Video equipment
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This page describes The Document Foundation's video and audio recording equipment.
What's available
- Canon Legria HF G30 camcorder
- Movo WMIC60 wireless microphone set
- igadgitz tripod for camcorder (and case)
- Camcorder accesories: bag and extra battery
The camcorder is a prosumer device with various advanced features, but it's also possible to use it in an automatic mode, where the camcorder makes most decisions regarding lighting levels etc. The camcorder has two SD card slots.
What it can be used for
This equipment is ideally suited for filming interviews and presentations. It also has a decent image stabilisation mode, so you can record while moving around, without too much shaking in the final video. Some examples taken with the equipment:
- LibreOffice contributor interview - uses the WMIC60 microphone
- Conference roundup - includes clips taken while moving the camera
- Conference closing highlights - audio from in-built microphone
Quick setup guide
Manuals are included for the camera and microphone, but here's a quick guide to get you started.
The camera bag includes the camcorder, charger (with European two-prong plug), remote control, composite video cable, HDMI cable, USB cable, spare battery and remote control. (Note that the remote control requires a CR2025 button cell battery - not included at present.)
To operate the camcorder:
- Remove the lens cap
- Open the LCD screen on the left-hand side
- Insert your SD card into one of the slots revealed when you opened the screen
- On the top of the camera, to the left of the big T and W zoom buttons, make sure the mode is set to 'Auto'
- Above the SD card slot, move the slider into the 'Camera' position to turn the camera on
- Use the red 'Start/Stop' button to the right of the eyepiece to record
On the LCD screen, you'll see stats for remaining battery and recording time in the top-right. To access the on-screen icons, such as the Function menu (eg to enable image stabilisation in manual mode) use the Set button to the right of Start/Stop - it acts like a joystick, and can be pressed to select an item.
If you prefer to use the eyepiece rather than the LCD screen, simply pull it away from the camera (and then optionally tilt it up). And to zoom, use the T and W buttons on top of the camera.
Those are the basics - for more advanced features, including the manual mode, consult the documentation included in the case.
To use the wireless microphone, first connect the Receiver box with the short 3.5mm - 3.5mm cable to the camera. Use the mic out port of the Receiver and the red mic in port on the camera (slide of the rubber cover on the front of the camera, next to the lens). Then switch the Receiver's power button on the side to the middle position.
Next, connect the lavalier microphone (or hand-held one if preferred) to the mic in port on the Transmitter box. Then switch the Transmitter's power button on the side to the middle position. Now try talking into the microphone - the volume indicator on the bottom-right of the camcorder screen should show you it is picking up the noise. Adjust the volume using the buttons on the Transmitter and Receiver accordingly. (Note that both boxes require 2x AAA batteries each.)
The tripod is easy to use - see the white piece of paper included in the bag. Open the black plastic clips on the legs to extend them, and close them to keep the legs extended. The camera can be mounted directly onto the tripod.
How to borrow it
If you are attending an event on behalf of The Document Foundation or LibreOffice, or have a similar reason to use the equipment, please post on the marketing mailing list. We can then discuss the options available and make a plan going forward. The equipment has stickers with TDF inventory numbers, so that we can keep track of it.