The kind of camera you need depends on the kind of work you are doing. For high-quality work, or for Media Studies coursework, you probably need a miniDV camcorder. For basic work in Primary schools you may find that a digital still camera is easier for children to use.

Current suggested models are listed in the forum here .  

Types of camera

miniDV

Most digital video editing systems are designed to work with miniDV cameras, which record onto small digital tapes which you can buy for as little as £1.50 plus VAT. This has the advantage that you can afford to have one tape for each student or group.

miniDV is still the most straightforward way to shoot high quality video on a budget, though it may eventually be replaced by tapeless cameras. The cameras vary from basic models at less than £200 to big semi-professional cameras like the Canon XM3 for well over £1000.

The smallest cameras are light but they can be fiddly to use, particularly as some manufacturers lhave started including either on-screen buttons, or buttons just below the screen, which make it easy for children to accidentally change settings. 

Panasonic are probably the best option in the £300-£600 price range, with cameras which are still small enough for children to hold but solidly built and giving good image quality. Unlike some of their competitors they share the same batteries across several models, which makes charging more straightforward. 

Using other formats

Not all editing programs can handle material shot on formats other than miniDV. Some of them can import other formats but will take a long time converting the material into the program's own format.

SD

Sanyo and Panasonic make very small cameras which record onto SD memory cards. They should be fairly robust as they have few moving parts. This may well be the future of digital video, but at the moment both the cameras and the cards are a bit expensive.

Some well-specified new cameras from Panasonic and Canon record high definition video onto SD cards. At the moment few editing programs can handle the AVCHD format they use. 

DVD and hard disc

DVD and hard disc cameras are best avoided in the classroom. DVD image quality isn't great and they don't have a good reputation for reliability. 

Still cameras

Some digital still cameras can record surprisingly good quality video. They can be much simpler for younger children to use than video cameras, particularly if you're not concerned about sound quality, and they are usually more robust. It's a bit fiddlier getting the material that they've shot into the editing program than it is with tape, and the SD or CF cards they use are more expensive than DV tape. 

Cameraphones

Most cameraphones shoot at a fairly low resolution, so you have to work within the limitations of the format: get in close with simple compositions, make sure there's plenty of light, and avoid rapid camera movements. Students who work within the camera's limitations can produce very good films with cameraphones.

Features to look for

DV connection

miniDV cameras use Firewire connectors (also known as IIEE1394 or iLink) to transfer video to the computer for editing. Some cameras only have 'DV out'. If your camera has 'DV in' as well, you can send completed video back to the camera (eg for copying to VHS) and you may be able to control the camera from your editing program. This feature used to be essential but is now less important as fewer people use VHS. 

Cameraphones and still cameras will probably use USB to transfer their video clips to the computer.

Headphone and microphone sockets 

If you will be using sound you record on location you really need to be able to plug in an external microphone and to listen to the sound on headphones while you are recording. But as it's difficult for students to record location sound well, you may be better off devising projects that don't require you to use location sound at all. 

Top loading tape mechanism

This makes it easy to change tapes without removing the tripod plate. This is more convenient and will save wear on the tripod bush.

Good sized batteries 

Some of the smaller camcorders have small batteries which don't give you much filming time. You may prefer to buy a model with a larger battery, or at least the option of a higher capacity battery.

Good controls

Some camcorders are much more straightforward to use than others. In general, avoid touch screens and control buttons just under the screen display. Is it easy for children to turn the camera on and off and work out which mode they are in?  Is it easy to access manual controls if you need to, but not too easy to turn them on accidentally? 

Tom Barrance 

 © 2007 Media Education Wales