Taglab Video Game Research Fieldkit Recommendation
Kodak Zi8 Pocket HD Camcorder x2 ($159.99@ amazon.ca 25Sept )
Joby Gorillapod SLR Tripod x4 ($49.99 bestbuy.ca 28Sept)
Tiffen Smoothee Camera Mount for Zi8/Flip (no CA source found)
$319.98
$199.96
$X
El Gato EyeTV HD High Definition Video Recorder
(Apple Canada 13Oct) *requires Macbook
Alt: Sony DVDirect® DVD Recorder MC6 (sonystyle.ca 11Oct )
$199.99
$249.99
Zoom H4N Handy Recorder with full accessory kits (dvshop.ca 25Sept) $359
Sennheiser HD 448 Headphones (tigerdirect.ca 1Oct)
$131.93
Sandisk SD High Capacity 8GB Card x4 ($49.95@ vistek.ca 3Oct)
$199.80
Livescribe 8GB Echo™ Smartpen x2 (smartpencentral.com)
Ink Cartridges, Refill kit x2 ($11@ smartpencentral.com)
Flip Note Pad, 4-Pack x2(16.99@ smartpencentral.com)
$225
$22
$33.98
Looxcie Bluetooth Cameras x2 ($200@)
$400
Lowepro Fastpack 250(vistek.ca 13Oct)
$119.95
Sandisk SD High Capacity 8GB Card x4 ($49.95@ vistek.ca 3Oct)
Surge Strip (tigerdirect.ca 13Oct)
Composite Video Splitter (tigerdirect.ca 13Oct)
Composite Cable (tigerdirect.ca 13Oct)
Component Video Splitter (tigerdirect.ca 13Oct)
Component Cable (tigerdirect.ca 13Oct)
RCA VGA Component Video Cable (tigerdirect.ca 13Oct)
Rechargeable AA Batteries 4pack (x2) ($11.99@ tigerdirect.ca 13Oct)
$199.80
$9.99
$62.99
$21.99
$68.99
$24.99
$49.99
$23.98
ASUS Eee PC 1001PX-MU27-BK Netbook (wishabi.ca 5Oct)
Alt: iPad (apple.com/ca/ipad/ 13Oct)
$298.00
$549
TAGlab Video Games Study Fieldkit
Screen capture
Video
OR
The Elgato EyeTV (in combo with a
Macbook) or the Sony DV Recorder MC6
(DVDs or SD cards required) are
included for screen capture from gaming
console. Composite or Component
splitters and cables are needed.
Field Notes
Sound
OR
Kodak Zi8 video cameras with
Gorillapods and a Smoothee for
live video capture in field. (SD
cards required) In addition two
mini bluetooth cameras are
included for gamers to wear
during play for an alternate
perspective
Zoom H4 and Sennheiser
headphones for on site audio
recording and interview
recording. (AA batteries and SD
cards required)
The livescribe note pen and pad are
included for field note taking. A basic
netbook or iPad are also
recommended for fieldnotes and
video playback in field.
Specifications (not including cables, splitters batteries, cards etc)
Kodak Zi8 Pocket HD Camcorder x2
This one touch, point and shoot HD video recorder has multiple fieldwork applications.
Its small body and simple interface make it ideal for onsite field work and give the
researcher a high quality image which can be used for both analysis and presentation.
Unlike the Flip, which was used in earlier fieldkits, this writes to SD/SDHC Memory Card
for better organization with multiple researchers sharing equipment and takes low
quality (5.3 megapixel) still images if needed.
Two of these are included in each kit for multiple angles.
Full Specs from Kodak
Joby Gorillapod SLR Tripod
This small tripod fits easily in camera case/bag and can be mounted securely without
tools to exiting furniture and architecture without leaving marks. It is ideal mounting
camera in small places where a regular tripod would not fit like living rooms and game
rooms.
The SLR (or video although no source was found in CA) version is recommended over
the traditional Gorrillapod for sturdiness with multiple users.
Full Specs from Joby
Tiffen Smoothee Steadicam Mount*
This steadycam mount stabilizes small handheld cameras. The appropriate model is
recommended for the fieldkit containing the Zi8s.
*Unable to source Canadian Seller http://www.steadicam.com/smoothee_home.html
Zoom H4N Handy Recorder
This is a microphone and recorder device that has 4 directions of sound ideal for
isolating sounds in the field. This writes to SD/SDHC Memory Card for storage and
organization.
Sennheiser HD 448 Headphones
For monitoring audio recording at especially noisy sites.
ASUS Eee PC 1001PX-MU27-BK Netbook
This netbook also has a built in webcam, 9 hour battery life and 2 USB, a VGA port and
3.5mm audio jack in and out for use in screen capture and could also be used for notes
and video playback in the field.
El Gato EyeTV HD High Definition Video Recorder for Component Video
This video recorder would be used for screen capture of both component and
composite video. It requires a Mac on site.
Sony DVDirect® DVD Recorder MC6
This video recorder, used in combination with splitting cables will allow for screen
capture during gameplay. It writes to DVDs.
Livescribe 8GB Echo™ Smartpen and Paper Kit
Ideal for interview fieldnote logging the livescribe records sound while taking notes and
links written notes to the digital audio file.
Looxcie Bluetooth Cameras
These are wireless ear mounted bluetooth cameras for POV in-game recording.