New Equipment Checkout Items: Sept 2011

We've updated our inventory for the 2011-2012 school year to include some exciting new items for checkout at the Meyer Tech Desk.

Apple iPad 2

The rumors are true! We now loan out a very limited number of iPad 2 tablets. This magical and revolutionary device can be used for surfing the web, reading eBooks, video chatting, notetaking, and a variety of other exciting functions. We've installed some paid apps including Air Display, GarageBand, GoodReader, iMovie, Keynote, NoteShelf, Numbers, Pages, Prompt (SSH), and QuickOffice HD. (Check out some of our quick iOS App Reviews.) iPad comes in a protective leather case and USB chargers are loaned out separately at the Tech Desk. What will you do with the iPad?

Digital SLR (DSLR)

This quarter we are piloting the circulation of a Canon Rebel T3i digital SLR camera. This camera is capable of shooting high-resolution images and HD video. The camera comes with a flip-out LCD screen (camcorder style) and an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens to cover the standard zoom range. The kit comes with battery charger and a 16GB SDHC memory card.

Video tripods

In addition to our popular ballhead tripods (which are most useful for photography), we now have some Manfrotto video tripods with fluid heads and panhandles for smooth camera movements. These tripods use a captive mount instead of a quick release plate, so that is one less piece to worry about. But do note that these heavy-duty video tripods are quite a bit heavier (which is a good thing, when stability is paramount).

160-LED video light panels

Avoid overly-dark videos by illuminating your subject with the variable-brightness video light panel. This portable light packs a punch while staying much cooler than traditional hot lights. It comes with a diffuser panel for softening the light, and uses 6 AA batteries (not included) or some varieties of camcorder batteries (not available at the Meyer Tech Desk). Warning: This light is very bright. Don't shine it at full power into your subject's eyes.

Microphone / light bracket for cameras

If you've ever had trouble attaching an external microphone to one of our camcorders (either because it didn't have a hot shoe or it was a non-standard hot shoe), we now have a solution for you. Our new brackets attach to the tripod mount at the bottom of the camera and allow you to attach an external microphone and/or a video light. The bracket design still allows you to attach the camcorder with bracket to a standard tripod mount.

HD Video Camcorders:

We add new lightweight HD camcorders to our inventory. The Canon HF R21 camcorders feature full 1080p video, 20X optical zoom, external microphone jack, USB connectivity, 32GB of built-in memory, and dual SD card slots for adding more recording storage options. This camera has no hot shoe mount, s in order to attach an external microphone, we recommend also borrowing the microphone bracket available at the Meyer Tech Desk.

As always, our loan policies are outlined at Equipment Checkout at Meyer Library page.