Picking up right where we left off from the last post, today were going to take a look why non-profits and small profits should add these little devices in their production pipelines.  First I want to stress that I’m not talking about using these as your only camera – there’s a real reason that I call these things devices and not cameras (please go back to read “Why I want a Fake Camera“)

Why Small Business / Non-profits Need Pocket Production

Ease Of Use

First and foremost, easy-of-use!  I don’t know that many businesses that have an in-house produciton unit, and even fewer non-profits that have the budget  to have a videographer at every event.  I’d have to say that 9 times out of 10 it becomes the job of a volunteer to capture the event and forever lock its legacy on tape.  Because these devices have few features and no manual control you can turn one one hand it to someone and show them where the record button is – and just reclaim the device at the end of the day!  I’d really love to have someone try that with say a HVX – or any other “real” camera.

Co$t!

This is a huge factor in my book; with the costs of these devices coming in at sub $250 – which is a vast improvement when you look at spending $1000 – $3500 on HD production gear!  This means that you can put more of these devices at your event – yielding double, or triple the coverage.

Personal

How often do you have a camera that you want to take with you every where? (If you are a film student – your answer doesn’t count!)

Looking Beyond the Big Three (Flip / Vado / Kodak)

Every time I mention pocket video and I do a search to see what’s going on in this mini-revolution I find more camera and manufactures who are throwing their hat into the ring – over the next few weeks I’m going to take a look at some of the others who’ve come to compete – if you’ve found a device that I’ve not mentioned PLEASE list it in the comments of this post, if you are a manufacture of a device and you like to see it mentioned use the contact form to get in touch with me as I’d love to feature you!

Next time on Powered Production

On the next post I’m going to step you through all of the reasons that you – STILL need a real camera, so please stay tuned and chime in via the comments or send me a message on twitter (@big_b_rad) to tell me what you think.

Photos used on post

On Set by sheriffmitchell

With all of the buzz and the hype around the pocket video camera revolution I still find my self wanting one of these ‘fake’ cameras. And before you ram me down with belittling comments about my lack of love for this cute little devices I’ll tell you why I call them fake.

I call a real camera a device with semi manual controls, I’m not asking for everything manual – but there is a level of control that is necessary for “real” camera operation. In Why The Flip – I really out lined where I’d love to see these camera go, and with the purchase of Pure Digital by networking giant Cisco – I’m sure they will make some adjustments, but most to its connectivity – not it’s control (I’m sure – but hope that I’m wrong). To save time – please take a look at “Why The Flip“. The two things that I’m looking for any camera to have is manual white balance and real audio inputs; this would be a minimum. I’d love to see manual exposure and audio levels and optical lens controls, but is that asking too much?

Even according to my criteria of what makes a real camera – I still see these devices having a place in the production pipeline; but hopefully not as your only camera. Most of us have done single camera production for far too long have neglected the role of the B (or secondary) camera. A locked off shot for cover or a funky cut-away can really save your production.

This Months Inc. Magazine took a look at four more of these pocket camera – and I’m really leaning toward Kodak’s latest release the Kodak Zx1 HD Pocket Video Camera.  Main factors of me choosing that camera – form-factor, real memory card, replaceable (standard) batteries.  I really wished that they kept the mirrored button on the front but w/ the new shooting modes and the size a bit smaller I’m sure that it’s going to be what I go with. (more…)