Sorry it took so long to post a HIT. It's been a long couple of weeks and I
was struggling with my first automated inventory. Now if I can just find the
top of my desk....
Thanks to everyone who responded to my request for help in deciding what
kind of video camera to purchase. As always, LM_NETers are the best!
===
After many years of working with cameras and teachers and students, I still
prefer the standard VHS. It is still the best overall. Of course, those who
like digital will poo-poo this notion, but I have not changed my mind. I
have been purchasing used VHS cameras, having them cleaned and repaired if
necessary, for the past several years. As far as I know, no VHS cameras are
being manufactured now and I have had to resort to the previously owned
variety.
I do like Camera World of Oregon and I recommend that you look at the
catalog. They have a tremendous inventory.
===
I would highly recommend a digital camera. The next thing you need it an
ibook, eMac or iMac. Their iMovie program is so easy to use, very user
friendly and the eMacs are very reasonable.
===
Don't forget the tripod.
I can't help much as I only use VHS and they are not available much anymore.
VHS certainly is easy as you don't have to make a copy of the tape. I
still bring mine from home for that reason.
Our school has not purchased anything but digital camcorders lately.
Examples from our bulk purchase order would be
Sony Digital 8 Camcorder, DCRTRV260 $330.13
MiniDVD Camcorder, CANON ZR90 $481.95
Consumer Reports Nov 2003 might have a few ideas. There have been a lot of
changes recently even since November.
===
I bought 3 Sony DCR-TRV19 digital cameras in September for our media class,
and two teachers have purchased them for themselves. We all love them! Cost
was $625 at Circuit City, and it seems to me that they have come down some
since then. The biggest drawback is that the battery charger is built in to
the camera, which means that your camera is down when you are recharging the
battery. If you aren't running them all the time you will probably be okay
with that arrangement. If the one and only camera is out a lot you will
probably want to buy a separate battery charger ($50-$75 I think). The
standard battery is plenty for one tape, but again, if you will be using it
a lot you probably will want to have additional batteries.
===
My principal has a Cannon miniDV. I can't remember the exact model. But I
fell in love with it, so I've been researching miniDV's. One feature that
you want to make sure you have is an image stabilizer to keep the video from
being "shaky" and "jumpy." The miniDVs are small, so the entire camera
can fit inside your hand. You can go to this site to help you compare
brands and prices:
http://www.dealtime.com/xPP-Camcorders--format_mini_dv
==
I have used a Canon ZR45 MC A video camcorder for 2 years. I love it. It is
a digital camcorder. The storage is a DV tape. VHS tapes are being replaced
rapidly with DVD's. I wouldn't even think of getting a VHS camcorder.
It has the ability to connect to a TV or VCR through S-Video or the regular
video output cables. This makes creating a VHS tape later very easy. It
even have firewire connections, which I like because our school videos are
edited using iMovie (free on any Apple computer).
The zoom capability is great. I can stand in my office over looking the
baseball/hockey field and film the games across the parking lot. It never
seems to need a flash. I have taken video in a cave and still was able to
see the person.My students use the camcorder with no trouble. It can also
take still shots.
I have also just purchased a telephoto lens and a wide-angle lens for the
camcorder.
I also recommend purchasing any camcorder from a Ritz Camera store. Their
extended warranty plan is marvelous. The students can step on the camera or
drop it off the roof of your school and Ritz will repair the camera or
replace it free, and the warranty continues with the next camera.
===
I read good reviews this month on
Canon ZR90 $559.00
Panasonic PV-GS9 $349.00
===
After many years of working with cameras and teachers and students, I still
prefer the standard VHS. It is still the best overall. Of course, those who
like digital will poo-poo this notion, but I have not changed my mind. I
have been purchasing used VHS cameras, having them cleaned and repaired if
necessary, for the past several years. As far as I know, no VHS cameras are
being manufactured now and I have had to resort to the previously owned
variety.
I do like Camera World of Oregon and I recommend that you look at the
catalog. They have a tremendous inventory.
===
Happy summer!
Anne Paulson
Teacher Librarian
Lake Placid Elementary School
Lake Placid, NY 12946
paulsonap@hotmail.com
apaulson@mail.lakeplacidcsd.net
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