Listed below are the products available for the Macaulay Honors College community. Please read the descriptions to learn which is best for you.
Go to the AV Request Form
Canon Powershot A540
The Canon Powershot A540 is great for beginner or intermediate users to take photographs for the web or average sized prints. It uses AA batteries and a USB cable (provided) to transfer photos to your computer.
Nikon DX80
The Nikon DX80 is a mid-level or professional-level DSLR camera designed for intermediate or advanced users. Its 10.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for large, photo-quality prints in either RAW or JPEG file types. It uses a Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and a USB Cable for transferring images to your computer (both provided, with battery charger). We suggest that only those with experience using a DSLR camera borrow this device. A tripod (the GorillaPod or Sony tripod) may be checked out at the same time, if desired and available.
Canon ZR80
The Canon ZR80 is a very effective camcorder for almost all video needs, but will require that you digitize your footage using capture software on your computer (eg, iMovie, Final Cut Pro). It records to videocassettes bearing the MiniDV mark (not provided) using a usb or firewire cable (provided). Use Firewire for Macs.
Flip Ultra Camcorder
The Flip Ultra Camcorder is for everyone. It has very simple functions and is small enough to fit in your pocket. There is no need to digitize footage, just plug it into the USB port on your computer and retrieve your video files. It uses two AA batteries and has a built in USB connector. This camera or the Vado are recommended for most users.
Vado HD G3
Much like the Flip Ultra Camcorder, the Vado HD G3 is a camcorder for everyone. It has very simple functions and is small enough to fit in your pocket. There is no need to digitize footage, just plug it into the USB port on your computer and retrieve your video files. It uses two AA batteries and has a built in USB connector. In addition to the features available on the Flip Ultra Camcorder, the Vado HD G3 brings you 720p HD video (*mp4 files encoded with H.264 video and AAC audio). The Vado also allows you to view your files on a TV with either HDMI or RCA cables. This device is strongly recommended for all uses. Video and sound quality are excellent. A tripod (usually the GorillaPod) may be checked out at the same time if desired and available.
SONY HVR-VIU HD
The Sony HVR-VIU HD is a Professional grade, high-def video camera. This camera is reserved for those enrolled in majors related to video production, or those with extensive video production experience. It is not consumer-level and is not operable for a novice. Its carrying case and accessories are the size of a large trunk or suitcase, and it is not suitable for portable use or subway transportation. In most cases, people borrowing this camera will also want to borrow the light kit, Sony tripod, and possibly a Shure microphone. For more information about loaning the Sony HVR-VIU HD video camera, please contact Mary Carney at mary.carney@mhc.cuny.edu
Gorilla Pod (Original)
The Gorilla Pod is a small table top tripod. It is very lightweight and portable, and easily adjustable for a wide variety of uses. You can use this tripod with the Flip Ultra Camcorder, Vado HD G3, and the Canon Powershot A540.
Shure Beta 58A Microphone
The Shure Beta 58A® is a high-output supercardioid dynamic vocal microphone designed for professional sound reinforcement and project studio recording. It has become a leading choice among vocalists and touring professionals worldwide. This microphone is necessary if you borrow the Marantz PMD-670.
Marantz PMD-670
The Marantz PMD-670 is a professional-level portable Digital Audio Recorder designed with compatibility for MP3, MP2, BWF, WAV formats. It is the size and weight of a large book such as an encyclopedia. The Marantz PMD-670 records to compact flash card (provided) and can use either AA batteries or AC adapter (provided). Transfer audio files from the Marantz via the USB connection cable (provided).
Olympus VN-702 PC Digital Audio Recorder
The Olympus VN-702PC captures stereo sound with an external condenser microphone and can record in both MP3 and WMA formats. Files can easily be downloaded to a computer via USB. It’s equipped with 2 GB of internal memory resulting in over 850 hours of recording and has a microSD card slot with the potential to hold up to 32 GB of additional memory. The recorder is compact and portable, about the size and weight of two candy bars. It runs on AA batteries. Sound quality is very good, even in noisy environments.