Video Camera Replacement?

[mavhc]

The 30 min limit is just a tax thing, Video Cameras have different import taxes than Photo Cameras, because tax law totally makes sense.

[dhicks]

Most DSLR's have a maximum recording time of 30 minutes, so wouldn't recommend going that way for video.

 

For a "semi-pro" setup, you can get external storage / monitor devices that allow you to record for longer times, e.g.:

 

https://www.atomos.com/

 

For a reasonable DSLR with a stock lens, external recorder, maybe an external mic and various bits of grip to stick the whole lot together, you're probably looking at around £2,000 - £3,000, which for some schools might actually be a good option. This isn't the sort of thing you can just hand to your average teacher and trust you'll get it back all in one piece, though.

[PotNoodleTech]

We've got one decent Sony 1080p video camera in the media/performing arts department and it has been a great camera, we have it on a tripod, it has a built in bullet condenser mic and 2 x xlr in connectors so you can plug multiple mics or even a mixing desks full of mic's into it. It's great for doing "proper" events or interviews and was about £1000 if I remember.

 

That being said, things have move on so much with cameras, drones, go pro, etc that nowadays I think I would look at buying a few go pro's with some hand held stabilisers or something.

[mavhc]

Dunno why people like Go Pros for everything, they're overpriced and specialist cameras

[PotNoodleTech]

Dunno why people like Go Pros for everything, they're overpriced and specialist cameras

 

Well they're pretty tough and decent quality and easy to use. Three good things for a school i'd say! Also, you can buy 10 of them for the price of one normal video camera?

[Gongalong]

I just have this view of it being a fisheye/wide angle camera which is not easy to hold lodged in my head.

[mavhc]

Cheapest one is £180, can buy a good camera that can zoom for that.

[MkII]

For uses not as demanding as provided by the GoPro Black @ £300 the Yi Lite @ £80 does a lot. I'm thinking of getting some for language moderation. Not quite as robust as the GoPro.. not waterproof/ dirt proof or such a damage resistant case but recording at 1080p x 60fps suites our needs perfectly.