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Equipment Needs
Basic Equipment for Classroom Video Productions
CAMCORDER
TRIPOD
TELEVISION MONITOR
VCR & CONNECTING CABLES (USUALLY RCA)
Helpful Extras
EXTENSION CORDS
LIGHTS
MICROPHONE AND CORD
CONTROLLER: A device which allows accurate input of editing in and out points.
TWO EDITING VCRs
THREE MONITORS: Two to view each of the VCRs and one to preview the cut.
Optional Equipment for Editing
MIXER: Allows control over how the audio and video channels are mixed. For video it can provide transitions other then cuts, such as dissolves and wipes.
CHARACTER GENERATOR: To create titles.
SPECIAL EFFECTS GENERATOR: Allows the manipulation of the video image itself and in some instances can create simple animation and 3-D lettering.
Purchasing Equipment
Format
There are several video formats to choose from. The less expensive formats are VHS and eight millimeter. Of those two VHS is more practical because most VCRs and cheap editing equipment work with this format. VHS and eight millimeter camcorders are between $300- $800.
The more expensive formats include Super VHS and High Eight. These formats provide higher quality footage and should be used if the videos are going to be broadcast or entered in festivals. Super VHS (or S-VHS) camcorders are more practical then High Eight camcorders because they can use regular VHS as well as S-VHS tape. The drawback for both of these formats is that they need adapters in order to play back through regular VCRs and that they need editors specific to each format. Camcorders in these formats are between $ 1200-$2000.
There also exists a smaller C version of all four formats. These cameras are hard to keep steady and are only useful when working with small children (8 and under) who cannot carry regular-size cameras.
The DIGITAL revolution. Digital cameras, both still and video, have made their mark in the industry. More and more schools are moving into digital video so that their students can stay current with technology. The miniDV format is proving popular, and there is no shortage of choice when purchasing digital video cameras using the miniDV tapes. Check out 5he JVC500! Digital video quality is superb, and combined with a nonlinear editing system, your students will be working with broadcast quality video from start to finish.
Also, some manufacturers make two versions of each model, one for consumers and one for professionals. Always ask for the professional/industrial model because these are made for frequent, rough handling situations and therefore are sturdier.
What to Look for in a Camera
Do not be taken in by too many "bells and whistles". It is however, important that your camcorder has a "flying erase head." Also, make sure that it has a manual focus and iris adjustment. These features are important because a preprogrammed camera will automatically focus on the object in the middle of the viewfinder and will adjust the iris so that the largest object (such as a wall) will receive adequate light while other objects (such as a face) may be under- or overexposed.
If you do not have access to an editor, you may want some features such as: audio dub (which will allow you to dub in a music or voice track after the footage has been shot), fade control (which will allow you to fade up or down to black), a titler (which allows you to type a title), and wipe and dissolve (which allow you to make these transitions between shots).
Tripods
Tripods need a fluid head for steady movement. Choose aluminum over plastic since this makes the tripod sturdier. A leveling bubble (which works just like a level) is a helpful feature which allows for even shooting.
Editing Equipment For basic editing you need at least two VCRs. They should have flying-erase heads and a jog and shuttle switch which allow frame- by-frame video control in a reverse or forward direction.
Also watch for a dual audio channel capacity which will allow you to put two different audio tracks (such as music and dialogue) on your video. Steer away from hi-fi, or make sure you can turn it off because it can make editing with audio very difficult.
The controller needs to be easy to use and have separate, dual audio channel editing capacities. Make sure that the controller is compatible with your VCRs. (You can often buy them as a set.)
Mixers should be able to mix audio as well as video and if you have a separate special effects generator it should at least be capable of creating titles and animation.
Since models and makes change rapidly it is best to do your own research on these. Video magazines which contain numerous adds are your best resource.
List originally published on KQED Site