A prosumer miniDV or pro DVCam camcorder on a tripod with a good-quality
lavaliere microphone on both the interviewer and the subject can capture
both the audio and video at CD quality sound. (Use a simple Y splitter to
plug the 2 mics into the stereo input of the camera, or use an outboard
mixer box to put both mics on both channels.)

Shoot onto a high quality DVCam tape ($10/hour) and then you have what
passes for archival quality in digital media. The sound can be put on CD for
later listening and/or transcription. Video and sound can be dubbed from the
camera onto VHS for viewing. You can also make a DVD with the video for
viewing, but this is NOT an archival copy (DVD is a lossy format).

The interviews can be edited to remove pauses, interruptions, etc., and
rendered back to DV tape without any loss if desired.

Throw in a portable light with a diffuser to make sure your footage doesn't
have blah color.

Total cost for camera setup, depending on camera (Canon and Panasonic are
two very good brands):
Under $3000

Editing and processing can be done on a $2000 iMac with the software that
comes with it.


On 2/12/04 12:17 PM, "Susan English" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Our museum is embarking on a project to preserve the stories of our local
> residents.  Although we are calling it the Oral History project, we are
> looking for easy to use equipment which we can document the interview both
> orally and visually.  We are a medium sized institution so cost is a
> concern, but also we do not want to produce the interviews on obsolete
> techniology.  Any suggestions from more technology savvy colleagues would be
> appreciated.
>
>
>
> Susan English
>
> Executive Director
>
> Joliet Area Historical Museum
>
> Joliet, Illinois
>
>
>
>
>
>
> =========================================================
> Important Subscriber Information:
>
> The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/
> . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a
> one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the
> message should read "help" (without the quotes).
>
> If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to
> [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff
> Museum-L" (without the quotes).
>

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steven Allison-Bunnell, PhD
Senior Producer & Writer ~ Educational Web Adventures
418 Woodford St., Missoula, MT 59801-4044
voice 406-829-3876 ~ fax 309-273-3718
[log in to unmask] ~ http://www.eduweb.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).