Student Camcorders

[kathyconnolly]

Hello. I'm about to launch my video editing course for my students. They are elementary students, and I've budgeted $400 each for five camcorders. The main thing I'm looking for is ease of use and file formats that are easy to to edit.

Thanks in advance!!!!

Kathy

[Steve Grisetti]

No question: MiniDV tape-based camcorders. You may have to buy them used or refurbished -- but they're inexpensive, high-quality and the ideal format for editing on a computer. They just won't likely be readily available unless you buy them online.

My next choice would be Flip camcorders, which sell for about $150 each. There are some liabilities with them -- namely that they're really not designed for "serious" video work. But they do produce an excellent hi-def picture, and Premiere Elements 9 can edit the video.

[Chuck Engels]

Hi Kathy,
What editing software will you be using?

I have been very happy with my GE DV1, it cost $100 has Full High Definition and it can be edited in Premiere Elements 9 without any problems. They are small, durable and waterproof. You will need to have an additional SD card, the cost of a 32GB Class 10 card is around $50, but that would put you at less than 1/2 of your budget, use the rest to have a big "Oscar" Party at the end of the class

[sidd finch]

I am a huge fan of the Flip. Small easy to use and you can pick up a 4GB Ultra HD cheap and pretty durable.The video quality/ease of use is outstanding and I would think instill the enjoyment of making videos by not having to try to work all the knobs.....

SIdd

[RJ Johnston]

One concern I would have would be the spreading of some sort of eye disease with camcorders where you look through the viewfinder.

[kathyconnolly]

Do Flip videos still need to be converted in order to edit them?

Thanks!

[RJ Johnston]

You can edit those in Premiere Elements 9.

The company that made the Flips went out of business, so you should be able to pick some up at a big discount.

You might want to compare to this Kodak Playtouch for $95 from Walmart: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Kodak-PlayTou ... e/16553277 which includes 4GB memory card and case. I got the blue one. Now I have a Zi3, Zi8, and Zi10.

[sidd finch]

Found this and thought it might help.

http://blogs.scholastic.com/top_teachin ... plete.html

Sidd

[Dave McElderry]

Found this and thought it might help.

http://blogs.scholastic.com/top_teachin ... plete.html

Sidd

What a great little article! Full of neat tips. To anyone who reads it, be sure to watch the short videos at the end. Too cute! and they've had a great learning experience.

[cdeemer]

That's a great thing you're doing, Kathy!