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Data Collection

Equipment Decisions

Digital8 or MiniDV?

In concept and potential image quality, Digital8 and MiniDV are very similar.  Your decision to use one over the other may be influenced by some of the factors outlined below:

MiniDV:

  • Tapes are smaller, so cameras can also be very small
  • Considered the “semi-professional” format, so cameras made for MiniDV have more options and flexibility than Digital8 camcorders. 
  • Images are DVD - quality and the sound quality is considered superior to other formats, though some of the differences may be more related to MiniDV’s use with high-end cameras than to the actual media itself.
  • Claim to be more durable that Digital8 tapes

Digital8:

  • Less expensive that MiniDV (currently about half the cost)
  • A Digital8 camcorder can playback 8mm and Hi8 videos

For more info about comparing Digital8 and MiniDV: 

http://www.epinions.com/content_1447534724

Which Digital Video features are important?

From our experience, the following features have been very useful from a practical standpoint.

  • Progressive Scan:  Improves video image and makes it possible to capture still images without any loss in resolution. More about progressive scan: http://www.shortcourses.com/video/chapter06.htm
  • LCD monitor positioning options:  One that swings and rotates is helpful because it gives the videographer flexibility in positioning the camera while still maintaining a sharp image on the monitor
  • Microphone Input Jack/Accessory Shoe:  You may want to use an external mike to take full advantage of the sound quality offered through digital video; make sure your camera will allow you to do this.
  • Analog Line-In Recording:  Allows you to connect to a VCR or analog camcorder and transcode analog data to a digital format.

More camera features demystified:

http://www.shortcourses.com/video/chapter03.htm

http://www.howstuffworks.com/camcorder3.htm

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Equipment Specifics

Equipment Choices of the UIUC Cognitive Development Lab

  • Canon Optura Pi Digital Camcorder

More about Optura Pi:  http://www.canondv.com/optura_pi/optura.html

  • Kenko 37mm wide angle video lens
  • Sennheiser ME66 Short Shotgun Capsule and K6 Power Module (external shotgun microphone components)
  • Lectrosonic Wireless Microphone System-Series 100
  • DXA-4 Mixer (enables us to input audio from both external mic and wireless mic)

Review sites of other popular models:

http://www.shortcourses.com/video/chapter02.htm

http://www.consumersearch.com/www/photo_and_video/ digital_camcorders/reviews.html

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The TIMMS-R Data Collection Manual:  A great resource!

The TIMSS-R Video Study is a cross-national study of eighth-grade classroom mathematics and science teaching.   The TIMSS-R Data Collection Manual, from LessonLab, is an excellent resource, providing a wealth of practical information about a variety of topics, including:

  • Things to consider before and after taping
  • Where to place cameras
  • What to focus on
  • Basic principles of framing and composing
  • Equipment

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Last revised by Sujai Aug 5,2002

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