As an Apple Solution Expert, TOUCAN has been involved in supporting teachers using video in the classroom since the first DV based iMac. Recently, the consumer market has moved away from mini DV tape, to disk-based cameras. The choice has become complex with the major manufacturers producing new formats and cameras on a regular basis. The Youtube generation has also spawned a new type of informal user. The industry is now responding to this new type of user with pocket sized video cameras with simple capturing, editing and uploading functions.
Although they are labelled HD in format, the cameras are in fact MP4 which means file sizes are not too big. These cameras are not designed for making professional quality videos. There is no external mic or headphone option. As a result Media and Film Studies departments will probably not be too interested. However, they are cheap and easy to use. Schools are using these new pocket cameras for producing content quickly for VLEs. The cameras offer simplicity and HD quality. A recent Educause 2008 report shows Flip as having 13% of the US schools' market. Flip have launched a new HD camera, the Flip Mino HD, but there are others on the scene. Here we look at the pros and cons of the Flip Mino HD and its nearest rival, the Kodak Zi6.
Both of these cameras offer a point-and-press minimalist approach that is proving to be popular in classroom situations. There's a simple red button for record and built-in screen for playback. Both offer basic built-in microphones and speakers. The Zi6 is a bigger and heavier camera and certainly not as pocket-sized and neat as the Flip, but has the advantage of a bigger playback screen. Both cameras shoot in 16/9 as opposed to 4/3 which always looks good!
Although both cameras include a screw-fit for tripod, which could be useful, they will probably be used in a more informal "sketch pad" manner. The built-in USB means that staff don't have to worry about having a bespoke or even standard USB cable for ingesting clips to the Mac. The built-in USB on the Flip provides the means to charge and download clips, removing the need for bespoke cables and chargers. The Kodak is reliant on batteries and a charger and and this, combined with its need for SD cards, means there's more to set up, lose and break in the classroom. Whilst the Kodak wins on image quality, the Flip is rugged and not dependent on any other cables, batteries or disks.
The Flip Mino HD
We like:
the small size (1.5 inch) and weight (the robust design is very classroom friendly);
the simplicity - no lost cables or missing internal SD cards (internal HD 4GB - 60 mins);
the rechargeable feature via built-in USB (no batteries required);
Apple's bespoke support for the Flip Mino HD in iMovie 09.
We don't like:
the image quality - it is good, but not as good as the Zi6;
the lack of a macro for close up work;
the fact that the unit is face down when plugged into a Macbook so you can't see the screen.
The Kodak Zi6
We like:
the bigger screen (2.4 inch) and image quality;
the price;
the option of up to 32GB of storage;
the built in Macro - as close as 5cm;
the fact that it works with OSX - no installations needed.
We don't like:
the 128 MB built in memory - this means additional cards need to be purchased;
the fact that it is battery powered and battery hungry;
the recent forum reports of dropped frames when editing footage.
The camera market is complex. These new cameras offer a simple point and press approach. We like the Flip because it is simple and has a great track record of use in US schools. The Kodak Zi6 provides a better image but has batteries and SD cards. These are easily lost and more difficult to support in a busy school environment. On the horizon there’s a new HD Vado camera from Creative (unavailable at the time of writing) but also worth checking out.
link for Educause report -
http://connect.educause.edu/Library/ELI/7ThingsYouShouldKnowAbout/47762
link for Creative Vado HD
http://uk.europe.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=830&subcategory=831&product=18108
