How to fit an entire HD video rig into a 15-inch notebook sleeve

Issue:: Since it's a fixed-focus device, you're stuck with two settings, Normal and Macro, and when you get too close to your subject, autofocus stops, and you have to flip the switch into Macro mode for it to continue. As an adjunct, this means it can only capture objects a certain distance away and have them remain in focus.

Solution:: I picked up a magnetic lens mount so the device can handle external lenses, and now use a cheap wide-angle attachment (Bower M.Power .38x size small). This lets me get up close to the subject, yet still keep everything in frame. If you intend on doing the same, keep in mind that the lens is heavier than the self-adhesive backing on the mount can handle. For the lenses to stay attached, the mount requires a conservative dose of super glue. Having the magnetic mount opens up the camera to more sophisticated capabilities.

Issue: There is no white balance setting for over-lighted situations, and the device has bad low-light sensitivity, so pretty much any conditions besides natural outdoor light and strong indoor lighting result in a bad image.

Solution: Lighting up the darkness is the easy part, a tiny AAA-powered lamp with 9 white LEDs available at any Best Buy solves the darkness situation rather nicely. When shooting something up close in the darkness (-800 lumens) this little lamp is a prize. Unfortunately the area it illuminates is somewhat small, so you will have to stick close to your subject when using it. As far as white balance goes, I have not found a filter that would fit over my magnetic lenses yet, so I've resigned to correcting color in editing. It's not that big of a hassle.

The final product: Kodak Zi8 camera and charger, 2 SD cards, mounting bracket, Quantaray QSX digipro 100 tripod, Dynex lamp, Bower M.Power lens, and Rode VideoMic shotgun microphone.

Total Weight: 3.5 lbs

Mission: Accomplished (with room enough for spare batteries!)

Coming Soon: much more video from this rig.