Hit: Digiatal video Cameras- MAC

[Becky West <bwest@cms.maisd.com>]

Here is a hit on digital video cameras to use with Imacs and G4's.

Just this month I purchased a Panasonic digital video camera
(PV-DV900D) at Walmart. I have just begun to put it through
the paces, but so far it meets my requirements. The firewire
connection to the iMac (this is the DV iMac) makes downloads
to the computer extremely fast and using iMovie has been
easy to learn. Transferring the edited video to regular VHS
tape was no problem. With the camera was only one battery
(rechargeable)--I plan to get another when the new budget
year allows ($60). The recharger (that comes with the camera)
will charge two batteries, but will not provide power to the
camera and charge a battery at the same time. The firewire
did NOT come with the camera, but I don't think they are
too expensive. Tapes for the camera (mini DV) are about $10
each.
All but the firewire I have seen at Walmart. The best things about
the camera are its affordability--$799--and size--palmcorder.

____________________________

i have the Sony DV510 that i really like.  firewire connection, ability
to
take stills (poor resolution, but it's there), large LCD screen w/
sound
during playback...  you can find these discounted for around
$1000.  these
are considered the 'consumer' models.  the more expensive digital
cameras
run $2000 and up.


________________________

We just finished our senior video using the IMAX.  We purchased
teh wrong
digital camera early in the spring.  It was not compatible to the
IMAX.  I
believe it was a Sony.  We sent back that camera and now have a
Cannon,
which works perfectly with the IMAX.  The Cannon is a palm size
and I
don't feel comfortable with it yet.  I did tape graduation clips with it,
so it is a matter of practice.  I am not the technical person, my
principal is the one who saw a demo with the IMAX and camera
and a
presentation that was easy to do and to add music was a snap.  I
saw our
finished copy of the senior video today and it is awesome.  Our
graduates
will be so surprised with the video clips from pep rallies, field day,
daily things at school, and those wonderful graduation clips I
taped.  We
even have a song sung be one of their classmates on the
tape.  He recorded
a song on a CD and it was great.

I am at home, but will be at school in the next few days and will get
the
model number of the Cannon for you.

_______________________

Apple recommends video cameras on their
web site:

http://www.apple.com/imovie/gear/

__________________

We are using a Sony Digital 8 camcorder. I just wrote a po to
Longs
Electronics (http://www.longselectronics.com) for one for $799.00.
The thing
to look for is the DV interface -- the standard is IEEE1394),
sometimes
called FireWire.

_________________________

I went to FETC this past spring and attended an hour workshop by
Apple about imovie software and digital cameras.  After that hour, I
walked out feeling very encouraged.  The digital camera that they
suggested to use was Cannon's Ulura or Cannon's Elura. I
ordered the Elura because it also had the analog element so that
I could then put it on VHS.  We used them with imacs so make
sure that they work with G4's.  I hope this helps.

________________________


Try Canon.  I have a GL which cost less than $2,000, but my
friends tell
me the less expensive models work well with imovie and Final Cut
Pro.
They also have an educational sales plan which gives discounts
to
schools.  Call Tim McDonald at 516-328-5000 for more
information.






--
Becky West
Media/Technology Specialist
Stanton Elementary School
710 N. State Street
Stanton, MI  48888
(517) 831-5258   (517) 831-8851 (fax)
bwest@cms.maisd.com
--

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