New Page 4

Computer Control in KS2

Digital Cameras - Sony Mavica latest developments

Breaking news - NEW Mustek 4 Mega Pixel Camera

DV 3100 review (updated 26/09/2003)

Aiptek Pocket DV 3100

A perfect tool to capture classroom activities with short video clips and audio, still images and as a digital voice recorder.

Main specification

3.0 Megapixel digital imaging/1.5" fold out screen/built-in CF card slot/4-in-1 solution with Digital Camcorder, Still camera/Audio recorder/Web camera. Price guide £95

Supplier: Dabs.com

www.dabs.com/uk/productview?quicklinx=2FHR

As a low cost entry level digital camera featuring a fold out screen, the DV is an ideal IT tool to record computer control and other classroom activities. The camera is supplied with a 32Mb Compact Flash (CF) card, which allows additional numbers of still, audio and movie clips to be captured (see table below). When the card is inserted into its slot, all work is automatically saved to this device, and as an added bonus if the batteries fail, the images are not lost (see card reader article below).

Still images

Still images are recorded in the usual JPEG format, downloaded via a USB cable and viewed in the easy to use DV Cam Manager software. The quality is very good with a top resolution of 3.0 million pixels. If necessary edit the image in your favourite graphics package, or use the Photo Express software included on the CD-ROM. See tips below to improve image quality.

Audio capture

Need a low cost digital audio recorder? This could be the answer! Approximately 30 minutes of audio can be saved to the internal memory on the camera . With a 16Mb CF card this runs to approximately a further 60 minutes. Unusually, the audio can be played back from the camera prior to download for use in a program such as a Word processor or TextEase.

Video capture

Simply point and press the video button. Approximately 2 minutes of video can be captured with the built-in memory and then downloaded to PC. Once again, this time period can be extended with a CF card. To keep the camera steady and capture quality video, I would recommend using the supplied tripod stand.

Tips

	The DV Cam manual (on CD) is worth reading!
	Set the correct focus for the picture.
	The camera has no flash, so when indoors make sure the subject is well lit from the front.
	Keep the camera steady and if necessary use the tripod stand.
	I would *strongly* recommend the use of two AA rechargeable batteries.
	To expand the storage capacity purchase a Compact Flash (CF) card and reader (see below).
	Compact flash card readers are cheap and a perfect for fast transfer of data to a PC.

Negative factors with the DV camera

	If a flash utility is important, then this is not the right camera for you.
	Heavy on batteries, so invest in rechargeables.
	Poor quality LCD display but adequate.

System requirements

MS Windows '98SE,ME,2000 or XP

Pentium 300 Mhz or above

64Mb RAM

Available USB port

Prior to installation of the DV Cam software, DirectX 8.0 or above is required on your system . If not present , it can be downloaded for free from Microsoft's homepage.

Further information and education supplier:

http://custom1.farnell.com/cpc/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CPC+additional+products&category%5Fname=&product%5Fid=CS0933466

Amazing NEW Mustek DV4000

4 Mega Pixel Digital camera [14/01/2004]

At an amazing £89.95, and a fully featured specification, this tiny camera with its rechargeable battery, has just become my late Xmas present!

So what does it offer for classroom activities?

Record classroom activities for evidence or use the video to support QCA /Multimedia, all at an amazing 30fps. Most comparable priced cameras usually offer 10fps.

Digital voice recorder

Need to record a narrative for use in a document, or on a timeline with a video? Well it also functions as a digital voice recorder and could be used as a note taker.

Still images

Record nearly one hundred high quality images to the supplied MMC memory card and with a card reader(not supplied - expect to pay around £19), view and transfer through Internet Explorer. Alternatively, transfer the images through the supplied USB cable to your PC computer.

Main specification

4 mega Pixels

2304*1728 Max resolution

Self timer

Zoom 4X

1.5" LCD TFT display

24 Bit colour depth

Max colours 16 Million

Memory 32Mb MMC card included

Video AVI (30 fps max)MPEG 4

Weight 94g

Battery Li-Ion rechargeable (same battery as Nokia phone)

Mustek DV4000

More pictures..

Suppliers: Cheapest I could find is www.PlanetMicro.co.uk (Manchester)

Price: £89.95+VAT

Hands-on - First thoughts

	Looks and feels like quality kit
	The first task was to charge the battery which took around 2 hours and unlike other cameras in this price bracket the battery lasts and is rechargeable!
	Picture quality is excellent. I would advise using the tripod stand to hold the camera steady.
	Very easy to use keypad. Simply press the Function button to cycle between the main options, which are, Still images, Video, Audio and play MP3 tracks (headphones included)
	Various picture effects can be applied such as Sepia
	Purchase a card reader at approx £19, as it makes it so much easier getting the images into your PC.
	No flash (not expected in this price bracket) so make sure adequate subject light
	Handy 4X zoom facility, which can be used as a video is recorded

Conclusion

An excellent classroom camera at an unbelievable price.