Off to China, Updates at Qiu-Jin.com

It’s less than seven hours before we board the shuttle to take us to SFO. Our flight is at noon today, but those international flights like you there hours earlier.

I’ll be posting most of my updates on The Qiu Jin Project website. The site is still a work in progress, but you can read up on the project, learn about the cast and crew, and watch the trailer in glorious HD.If I have good Internet coverage in China and copious amounts of free time, I’ll be posting photos and even the occasional video.

With regards to photography gear, I chose the following equipment:

• Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II DSLR: This was a no-brainer. It’s still one of the best cameras out there. I’m taking three batteries with me.
• Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi: I would have liked to bring another 1D-series body as my backup, but there was no space left in the case. The Digital Rebel will be an adequate compromise
• Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS: This lens will see itself mated to the 1Ds about 90% of the time.
• Canon EF 135mm f/2.0L with EF Extender 1.4X: If I need to reach out and photograph someone, this is the lens to do it with. I chose this lens over the 70-200/2.8 due because of size and weight
• Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact-Macro: It’s small, light, and versatile!
• Canon 550EX Speedlite
• Canon Remote Timer and Controller
• Phoxle SpectraSnap White Balance Filter and Flash Match Filters: These will provide custom white balance for my camera and videocamera
• Gitzo 1128 Tripod with Acratech Ultimate Ballhead and Bogen Fluid Head: We’ll rent a heavier tripod in Shanghai, but in a pinch the light Gitzo could do the job.
• Sony HVR-V1U: I made my decision. We’re going to shoot in 1080/60i instead of Sony’s pseudo 24P or 30P
• MacBook Pro with Final Cut Pro Studio 2 and Aperture 2.0: Bought yesterday, this should provide us with enough processing power to handle photo and video work.
• Epson P-2000 Photo Tank: This will store a backup of my photos
• iPhone: I won’t be using it on China Mobile, but if there’s free Wi-Fi, I’m so there!
• Pelican 1510 Case: This case is designed to fit in carry-on, overhead bins.

See more packing photos below the fold.