Tools of the Trade: Choosing a Budget Mini-Cam

In my last post, I showed some of the ways libraries are using video to provide information in new forms, promote their libraries, and provide fresh programming opportunities.’  In my next few posts, I’ll explore some of the low-to-no cost options you can use to incorporate video in your library services.

In the last couple of years, a new generation of digital camcorders has emerged, aimed at ease of use, point-and-shoot functionality, and uploading online. These simple, sub $200 devices offer a small set of controls and automatic features, allowing you to point, press record, and upload easily.

The most popular of this generation are the Flip Video cameras (pictured left), which have an almost iPod-like elegance to the design and fairly decent picture quality. You might also want to take a look at the RCA Small Wonder and Creative Vado, which are comparatively popular, as well as browse Amazon’s product pages (sorted low to high) for even further options.

When deciding to buy a camera, don’t buy on hype alone. Make sure you take a good look at the camera specs and search out additional reviews (try camcorderinfo.com or the customer reviews on ExpoTV) so that you can balance budget with features and ultimately make the purchase that is right for you.

• Resolution – resolution will affect how much detail will fit into the image. Higher numbers will produce higher quality images. You’ll either see it in terms of a dimension (e.g., 640 x 320) or a total pixel count (3.1 megapixels). Either way, bigger is better.
• Bitrate – the bitrate is how much information is crammed into each second and also affects video quality. Most cameras will rate this in megabits (Mbits). Again, a higher number leads to better quality video, though it will take up more space on a memory card or hard drive. Better cameras will let you choose.
• Light sensors – pay special attention to how the camera functions in different lighting conditions. Libraries aren’t known for their great lighting, so you’ll often be shooting in less than ideal circumstances (on a related note, see if you can point a few floor lamps at your subject).
• Memory and battery life – these go hand in hand, as they’re both going to dictate how long you can record. Do you anticipate ever recording scenes from a longer program, such as a wizard rock concert or author reading? If so, invest in larger memory and longer battery life. You also want to consider if the memory is internal, or if you have to purchase it separately (adding another cost to your library). You also want to think about whether the battery is internal. Because once the battery runs out of juice, it takes your whole device down with it.
• Multi-functionality – many of these cameras also function natively as a still camera or webcam (for live-broadcasting online). Others only let you take stills from the video, with exceptionally less quality. You can save money in the long-run by buying a more expensive unit that meets multiple needs.
• Integrated software – recording to memory saves lots of time by not making you have to capture video onto your computer and integrating with your favorite video site. But if your camera’s software is a bust (or if it doesn’t include software), you’ll waste just as much time trying to edit a simple movie or upload your videos. Pay attention to the quality of the software when reading over the review.
• Fold-out screen – if you’ll be recording yourself a lot, being able to see yourself will mean the difference between recording your entire face and getting a great shot of your chin. Make sure the LCD folds out!
• Simplicity – ultimately, you aren’t just making this purchase for you, but for other staff. What needs do they have from their device? Will more than three buttons make it unusable? You can still buy on a budget for more tech-minded staff, with the surprisingly powerful Aiptek A-HD 720P High Definition Camcorder, but definitely make sure you are polling coworkers on their comfort level (and don’t forget: training, training, training!).

You can turn budget cams into further budget by not shying away from refurbished models that you can sometimes find in the Amazon.com Warehouse Deals, Buy.com, Overstock.com, and each manufacturer’s own website. If consumerism hurts you like it hurts me, check to see if your area has a Freecycle list, in which people request and exchange unwanted goods. Somebody may be able to provide you with a digital camcorder in exchange for the tax write-off.

If you have any questions (including questions about purchasing a more complete solution on a larger budget), feel free to post a comment. You can also e-mail me or IM me at josephjwilk.

~Joseph Wilk
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Teen