Some of the stuff I’m getting ready for my trip to IDF Shanghai (no, my drink and my Nerf gun aren’t going - they live on my desk 
). Most, if not all, of this stuff will be on my person in my cargo pants pockets for the duration, ready to capture audio and video on the spur of the moment:
- Aiptek Go-HD camcorder
- Zoom H4 digital audio recorder
- Elgato Turbo.264 USB video encoder
- GorillaPod
- Lots of SD cards and MiniDV tapes, rechargeable batteries, cables, etc.
Of course, this isn’t all I’m taking. The “big” stuff not pictured includes my Canon XH A1 HDV video camera (with the accompanying mic, light, tripod, etc.) and my Nikon D40 DSLR camera. (Those are all affiliate links.)
I’ll be shooting video of some of the keynote and demos at IDF - the Intel Developer Forum - in Shanghai next week. I’ll also be spending some time with the Intel Software Network team there.
This is my first time to China, and I’m excited and nervous. Mainly because I always get nervous/anxious before a trip. I worry that something will go wrong, I won’t have the right gear/paperwork/etc. I’m sure it will all be fine, though.
I may not have very good Internet access (I know a lot of services I use are blocked in China, but I will have VPN access back through Intel’s proxies), and I know I’m going to be really busy, so updates might be sporadic. But I’ll definitely be posting stuff to Twitter, etc. So if you want to follow me on my trip use Twitter, and watch my blog (www.tinyscreenfuls.com) and my lifestream (www.joshbancroft.com).
Shanghai here I come! 
TinyScreenfuls Feed (this blog)
Go-Josh, go! This is great! You need to get a grip, really! A best grip boy or grrrl to help you on the scene. Have a great time in Shanghai! You’re an inspiration!!
Hey Josh,
I remember when you were first trying out the Elgato H.264 encoder. Has it stood the test of time? I’m sure these things will become more popular now that more h.264 video is out there. Especially now that both Xbox 360 and PS3 can play them directly.
I’m glad you grabbed a GorillaPod. I totally dig mine and bring it with me always.
I just ordered a Canon TX1 hybrid cam and it should be arriving tomorrow. It was tough deciding between it and the Sanyo Xacti’s. I’ll be posting my reasons for getting the Canon soon.
@rodfather Yes, the Turbo.264 has definitely stood the test of time. It’s become indispensable for the video work I do, and I’ve recommended it to about a dozen people (they need an affiliate program or something!
).
Looking forward to hearing what you think of the TX1. I looked at it for a while, but the size/unwieldyness of the video files it creates turned me off. Let us know what you think once you get it.