I haven’t done many hardware or software reviews but am quite excited about the potential of products like this. Those who read this, know of my passion for video and my quest to make this more seamless and part of classrooms. This is the language of our youth but that’s for another post.
Part of the issue of introducing video has been time, hardware, software and skill level. We’ve seen the use of digital cameras increase as well as the video options of the still cameras. They’ve provided very good quality in many cases. With the “straight to the web” concept, this works quite well and the need for more devices like this increases.
I picked up a Sony Net-Sharing Camcorder for $200. My thinking is this will help classrooms use video more. I’ve seen an increase in usage with webcams direct upload to youtube and flixn, but webcams aren’t usually portable. Quality is always an issue, here’s my first real crack at this camera:
It’s very easy to use. I did import mine into Pinnacle to add some text and a few trims but the cool part is there is built in software in the camera that allows direct upload to youtube. As soon as the computer recognized the camera via USB, it shows it as a storage devices ala memory card and inside that is a folder with the PMB Portable software which you open to upload your movie. You can choose from a few pre-determined sharing sites or add your own. You simply authenticate to the site and upload your movie.
The big down side other is the ability to edit. It does come with a simple piece of software you can use to trim but that’s it. If you want to use your current video editor, it must be able to accept .mp4 files which Windows Movie Maker does not and I don’t think imovie does either. David Jakes suggested using Zamzar to convert the video which is a simple work around but again, adds a step and part of the reason for choosing these cameras is to make things simple.
I’ll continue to play and explore but am hopeful this and other similar products will be gateway tools to sharing and creating video.
Technorati Tags: sonynetsharingcam, pinnacle, davidjakes, zamzar, flixn,
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Doesn’t zamzar and other converting services degrade the film some? Oh and not everyone has Pinnacle–so now the $200 camera becomes more like $300-$350 (if users plan to edit, trim, or title, etc.) Bummer. But I ma impressed with the quality here. When will you review one of those $600+ harddrive camcorders? Good job on your review
I just saw Pinnacle is offering a free version http://www.videospin.com/recommend.asp I think it’s more about the unedited stuff. It requires some planning but still can provide an great way to post learning. I’d use it to capture student learning…but creative people will find cool ways to use it for just the cost of the camera.
Excellent-and you know what, now that you mention it, i think I had heard this but forgotten. Thanks for the reminder. Oh, and I’m getting the promised EdTech Posse mug photo ready (and its pretty scary, but so what?)
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These flash memory cameras are really gaining popularity. I purchased myself a Flip Ultra recently and posted my thoughts about it at http://bumpontheblog.etowns.net/?p=229. I had the chance to show the camera off to about 40 teachers yesterday, they are all clamoring to get one in each classroom.
Take Care,
Brian
I’m a big fan of the flip ultra also. My 2cents about using it in the music classroom here: http://musicisnotforinsects.blogspot.com/2008/01/digital-video-and-web-site-review-post.html
Thanks for all the resources Dean!
-Ken in Seattle
Quality is really good – even though yet again I felt sad at seeing the snow :(. I will be interested in how your trial goes; personally I have moved from using a digital video recorder to using a digital camera. Quality of the digital camera is great with video, great flexibility with also using for photos and I like to stick with the Canons because they record in .avi format which means no editing issues with free software. Also I like to record short movies so this options works well for me. Can’t see any reason why you wouldn’t be able to edit a movie from your device using imovie.
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Oh! What a wonderful blog!!!
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Absolutely fantastic mind blowing thing