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Thread ID: 116095 2011-02-16 07:47:00 Video Camera question - for schools teacher (3212) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1178919 2011-02-16 07:47:00 Hi everyone. I am looking for some advice.
We are doing some media work at our school this year, and need to buy some equipment. We would like students to be able to attempt film making and editing. These are secondary students - so reasonably technically able. We also have very little money to spend! We have been looking at video cameras that record onto SD cards. However, none of the cheap ones have mic plugs. We really need decent sound since the work students produce will be used for assessment!
We found one with a mic plug - but it will cost $1325 plus a couple of hundred for the mic itself. Does anyone know of any alternatives/cheaper models. At that price - we can only get one, which is going to make filming very difficult with 60 ish students!
teacher (3212)
1178920 2011-02-16 19:28:00 I just had a quick look for you. It seems that if you want something with a mic input, you are looking at over $1000. I think you will need to find extra funding for what you want to do. Also have you got computers/software for editing and what about lights as well.
The only other thing you could do is contact Panasonic, Sony, Canon, JVC and tell them you are a School and they might be able to help in some way.
wmoore (6009)
1178921 2011-02-16 20:26:00 Are you assessing the student or the equipment? ;) R2x1 (4628)
1178922 2011-02-16 20:42:00 If your school is anything like mine, you'll buy a camera, leave them in an unlocked cupboard, be surprised when it gets stolen, and repeat the process 3 times and then you'll have used your entire department budget on it.
/rutherford.

As for what you could do, I suggest a cheap mic, cheap camera, and a decent editing suite if you can get it.
since the editing will be necessary anyway.
That way you can simply take their audio and video and overlap and sync it, making the tech aspects that much more assessable.
8ftmetalhaed (14526)
1178923 2011-02-16 20:47:00 I wouldnt use SD or USB, even if they're cheaper. I'll rather use firewire, if they still exist. Speedy Gonzales (78)
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