equipment
Equipment loans are granted under the assumption that Brandeis community members will return all components in good working condition. Fees for replacement or repair of components may be assessed if items are lost or damaged.
Standard Equipment
This equipment circulates routinely on a first-come first-served basis--no advance notice is needed and training is provided upon request.
Canon Vixia HD Camcorder (above)
Our most commonly-used camcorder, designed for quick-and-simple video shoots. Suitable for language projects, video interviews, and graduate research.
Features:
- Shoots at resolutions of up to 1920x1080
- Records to on-board digital memory or SD card
- Supports relay recording
- Built-in microphone
- Includes charger
Canon ZR960 Camcorder (above)
This point-and-shoot camcorder records to a miniDV tape. Video shot with this camcorder must be captured using special workstations in the Getz Multimedia Lab.
Features:
- Records to miniDV tape only
- Built-in microphone
- Does not shoot in HD -- to use HDV tapes, see the Panasonic HDV's, below
- Includes charger and audio-out converter
Zoom H2 Recorder (above)
This audio recorder is simple to use and is great for recording both voice and music.
Features:
- Built-in microphone can record from two directions simultaneously, making it ideal for interviews
- standard microphone and headphone jack (allows use of external microphones)
- Capable of recording phone conversations if paired with an audio splitter
- Includes headphones and charger
Microphone Kit (above)
The microphones in this kit are a big step up from using the built-in microphones of our audio recorders and camcorders. Use this kit for better control over your sound design.
Features:
- Shotgun microphone for directional sound recording (two modes: wide and narrow)
- Wired lav microphone
- Includes lapel attachment (lav) and shoe mount (for shotgun)
Tripod (above)
A tripod is a must for any extended video shoot.
Features:
- Quick-release plate for easy attachment to all of our equipment
- Full tilt/turn control
- Maximum height around 5 feet via telescoping legs
- Specialty tripods are also available by request (see below)
Specialty Equipment
This equipment requires a training session and a reservation of at least 24 hours in advance.
Nikon D3100 DSLR (above)
This DSLR camera provides a lot of control over focus and exposure, and is best suited for shooting high-quality still images.
Features:
- Detachable, manual focus lens (additional lenses available)
- Includes charger
Canon EOS DSLR (above)
This DSLR camera is excellent for recording HD video on high-speed SD cards. It is frequently requested for professional-grade film shoots.
Features:
- Detachable, manual focus lens (additional lenses available)
- Requires specialty microphone kit for audio recording
- Includes extra battery pack and charger
Panasonic HPX 170 (above)
The HPX is a high-end video camera that records HD video onto P2 media. Video shot with this camera must be captured using a special workstation in our lab.
Features:
- Records to P2 media only
- Has two XLR ports for external microphones
- Includes extra battery pack and charger
Sony HDV (above)
This camera records onto high-definition DV tapes. Video shot with this camera must be captured using special workstations in the Getz Multimedia Lab.
Features:
- Records to HD miniDV tape only
- Has two XLR ports for external microphones
- Includes shotgun microphone, extra battery pack, and charger
LED Lighting Kit (above)
Our LED lighting kits are lighter and easier to use than halogen lights and do not get as warm, but their overall light output is smaller, rendering them less effective for ambient lighting.
Features:
- Sizes: 75W, 125W
- Can be combined with gels for different light temperatures
- Includes tungsten filters
Halogen Lighting Kit (above)
Our halogen lighting kits are preferred for larger-scale set lighting, especially when ambient lighting is required.
Features:
- Sizes: 150W, 300W, 650W, and 1000W
- Can be combined with gels for different light temperatures
- Includes gloves for proper handling (the lights will get very hot!)
Specialty Audio Kit (above)
Our specialty audio kit includes several higher-end audio devices. These are a must for high-grade film shoots.
Features:
- H4 audio recorder accepts dual-channel XLR inputs
- Boom pole allows for better placement of microphones (either manually or with tripod)
- Shotgun microphone records high quality sound while isolating ambient noise (can be combined with windscreens for outdoor shoots)
- Includes high-quality headphones and XLR cable(s)
Lavalier Wireless Microphone Kit (above)
This kit is a set of two wireless body microphones. Each microphone includes a transmitter and receiver.
Features:
- Each microphone records to its own audio channel
- High-grade wireless connection reduces latency
- Includes batteries