Making Movies in the Most Dangerous Place on Earth - RESTREPO

Outpost Restrepo in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan

What kind of camera do you choose when you are filming in the most dangerous place on earth?  What kind of camera do you use when you are a new documentarian shooting in the most dangerous place on earth?

From left: filmmakers Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington at Outpost Restrepo named for Pfc. Juan "Doc" Restrepo who died in action

If you are first time documentarian Sebastian Junger (writer of the Perfect Storm) you use a Sony V1. His photo-journalist co-director Tim Hetherington shot on a Sony Z1

Sony V1u HDV camcorder

Sony makes a HVR-V1U, an HDV camcorder that allows filmmakers to shoot in 24p mimicking the shutter of film cameras. I think that function gives the “film” a dramatic cinematic quality. It records in HDV format which gives you hi def on mini tapes. 

Did I mention that Junger had to be taught to use the camcorder and always used it in autofocus mode?  Did I mention he used it in a dusty dirty battle outpost environment and under fire in the most dangerous place on earth, the Korengal Valley in Afghanistan?

The camera can be had for around $3200. 


Did I mention that they were nominated for an Academy Award?