New Equipment in the Visual Arts:Microphones:

RODE Video Mic: This is a microphone which can be attached to the top of any video camera and used for better sound. It is a directional microphone designed to pick up what is in front of it. It should be quite sensitive. It takes a 9 volt battery. If going out on a shoot make sure you have an extra battery. The mic sits in a shock mount to reduce microphone handling noise. You can also use this microphone on its own (just as a mic, with a mini disc or other recorder).
You can also use a longer cable (you will need a stereo mini female to stereo mini male if you are going into a video camera that has a mini input) and use the mic off camera up closer to your audio source.

Shure SM58 microphone.
A cardioid dynamic vocal microphone. For recording voice and other sounds relatively close to the source. “A built in spherical filter minimizes wind and breath “pop” noise. A cardioid pick up pattern isolates the main sound source while minimizing unwanted background noise.”
Connects with: XLR 3 pin balanced connectors, to go into a video camera (other than the PD 170 which takes XLR ins) you will need an XLR female to mini male cable.

Audio Technica Shotgun microphone;
A condenser microphone for precise recording. Good for recording at a distance from the mic. Uses 2 double A batteries. Should be used with a boom pole or pistol grip (coming soon!) watch out for mic handling noise.
Connects with: XLR 3 pin connectors, to go into a video camera (other than the PD 170 which takes XLR ins) you will need an XLR female to mini male cable.

Shure wireless lavalier (lapel clip) microphone.
The transmitter part of the system is not battery powered so you do need AC power, but your ‘talent’ can wear the wireless lapel mic and move around freely. The mics have a close pickup pattern, good for voice, Watch out for mic rustle from clothing.
The receiver attaches to the camera/recording device with a _ inch phono plug or XLR connection.
Several sets of headphones. You will need headphones if you are recording. Always monitor what you are recording!. If possible get your own headphones.

DSR 11: This is a stand alone Mini DV or DV Cam tape player. Sign this out and use this (instead of a camera) for digitizing video footage. This is highly recommended as digitizing from the camera is very hard on the motor.

Sony PD 170 3 chip video camera. This is a good quality video camera which shoots on both mini DV and DV Cam (better quality) tape. The camera is somewhat more complicated to use than the 1 chip mini dv cams and will be available to students on a per project basis after faculty approval and after the student has demonstrated that they have good knowledge of video production and their project would therefore benefit from using such a camera.

From now on you will be asked to sign a form which states that you have received the equipment in good order (so check it over) and that you are liable (financially) for the equipment while it is in your care. This policy is not really a change—it has always been so, but now we are making it clearer by asking you to sign a document. We don’t want to discourage you from using equipment, just realize that you are responsible for it.