The six Queens student media teams in the Rio de Janeiro media project are carrying a video production kit that costs less than $700. The equipment was selected on four factors: price, size and weight, capability, and reviews. The equipment needs to be light enough for students to carry in the sun of Rio de Janeiro, making their way to assignments with public transportation, and versatile enough to offer manual focus, external audio, polarizing filters, and SD memory cards.
The total budget to equip all six teams was $3,000. Ultimately, because not more than four teams will be in the field at once, only four kits were created. Another consideration was appearance. Equipment needed to meet requirements of producing video of decent quality, without attracting attention. A monopod is lighter to carry and easier to set up than a tripod, can be used as a boom, and attracts less attention. A reflector is lighter and more reliable than an LED lighting kit. A small shotgun microphone or a wired lavalier microphone can handle audio for most interview situations.
As basic consumer-level equipment, the equipment attracts less attention, but can handle most situations in decent lighting conditions. Students work under the premise that creative ideas make stories, not equipment.
A. Canon VIXIA HF R600 Full HD Camcorder (Black)
$299
The Canon VIXIA HF R600 captures sharp and steady high-definition video with optical image stabilization, manual focus features, and external audio capability.
Watson BP-718 Lithium-ion Battery Pack (3.6V, 1780mAh) “X3”
$29.00
The Watson BP-718 Lithium-Ion Battery Pack provides additional battery capacity of 1780mAh, 3.6V of output power, and 6.408 watt hours.
B. Manfrotto 560B-1 Aluminum Fluid Video Monopod RC2 Quick Release
$164.49
The Manfrotto 560B-1 Aluminum Fluid Video Monopod RC2 Quick Release is extremely portable, supporting more stable shooting with small cameras in confined spaces. The monopod incorporates a fluid cartridge in the base for smooth pans, and has a set of retractable feet for a firm footing on uneven ground.
C. Cowboy Studio Heavy Duty Photography Video L Bracket wth 2 Standard Flash Hot Shoe Mounts
$8.80
Allows for the shotgun mic and on-board light to be mounted to the camera and monopod.
D. Genaray LED-2100 36 LED Compact On-Camera Light
$29.95
The Genaray LED-2100 36 LED Compact On-Camera Light casts light in an area of about 25 feet, with a 65° wide beam angle, at 5600K daylight color temperature.
E. Canon 200 EG Backpack
$39.95
Lots of separators and inserts to protect lenses and microphones. A pocket just large enough to slide a reflector into.
F. Audio-Technica ATR3350iS Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone for Smartphones
$29.00
The ATR3350iS Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone for Smartphones is a reliable, low-cost design.
G. Sony MDR-7502 Supra-Aural Closed-Black Professional Monitor Head phones
$39.90
The MDR-7502 is an over-the-ear, closed-back professional headphone.
H. GoPro HERO3+ Silver Edition Camera
$299.99
Allows students to shoot action footage. Only two GoPro units are available.
I. Rode video Mic with Rycote Lyre Suspension System
$149.00
The VideoMic with Rycote Lyre Suspension System is a small shotgun microphone with a suspension system that attaches to the camera’s hot shoe.
J. Tiffen 43mm circular polarizing filter
$22.99
Tiffen 43mm Circular Polarizer Filters get rid of unwanted glare from polarized surfaces such as water and glass.
K. Tiffen 43mm UV Protector Filter
$6.25
The Tiffen 43mm UV Protector Filter is a general use, clear filter that protects the lens, helps to absorb ultraviolet light, and reduces the bluish cast of daylight.
L. Tiffen 43mm XLE series aXent Neutral Density 3.0 Filter
$17.06
The Tiffen 43mm XLE Series aXent Neutral Density 3.0 Filter is a neutral density ND filter that provides a 10-stop exposure reduction.
M. Raya 5-in-1 Collapsible Reflector Disc (22”)
$14.95
The 22-inch 5-in-1 Collapsible Reflector Disc modifies and reflects light. It offers white, silver, gold, and black surfaces as well as a one-stop translucent diffusion panel.