Not only professionals but also amateur filmmakers carry a lot of valuables with their camera equipment.
Flexible packaging: Tips on how to safely transport your film equipment
Well prepared when travelling
Document your equipment regularly, especially before long trips. You’ll be glad about it in the event of damage. The easiest way is with your cell phone. Don’t just take pictures of the camera, but also take pictures of the memory cards, lenses, flashlights, batteries, drones, tripods, microphones, and other accessories. And while you’re at it, make a note of the serial numbers or take pictures of them as well. Information such as manufacturer, camera model and lens can often be read from existing photos if lost.
Well packaged and well camouflaged
Do not lure thieves. If you wear the camera around your neck openly and use a photo bag on which the brand name of the camera is emblazoned in large letters, you are giving a hint of the valuable content. Better are photo backpacks that look less conspicuous and even better those that can only be opened on the inside.
There are even models with steel-reinforced straps and floors against thieves who want to cut open backpacks with a knife. If you’re travelling to photograph crowded places, it’s best to wear the camera strap or slip into a wrist strap. Never leave your photo equipment in the vehicle even if you use flexible packaging. Professional thieves can break into a car in seconds.
Well secured is half protected
Sometimes losing beautiful photos and videos hurts more than losing an expensive camera. Therefore, back up your images regularly. And very important, never keep the backed up data and the rest of the equipment in the same place. When travelling, you should keep the backed up data in the hotel, preferably in a safe. In addition to external hard drives, cloud storage is also recommended during the holidays, provided the internet connection in the hotel is fast enough.
Special software
If the camera equipment for movies is lost despite all precautionary measures, special software can help raise the alarm in good time. For example, a hidden transmitter that is connected to the smartphone via an app. If the transmitter moves too far from the receiver, for example, if the photo bag is stolen, you will be notified by an alarm. GPS trackers, such as those available for bicycles, are also useful.