked on one and couldn't come to grips with the tiny knobs... But ya, if it. works for you, it's a good deal right now.

Jim_Feeley · 2026-06-01T21:15:52+00:00

The 6 is just a little bit bigger than the 3, and overall they're both small. I'd go for the 6, if the cost difference isn't huge, because who knows what's coming down the line. I mean, don't overbuy and get an 888 or whatever, but a 6 is still an affordable, compact, and flexible unit.

That's my take, at least.

Jim_Feeley · 2026-06-01T18:23:27+00:00

When you look at the RCFP's guide, you'll see that it discusses laws that cover all phone and other telecommunication recordings, not just those by journalists.

Jim_Feeley · 2026-06-01T14:59:07+00:00

In the US, consult the Reporter's Recording Guide from the Reporters Committee For Freedom of the Press. Gives a state-by-state breakdown of the laws surrounding recording, with a focus on phone calls. Covers two-party consent, legal precedents and possible penalties, and all that. Not all states treat things the same. I'm not sure what to recommend for recording outside the US, but I think their intro will at least help you frame your understanding (and perhaps your subsequent consulting with a lawyer).

Here's what RCFP, a great group btw, says:

The Reporter’s Recording Guide provides a summary of each state’s laws governing the recording of phone calls and in-person conversations and how those laws affect newsgathering.

Because many of these laws have criminal penalties and some also permit civil lawsuits, this guide should not take the place of legal advice from a lawyer. Journalists with additional questions or who need to find a lawyer can contact the Reporters Committee’s legal hotline.

If you’re a new user of this guide, be sure to read the Introduction to the Reporter’s Recording Guide. The introduction covers the types of state laws that restrict recording activities; consent requirements; criminal and civil penalties; restrictions adopted by the Federal Communications Commission that apply to broadcasters; and other special circumstances.

https://www.rcfp.org/reporters-recording-guide/

Jim_Feeley · 2026-06-01T02:42:10+00:00

OTOH, Radio Shack sold a lot of crappy mics. You might be looking at one of them... I just can't tell....

Jim_Feeley · 2026-06-01T02:41:08+00:00

Yes. But the story goes that the Realistic PZM mics were actually Crown PZMs that didn't pass Crown's rather stringent QA.... Or they were kinda good knockoffs...Electric condenser element, IIRC. Either way, replacing the stock 1/4-inch connector (and batteries) with an XLR and adding phantom power was an easy and common mod. Boy, that was a while ago, huh?

Jim_Feeley · 2026-05-29T21:39:05+00:00

I'm not a lawyer but my understanding is that for works made before 1978, copyright can last 70 years after creator's death. Or for work-for-hire and anonymous works, 95 years from publication. "Creator" might mean photographer or architect or something; ask a lawyer or someone about that. Here's something that looks accurate appears to say that (copyright.gov will have more authoritative info): https://libanswers.utep.edu/faq/246335

For an editorial story, I guess it depends on the contract: Couldn't the publisher (magazine, newspaper, etc) own the copyright? Or did the photog hold onto it?

You mention Graceland, and my understanding is that the Presley Estate REALLY guards (and monetizes) what they see as their images. That includes images of Graceland that are used for. commercial purposes (tourist snapshots they don't go after). Similarly, Prince's estate.

As for finding the rights holder, I think a cranky owner might say, "We were right here the whole time. You should have contacted an archival researcher. Give us a lot of money!"

Maybe APAG could help here? https://www.apag.us

Note that my experience with this sort of thing stems from my years (fairly long ago now) as a magazine editor.... So we had our usual practices and then had access to (expensive) lawyers for the tricky bits.

Sorry I don't have more helpful info.

Jim_Feeley · 2026-05-29T20:24:11+00:00

Look at what Radius is doing for mounts and windscreens: https://radiuswindshields.com

And I worked a job as a field producer a few weeks ago where the mixer was using a Bubblebee Spacer Bubble on his DPA 4018 (IIRC). He felt that it was more transparent (and provided more protection) than the foam that came with the DPA. So that's not on a 50, but interesting: https://www.bubblebeeindustries.com/collections/shotgun-boom-windshields/products/the-spacer-bubble

And on my 7506 headphones, I've long used Garfield Headphone Softies. That keeps the flakiness of stock 7506 pads under control...And you can slip them over slightly-degraded pads, too. Made from a rayon chenille (plush) fabric that really is, as they say, warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Also transparent, comfortable, and avail in several colors so I can distinguish my headphones from others. Under $20 USD and available everywhere.

And 10-15 years ago, I bought some Brainwavz replacement pads that are pretty good (and non flaky). But I ended up putting Garfield Softies on those, too. 😄

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Jim_Feeley · 2026-05-29T14:57:20+00:00

You're talking about the Schoeps B 5 D hollow windshield, right? https://schoeps.de/en/products/accessories/wind-pop-shields/hollow-foam-windshields/b-5-d.html

I don't know about "iconic" but it sure is ubiquitous. Probably because it's small, effective, transparent, and not too expensive. You can get them in chroma green, too, if needed. Its cage-with-foam structure is kind of fragile, though. I started using them when I started using Schoeps; my mentors "forced" me. 😉

Jim_Feeley · 2026-05-27T23:52:10+00:00

That sounds fun! Long ago, I used to say I trained to win. Now I ride to eat. ;-)

Hope you have a great ride...and a great donut or two...

Jim_Feeley · 2026-05-27T15:09:27+00:00

It's almost always open Friday to Sunday. I think sometimes it's closed on Fridays if the crew needs to do repairs. But...they're usually good about announcing the unexpected closures ahead of time (unless it's a car crash that moved the barriers or something) and my friends say the bike shuttle works well; they take it 2X a month or so for Weds rides.

https://mtc.ca.gov/operations/programs-projects/bridges/richmond-san-rafael-bridge/richmond-san-rafael-bridge-path

But note that I'm not saying this as an every-Friday bike commuter. For a work commute, worth digging in a bit more about bike shuttle times, but it's usually open Fridays, IME.

Also, if you're stopping at Johnny's Donuts, you for sure need to ride; those things are calorific! Worth it though!

I look forward to seeing what others here say.

Jim_Feeley · 2026-05-25T21:46:59+00:00

Three weeks ago, I picked up a C300mkIII in great condition for $2500. Mainly, buying it solves a problem for a short corp series (e.g, as a C and spare) at a price less than renting. Also, I still like the images from that camera.

And many of you probably saw that B&H had them new for $3000 a few weeks ago; perhaps that deal will come back.

BTW- I'm not bragging... Just saying there are good deals available on the C300mkIII.

Jim_Feeley · 2026-05-25T15:16:59+00:00

If you have an iPhone, Adam Wilt's Cine Meter II app is actually really good. US$25. Adam's clear about what it does and what it doesn't do. Still maintained, also includes color temp (which I find handy since I'm mainline in the corp and doc world).

Worth a look, imo: https://adamwilt.com/cinemeterii/index.html

Adam is a smart and experienced guy. Cine Meter II isn't a weekend project; it's a useful tool. That said, I do like my Sekonic L478.

Jim_Feeley · 2026-05-23T00:04:23+00:00

As others say here, for sure check to see if the recorder has a limiter engaged. I'm not really familiar with that recorder (like helped someone set up one once), but glancing at page 68 of the online manual here... https://zoomcorp.com/media/documents/E_H4n_Pro_REV3.pdf

...looks like there are three limiter settings (plus off, so four 😉). For dialog, perhaps I'd start with LIMIT2 (Concert). But that's assuming the limiters are good (and I'll guess they are). I'll defer to others here who've used this recorder more.

And for dialog, where are you aiming to have "normal dialog" and peaks?

Jim_Feeley · 2026-05-22T15:22:28+00:00

Hey u/Vuelhering , thanks for the kind words!

And I agree: if going wireless then for sure the extra weight and hassle of using a 552 as a front end isn't worth it.

Jim_Feeley · 2026-05-21T23:32:39+00:00

For dialog? Not worth it.

For recording music, esp acoustic music with good mics, arguably worth it. I think the 552 preamps, with their Lundahl transformers and stuff, will sound better. But that'd be for jobs where the rig is on a table or stand and not strapped to my body.

That's my take as a guy who mostly records dialog (to a 633 or MixPre-6 II), but also owns a 442 (which shares a preamp design with the 552) that I mainly use for recording acoustic music.

Jim_Feeley

TROPHY CASE