Jun
23
Written by:
host
6/23/2009 7:00 AM
There are plenty of gadgets that are useful for Christian educators, youth directors, and others in faith formation ministries to have. I use digital voice recorders regularly, and would not want to go anywhere without my smart phone. These days, though, one of the handiest tools to have in your technical toolkit is a Flip camcorder.
The Flip series of camcorders have been around for about two years now, and they are incredibly versatile little tools. Little is certainly a key word, as the approximately 4" x 2" x 1" size makes it easy to put in a pocket or purse. The sharp, 1.5" or 2" diagonal screen is large enough to frame up a shot, and actually the small size can help you to remember to get closer to the action in order to get a good-sized image. They hold either 60 or 120 minutes of video, and the built-in USB connector and minimal controls make using the camera as simple as can be. I recommend getting one of the Flip UltraHD models for the best picture resolution and storage size, but if you gotta have a fun color or even a custom-designed Flip, then go with the Flip MinoHD.
Enough with the specs. (If you're really into the technical nitty-gritty comparison of the models, go here.) What are some of the things you can do with a Flip?
- Create your own basic podcasts to share with the congregation or youth
- Take it with you to youth events to capture that great moment
- Get a few of them to use for video scavenger hunts
- Record and share a Sunday school class play with parents
- Use it instead of a regular digital camera
- Post videos to YouTube or Facebook
- Capture a special guest lecture to share with those who couldn't be there
- Send a video birthday greeting to a friend, teacher, or church member
- Invent a whole new kind of class or small group built around creating, viewing, and sharing videos.
- Have a ton of fun!
Flip cameras are available almost anywhere camcorders are sold, so go try one out. (But getting one from Amazon helps to support The Daily Voice and earns you our undying gratitude.) My promise: You'll Flip when you find out how easy it is to regularly shoot ministry-related videos with a Flip!
- by Tim Gossett