May 1, 2008
The CLC has used Canon digital cameras successfully with both pupils and teachers for the last 6 years. The reasons that we have chosen this camera for the Transformation Teachers Programme are as follows.
The video quality is excellent providing you with 640 x 480 size video in .avi format which can be easily taken into the software packages that you have been provided with.
The quality of photograph obtained from these cameras is very high.
There is image stabalisation.
The flip screen allows you to use the camera discreetly to capture evidence of work in the classroom.
Negative point – The audio can be poor if you are using the video element too far away from the pupils or situation.
Please comment on the camera and your first impressions. For the 17th May you will be expected to have taken photos that are relevant to a topic that you teach, the number of photos is up to you but a minimum of 10 is expected. We would also like you to record 4 or 5 short (20 seconds) pieces of video eg students at work in the class, a presentation, an experiment etc. We will be working on downloading these elements onto your new computers and using them in some of the software.
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Add a comment to this post describing your views of the camera.
May 1st, 2008 at 11:53 pm
I did not get a chance to actually use one of the supplied cameras, however, i did go online and read a few reviews and the camera came highly rated for its price. It has many functions usually found on more expensive cameras.
May 5th, 2008 at 9:30 am
It is a more robust model than the Powershot A570, which we bought in our department (Art) a couple of years ago and is susceptible to lens shutter damage, becoming easily stuck. We ended up recommending the Fuji E900, which is cheaper and faster with the same functions and XD memory cards.
The main strength is the large number of custom features such as being able to photograph in aperture and speed priority mode. These allow you to control the depth of field (focus range in front of and behind the focal point) and control the speed at which to capture moving objects. You can also change the ISO (film sensitivity) which allows you to take pictures in darker conditions or achieve a sharper definition. The automatic function will generally give you the simplest setting i.e. for a relatively still image.It also has simple icons for users to decide on the type of shot i.e. portrait, landscape, night.
Another great function is the video option and I can see this being very useful, combined with the 4Gb card, to quickly record snippets of lessons and make video interviews with students about the work they are producing.
Its advantages could also be seen disadvantages, as such having too much control that you end up using an inappropriate function and getting a poor image. The size and weight are above average for cameras in this price range, but it is partly due to using four AAA batteries and having a larger lens. This will, however, allow a better final result as the lens size and build has a larger surface area.
The other useful option is the capacity to output to an AV socket, which means that pictures can be played as a slide show from the camera into a TV or video projector without a computer. I can see this being very useful in the classroom to discuss and edit images collaboratively. If doing a demonstration, a student could be photographing you and then it could be projected on the board and used to revise the process.
In terms of the size and weight of the camera, it reminds me of the film compact cameras made by Contax. I personally prefer weight in the camera as it allows me to take steadier shots. It is also easier when using a tripod as light models can easily wobble and suffer from camera shake.
Overall, I think it is a good choice for the course and will allow users to take more professional choices when taking a picture, but also be simple enough for those that are keen to point and click quickly in the classroom. I would also be happy to let students use it as it is not too delicate.
May 5th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Thanks for your comments Zek. We like the camera particularly for the quality of the video although the audio is a bit ‘tinny’. The camera is easy to hold and keep steady and teachers could survive the course by using just two functions, AUTO and Video. As you are a photography teacher it is always good to read that you have made a reasonably good choice.
Thanks again.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:48 am
On the subject of the camera’s.
I spoke to my Head Teacher and Head of Department about the possibility of taking pictures without having written consent from the pupils parents. They were unsure about this and asked if they could have some evidence of the use of the pictures and the omission of a consent form.
May 8th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
I have had an interesting time using the camera. I am not in the habit of recording video, preferring to take stills myself, however it was quite easy to use but, as mentioned earlier, the quality of sound recording leaves much to be desired.The manoeuverability of of the swivel screen is very handy as well.
My only complaints are that this is not a “left-hander” friendly model all actions have to be done with the right hand and that for me is a little frustrating. I also felt that the case was a little too snug – so carrying extra memory cards or usb cables or extra batteries is a no-no (which gives a clue to the amount of stuff I carry around in my digital camera case!)
May 12th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
I have really enjoyed using the camera. It has been very easy to use and I’m sure is capable of a lot more than I have attempted.
I did have some trouble getting some of the students to agree to be filmed but most were willing.
It was easy to put the images onto the computer. Looking forward to learning how to edit.
Like most of the comments so far I like the robustness of it, I like the fact you can flick the screen around. This made it possible for me to line the camera up and record myself teaching because I could see when I was in shot.
A disadvantage would be that the focus is not very good if you try to zoom in on an object to far away. Overall a lovely camera – we are already looking at this to becoming a regular feature in the EMA department.
May 12th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
The camera is very user friendly. Haven’t needed to use the manual yet as have managed to navigate my way through trial and not so much error! The zoom is powerful and flexible. The LCD screen is very useful for filming discretely; though it didn’t take long for the Year 8 class to register they were being filmed! The only downside so far is the audio playback, this appears to be almost non existent, unless that’s the crucial page I needed to read in that manual.
May 13th, 2008 at 12:54 am
The camera is very user friendly, takes excellent video close up and has a lot of great features. On the down side, sound quality can be distorted when filming from a distance – but that’s my only criticism. I found it a pleasure to use, and it could be a really useful tool in helping students, particularly in improving oral presentations.