C-Forum

Hey All,

I am looking for suggestions for a small, durable video camera for use in my outdoor eduction class next semester. It doesn't need to be waterproof, just small, light, and able to take decent quality video.

The kids will be using it to record our activities and create mni documentaries about the topics we study.

What are people using when they shoot those videos posted on here?

Gord

If you are going to be in situations with good light look at the Flip cameras. High quality HD video (720p @ 60fps) for a good price. You can get cheap waterproof cases for them and they are easy to use, just point and shoot.

this gets a bit easier when you lay out your $$ budget.

do not buy a pistol grip cassio or any look alike. You cannot zoom well with a pistol grip unless they have incredibly more sensitive controls....you push the control and the whole camera shakes.....Cassio's image stabilization didn't seem to help much. I was shooting some canoe ballet poolside on flat stable ground and even with 100% attention it was rough going.

I'd get a harddisk storing of images VS SD cards or tapes.

In the HD world 10x optical zoom should be fine. If you are going to do closer videography I would consider a small wide lens adapter maybe that threads on the end of your camera.

I've got this JVC (only I paid 2 x $100...). Works fine. Dynamic zooming is tricky but not difficult. A bigger battery and SD card will give you almost 2 hours of continuous recording.

*Trick: You don't need their software to convert the files. Just rename to MPG.

Tiger Direct Deal

I have been using a Panasonic Lumix DMC TS2, also available now as TS10 with a longer 140mm zoom. It can shoot 1080p HD. I am happy with the dual function of the still cameras with HD capacity as a side, works for me, I like the ability to mix.
It is spec'ed as 30 minutes of continuous HD video capacity, although I haven't pushed that limit yet, most takes are 20 s. tops, usually less.

It is built tough and waterproof so I can keep in the pfd vest pocket as events happen fast. It has a seperate video "on/off" switch, handy. Stabilization seems average. No view finder but then I didn't find any camera that had one that I liked in the size I wanted. Kind of a manufacturers decision that is a drag in a outdoor sports point and shoot camera.
It has a 120mm zoom but once you get past 100mm you had better be rock solid, especially on the pans. I have built a pogo stick "steady cam" out of a 12" of hollow hockey stick and jammed the base with fishing lead and put a threaded camera bolt on the other end. Definitely a beta idea but it seems to be working for racked in 120 mm close ups. Takes a small amount of practice to smooth it out but works.
Overall I am happy with it, so far it is a better camera than I am a shooter but that might change.
My second choice was Canon S90 with lens ring but it needed a seperate wp housing, too bulky.

Kodak, PlaySport.

Shoots in HD 1080. and also does still shots. It's rugged, waterproof, and cheap. I just got one and I like it.

Cost $120, more or less.

It's better for video than it is for pictures i was told. just 5 megapixels for photos. But full HD for video.