Taking Teaching Further

All video cameras are not alike. Especially when looking at options for educational technology. Recently we went through a technology review to create a flexible system to allow audio and video content to be captured and uploaded to a system that could connect with Blackboard and allow students accessibility and enhancement in their learning.  Our lean criteria list was:

1. External mic input (for wireless mic input in order to lecture capture wirelessly)
2. Ease of use for multiple users
3. Budget
4. Scale:  We wanted the cameras to not be out of date in a year.  Understanding how technology goes at least… 
5. Integration:  We have new iMacs with Final Cut Express, Final Cut Pro, and iMovie ‘08.  They need to be able to connect easily with the computers and be able to edit and export. 

Based on budget and workflow considerations, we narrowed our search to hard drive cameras and Mini-DV. Here is what we found.

Hard Drive Cameras

Our initial thinking was to go Hard Drive and High Definition for future-proofing the workflow. We looked at several hard drive cameras ranging from $1000-$2000. The prosumer level.

Profile #1: Sony DCR-SR220 60GB Hybrid HDD

Sony has great equipment, but it’s pretty closed format-wise. There is no external mic in, which prohibits any type of wireless mic for lecture capture. Most Sony HDD have a boot on top that you can buy a foot to put an external mic, but not without hassle and cost.  And Sony is really vague about the external mic input.  Even after contacting Sony directly, they couldn’t tell me if I could connect an external microphone to their cameras.  That and Sony’s proprietary software and file formats, and we were scared away.

Profile #2: JVC GZ-HD7 Everio

JVC was the camera we almost went with for Hard Drive Format. It is the most flexible, and does have a mic input. It’s expensive, but didn’t have a really great quality level on picture and sound. Coupled with it recording in MPG-2 and cost, it left us feeling like there was no bang for the buck.  We almost pulled the trigger, but did some research on the format JVC records in.  It would be a hassle to convert file formats for editing in FCP and iMovie.  Hard core techies could convert it easily, but our desire is to have novice and beginners be able to capture their courses in a self-service model.  Too many moving parts made this option out of the question.

Hard Drive Camera Analysis

Pros

• Connect via firewire to the Mac and download video quickly and easily.
• No tapes to find, label, and use/resuse
• Quicker workflow

Cons

• Video can pixelate, especially with fast-moving images
• Video does not record in MOV. This makes the workflow change to need to convert the video files into a format which can be edited in either iMovie or Final Cut Pro. We tried using some video directly from a camera with negative results. A brand new mac with FCP and iMovie ’08 kept giving errors and shutting down once we loaded in the video files. This was a red flag for us on file formats and importing in video. We’ve also read of others having trouble getting video in for editing.
• Cameras do not have a Mic input. This is a huge issue. We researched this thoroughly. Even contacted several manufacturers. But found that to go hard drive camera and external mic input would push us into the professional grade price point.
• Price. We couldn’t justify spending that much money on what really is still an emerging format.

Mini-DV Cameras

Mini-DV has been around for a long time. It’s pretty much the consumer standard. It also runs some prosumer and pro-end cameras. We were wanting to think past Mini-DV to the future, but kept finding reasons to investigate Mini-DV as a possibility.We looked at many higher-end Mini-DV camcorders. However, we found that most didn’t have an external mic-in. One camera surprised us. It wasn’t in a catalog. It wasn’t a high-end camera. It was in Best Buy, in the cheap camera section. The Cannon ZR-800.This compact camera had our non-negotiable: Mic in. It didn’t have a headphone jack to monitor audio, but we got around that with our wireless mic system. It’s small, inexpensive, and just plain works. The only draw back to this particular unit is the tape eject area is on the botton of the camera. This makes it an extra step when on a tripod to remove the tripod connector before ejecting tape. But overall a great buy around $200.

Mini-DV Breakdown:

Pros

• Cheap. Mini-DV cameras are inexpensive. With multiple users checking out assets, cost is an issue for fixing and maintaining equipment. Bottom line: If the cameras were cheap enough and someone accidentally broke them, it wouldn’t be that big of an issue.
• Easy Access. You can buy a Mini-DV camera anywhere and get service on them as well. No need to send it to the manufacturer. And adding units wouldn’t be difficult either. And accessories like batteries, etc can be bought at the nearest Best Buy.
• Mic Input. Many mid-level Mini-DV cameras have a mic input. This was a non-negotiable for us.

Cons

• Tape. Arggghh. An hour long lecture takes one hour to input. It’s tedious.
• Tape. You have to be intentional about labeling and managing tapes going in and out.

Final Analysis

We decided that tape was going to be the more reliable and simpler. It would take additional time, however, it would also alleviate frustration for end-users. It fit below our budget, gave us piece of mind that we weren’t loaning out a major piece of equipment to inexperienced users, and provided a workflow that made sense to allow us to do what we needed to. Confirmation of this was from a rep at Sony who actually steered me away from Hard Drive cameras to Mini-DV. He found the same issues we were discovering regarding Hard Drive formats still not ready for prime time.

BEWARE

Be Careful Who You Buy From

Shopping for the best deal is good. But we found from experience that the cheapest is not necessarily the best. Once we walked down the JVC hard drive camera road, I went to the Web to find the best price. There are many online stores that were selling this camera for $500. It is true. And false. What they’re selling is the European model. Not US. It’s PAL. And it doesn’t come with any battery, cords, or warranty. Those are all extra. It’s a bait and switch scheme you want to stay away from. I’d recommend only buying from companies who can provide service, support, and warranties. Even if it costs a bit more.

External Mic Clarification

If you’re looking for a similar system and you’re looking online, make sure you talk to someone to confirm they have an external mic input. Many sites will say they do, but they don’t. Or some will say that they don’t know. Even manufacturers. Call and confirm. And make sure you clarify that you’re not looking for an A/V input. You’re looking for a mic input. Some vendors that may not be well versed will sell you a camera that will arrive with only A/V in. Don’t be disappointed. Get the clarification. A little extra work will help you in the long run.