Alec Ortega
Combat cameras are used to document the actions of armed forces in combat, combat support operations, and related peacetime training activities. They are employed by various military branches, including the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Air Force, and the British Army. These cameras capture still and motion imagery to support combat documentation, intelligence, and reconnaissance. The visual information obtained by combat cameras enhances decision-making processes and provides situational awareness for commanders. The discussion surrounding the use of combat cameras extends to personal preferences and recommendations for the best action cameras for deployment, with considerations such as convenience, mounting options, battery life, and image quality influencing choices between popular options like GoPro, Mohoc, and Contour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To provide photographic, video, digital, and printed products and archival capabilities to support Marine Corps operations |
| Mounting options | Helmet, chest, weapon |
| Camera options | GoPro, Mohoc, Contour |
What You'll Learn
Best camera equipment for combat deployment
When it comes to camera equipment for combat deployment, there are a few options to consider depending on your specific needs and preferences. Here is a detailed guide to help you choose the best camera equipment for your requirements:
GoPro:
The GoPro is a popular choice for capturing high-quality footage in intense action situations. It sets the standard for action cameras and offers exceptional video quality. The GoPro Hero 5 and 6 stand out with their removable batteries, allowing for longer recording times. However, some users have expressed concerns about the short battery life of the GoPro Hero Session, which lasts only about 2 hours.
Mounting Options:
One challenge with the GoPro is finding a convenient way to wear it. While it can be mounted on a helmet, some users prefer the Mohoc camera due to its mounting options. The Mohoc can be mounted on the chin strap mounting holes above the ear, providing a stable and accessible position.
Sony a5100:
The Sony a5100 is a versatile option, offering both photo and video capabilities. It features a flip-up screen, allowing for low-angle shots and selfie mode. It uses Sony e-mount lenses, giving you a variety of lens options to choose from. It is a compact and travel-friendly camera that delivers great image quality.
Olympus Tough TG-5:
The Olympus Tough TG-5 is a rugged and durable camera that fits within your budget constraints. It consistently ranks highly among rugged point-and-shoot cameras and is well-suited for tough environments.
Canon G7X Mark II:
The Canon G7X Mark II is another excellent choice, offering high-quality images and videos. It has a compact form factor and can be found for around $300, making it a good option for those on a budget.
Additional Considerations:
When choosing a camera for combat deployment, it is important to prioritise durability and ease of use. You want a camera that can withstand harsh conditions and is easy to carry and operate, especially when wearing combat equipment. Additionally, ensure you have sufficient memory cards and extra batteries to capture and store your footage without interruption.
In summary, the best camera equipment for combat deployment depends on your specific needs and budget. The GoPro offers exceptional footage but may be less convenient to wear, while the Sony a5100 and Olympus Tough TG-5 provide a balance of durability, image quality, and versatility. The Canon G7X Mark II is also a budget-friendly option. Ultimately, consider your deployment environment and the type of footage you want to capture to make the most informed decision.
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Marine Corps Combat Camera
The Marine Corps Combat Camera unit is organised and structured to directly support Marine Corps operations. The visual products they create are used to document and support a variety of missions and activities, such as exercises, war games, and training activities. The unit is equipped with the necessary tools and expertise to capture and produce high-quality visual content, utilising photography, videography, and digital media.
Being a combat photographer in the Marine Corps offers a unique perspective on military life. It is considered a sought-after job due to its creative nature and the opportunity to work with different units within the Marine Corps, such as MARSOC or the band. Combat photographers have the chance to travel extensively, collaborate with various MOSs, and gain diverse experiences. They may be deployed to different countries, work with various weapons systems, and fly in different aircraft.
The path to becoming a Marine Corps combat photographer involves specialised training. The mass communications foundations course teaches skills in photography, videography, article writing, and graphics. This is followed by a more specific course in graphics, photo/video, or visual documentation. The training can last for several months, and individuals may have to wait for placement after completing the courses. The small community of combat photographers within the Marine Corps generally report higher job satisfaction compared to other MOSs.
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Visual information documentation
The U.S. Marine Corps Combat Camera is a dedicated entity within the military that provides photographic, video, digital, and printed products, as well as archival capabilities, to commanders at all levels of the Marine Corps Air Ground Task Force. These visual products are invaluable in enhancing decision-making processes and improving situational awareness for military leaders.
Combat camera teams are often embedded with military units to document their operations, as seen with the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion in the Philippines and British troops in Afghanistan. The images and videos captured by these teams can be used for various purposes, including media releases, training materials, and historical records.
The equipment used by combat camera teams is crucial to their effectiveness. Camera options like GoPro, Mohoc, and Contour are considered for their durability, mounting options, and battery life. Other considerations include helmet or body mounts, and the ability to swap out batteries and memory cards.
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Combat Camera Team
The Combat Camera Team (CCT) is a trio of defence correspondents for the Ministry of Defence (MOD). The team collects multimedia stories about British forces in action in Afghanistan and shares them with British and worldwide media. The CCT is made up of trained soldiers who have served in other parts of the Army and can revert to this role if needed. This allows them to interact with troops in ways that other media outlets cannot.
The CCT produces a variety of content, including video rushes and interviews for broadcasters, packaged videos for the web, written copy, still photography, and live and pre-recorded interviews from the field.
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Combat Camera Squadron
The Combat Camera Squadron is a unit within the US military that specialises in visual information documentation of US Armed Forces operations, encompassing air, sea, and ground actions. This includes combat, combat support, and related peacetime activities such as exercises, war games, and training operations. The visual products generated by the Combat Camera Squadron provide valuable support to commanders at all levels of the Marine Corps Air Ground Task Force. These products include photographic, video, digital, and printed formats, as well as archival capabilities.
The primary role of the Combat Camera Squadron is to capture still and motion imagery to support a range of operations, including combat, humanitarian relief, intelligence, and reconnaissance. This visual information aids in enhancing decision-making processes and improving situational awareness for military commanders. The squadron's imagery products offer a valuable record of military operations, contributing to transparency and documentation.
The Combat Camera Squadron's work extends beyond the battlefield and into the realm of public relations and media engagement. Their visual content is utilised during interactions with the press, providing insights into the work of troops in active areas like Afghanistan. This aspect of the squadron's role helps to bridge the gap between military operations and public understanding, fostering a connection between troops and the civilian population.
The equipment utilised by the Combat Camera Squadron is tailored to the specific needs of military deployments. Cameras like the GoPro, Mohoc, and Contour are often employed due to their durability, mounting options, and ability to capture high-quality footage in challenging environments. The selection of the right camera depends on factors such as deployment location and the user's role, whether they are a dismount, driver, or gunner.
The Combat Camera Squadron plays a crucial role in documenting and disseminating information about US military operations. Their visual products serve as a valuable tool for decision-making, training, and public engagement, contributing to a more informed understanding of military activities and their impact.
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Frequently asked questions
A combat camera is a piece of equipment used by the Armed Forces of the United States to document air, sea, and ground actions during combat or combat support operations, as well as during related peacetime training activities.
Combat cameras are operated by members of the Combat Camera Team, who are often referred to as combat cameramen or combat photojournalists.
The visual products captured by combat cameras enhance decision-making processes and provide situational awareness for commanders at all levels of the Marine Corps Air Ground Task Force.
Combat cameras acquire still and motion imagery in support of combat, humanitarian relief, intelligence, reconnaissance, and other operations.
The use of combat cameras may depend on the deployment location and the rules of the specific military branch or country. It is important to refer to the relevant military guidelines and regulations for specific information.
