Video & Optio W-30 Camera Review

I spent some time the last few nights FINALLY starting the process of reviewing and editing all the video we shot. I'm not sure if you have done this before, but after gigs of material, but your eyes hurt. I've only begun...and have huge respects for those professional kayak video people out there - Justine, Bryan, etc. Not to mention how hard it is to get quality video shots. What looks great isn't easy to capture! Nonetheless we captured oodles of great footage!

Reviewing it all really took me back. I needed to be back as well. Lately normal work life and the pace of summer has been all around. I'm back in the city, only getting picture reminders of Alaska through my screen saver. Matt and Djuna have been real busy with Body Boat Blade, continuing their instruction and learning journeys. I know we all feel guilty for not having posted as much as we had hoped, but honestly it's a lot to digest. Not only that, but having some perspective from the trip has been so valuable. It still feels like a dream - one that you're not sure if it's about to happen, or already one that already has. It's a lovely energy feeling.

Saving the writing about video that we shot, I thought I'd first share what I found out as video camera operator. Again, shooting good video is hard, don't expect to be a pro after a few days.

We were well equipped with the waterproof Optio W-30 that most people have. I really can't really say enough about this camera. This model takes great video (older models really lacked in this department), awesome pictures, and the battery life is really decent.

We each had 3 batteries and found that truly the name brand ones pay off. Whereas the knock-off ones work and less expensive, they lose their charge quickly. Same with buying memory. We each carried about 8GB which was plenty for a couple weeks on the water. Again, cheaper memory resulted in much slower camera functions and shooting. Better memory writes faster and is worth it.

The thing I wish Pentax would improve is the ability to zoom once you're recording. I'd also add a better mic (though works great for dialogue from the camera person).

I was also concerned that the day in day out of saltwater exposure would tear the camera body apart. Actually, the cameras help up just fine with the rinse every now and then, sometimes days. Mine still has no corrosion. A thumbs up product.

So after hours of editing, I have an updated approach I'd take, hopefully to help you in your future trips.
** Take more self-dialogue clips
** Take more scenery and landscape from afar for perspective
** Set the camera down more (maybe use small tripod)
** Take more camp scenes
** Stop paddling more often and simply shoot more

We knew some of this going in and still could have done better. It is funny after reviewing though, because we have a lot of something areas, yet totally miss other sections I was hoping to see. I guess we were all in awe at the same time, and had our hands full with a blade in other sections. ;)

So here are few samples. Over the next months we'll be working up a big clip for upcoming presentations that once stitched together will highlight much of the coast and an overall feel of Alaska.

Paddling in Alaska - just a nice clip to give you a feel of what we saw much of every single day.

Puffins in Alaska - I've never seen so many tufted and horn-billed puffins. The little salami's were flying around everywhere. Not the most efficient of fliers, but great swimmers!

Turquoise Seas and Waterfalls - simple a stunning way to see the water and waterfalls come so close together

3 person kayak carry - I laugh when watch this, the 2x daily kayak haul usually easy in the morning on a high tide, and a struggle at night at slack before flood. We really bonded on these carries. Thankfully Matt devised a small tow strap so two can get most of the weight.

I see they also have a "high quality" feature when you watch these directly from YouTube. It's worth the trouble, far better quality.