Digital video options
To complement our digital photography equipment , we offer a Panasonic PV-DV953 DV camcorder, JVC SR-VS30U MiniDV/S-VHS tape recorder, Bogen-Manfrotto tripod, two Apple iSight videoconferencing cameras, and a Formac Studio TVR analog-to-digital signal converter.
The camera is ideal for capturing motion footage, which can be burned to DVD-R media on the Department's G5 workstation using iMovie and iDVD. DVD-Rs are compatible with nearly all consumer DVD-Video players.
Additionally, the Formac TVR can connect to VCRs or other analog video sources (pre-DV camcorders) and translate analog video signal to "DV" format, which can then be edited with iMovie and burned to DVD-R discs with iDVD or Toast.
The iSight cameras can be used to broadcast audio and video between two computers within Biology, including the Department's portable iBook, to establish simultaneous, two-way communication.
All of this is available to all staff and faculty for short-term loan on request; however, priority is given to teaching needs and events during the year. We recommend scheduling time as far in advance as possible.
Technical specifications
Panasonic PV-DV953
Lens
Leica Dicomar Lens, 2.85-28.5 mm
Lens max aperture
f/1.6
System
NTSC
Format
Mini DV (6 mm digital)
CCD
3 CCD 1/6" 800,000 Pixels (Per CCD)
Power
DC 7.8 V/18 W
AC 110-240 V, 50/60 HzInput
1x IEEE-1394, 1x S-Video, 1x A/V Input
Output
Same Input is used for Output, plus USB Port
JVC SR-VS30U
This Mini DV and S-VHS video cassette recorder complements the Panasonic PV-DV953 and Apple Final Cut Studio in allowing capture and republishing of video footage online, using our Imaging Lab's G5 Power Macintosh. We can also digitize footage from VHS and S-VHS sources.
Apple iSight videoconferencing camera
• Sensor: 1/4-inch color CCD image sensor, 640x480 VGA resolution
• Focus: Autofocus from 50mm to Infinity
• Framerate: Full motion video at up to 30 frames per second (FPS)
• Input and Output: FireWire (IEEE 1394) for audio, video and power connection
• Audio: Integrated, dual-element microphone with noise suppressionBogen-Manfrotto 190SSB tripod + 700RC2 head
The tripod features a maximum height with extended center column of 58.9", minimum height of 19.1" and a closed length of 24.6". It weighs 4.7 pounds, and the tripod/head combination will support a load of up to 5.5 lbs.
The 700RC2 is a compact and lightweight 2-movement head designed principally to support the latest digital video equipment but also well-suited to still photography cameras with medium and long telephoto lenses.
The 700RC2 has a fixed length pan bar with a soft handle and separate locking mechanisms for 360º pan and +90º/-75º tilt. It comes equipped with a quick-release video plate system with VHS pin and secondary safety catch. Smooth and constant movements on both axis are assured by a fixed system of fluid cartridges with this video head.
Formac Studio TVR A/D converter
• Interface: FireWire (IEEE 1394)
• Video Format: DV 25
• Compression/CODEC: 25Mbit/s DV compression
• Audio: 32 KHz (12 bit), 44.1 KHz or 48 KHz (16 bit)
• Inputs: Composite Video (RCA), Composite Audio (RCA), S-Video (Y/C), Coax (antenna/cable), FireWire
• Outputs: Composite Video (RCA), Composite Audio (RCA), S-Video (Y/C), FireWire
Usage instructions
If you need assistance with the video equipment, please contact Computing Support staff to arrange a demonstration.
To move video off the Panasonic PV-DV953, use the FireWire 4-pin to 6-pin cable in conjunction with Apple iMovie, available on the Power Macintosh G5 in the Digital Imaging Lab in 14D Mudd.
To digitize video from any generic analog video source (VCR or analog camcorder), use the Formac Studio TVR adapter with the provided FireWire 6-pin to 6-pin cable in conjunction with Apple iMovie, available on the Power Macintosh G5 in the Digital Imaging Lab in 14D Mudd.
Use iDVD to author a DVD project from an iMovie project. Use 1x or 2x DVD-R discs with the Power Mac G5 to create DVD videos.
Costs
There are no usage costs associated with use of the video camera or other accessories at the present time. However, while you have equipment in your possession you are financially responsible for it — be sure to lock the carrying case and accessories safely when not in use!
Funding
Camera and accessories are funded via the SAS Computing Instructional Technology Grant program.
