Question by Brian P: What precautions should I take with film equipment through security at an airport?
I am a 17 year old filmmaker who is making a documentary of my school’s choir’s trip to China. We will be on planes, trains, and all over the country, and I want to film it all. Only problem, or so I think, is going through airport security/scanners with HDV tape and my Canon VIXIA HV40. What kind of damage can be done to the tape? Will it ruin the footage/prevent me from filming? How difficult is it to get through security smoothly without them getting suspicious? It is only camera and its tape, but I’m getting worried. I have flight anxiety, but this is the trip/opportunity of a lifetime, so I will obviously suck it up. But I want to know how hard this will be/what struggles or problems will I encounter or should I suspect?
Best answer:
Answer by Costa Rica Guide
You shouldn’t have any problem as magnetic video tape is not damaged by X-ray scanners, but if you are concerned you can request politely that they inspect the tapes manually.
Relax and enjoy your trip, the images I captured when I first visited China 25 years ago are still some of my favorites.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!