Cameras
 Canon XF405 Camcorder |
Cameras are video capturing devices that can turn your cat into a Tiktok or Instagram sensation. They can also be used to create stimulus material or record participants during your research experiments. Different types of camera can be used for different purposes. When in doubt, ask the TSG which camera is most appropriate for your situation.
Aside from technical suitability, it is also very important to consider data privacy and protection when choosing a type of camera for research purposes, especially when recording outside of our lab environment. Always talk to your data officer/steward/person before starting your project. They can advise you on the type of recording media you are allowed to use and/or protocols to follow to ensure sensitive data isn't leaked.
Cameras
Below is an overview of available cameras within our faculty. Click on the individual pages for more information.
Ipods
The TSG recommends the use of Ipods for general observational recording of research participants. Most people will know how to operate the camera on their smartphone, so setting up and using the iPod should be familiar and easy. Our iPods are passcode-protected, providing an extra layer of data protection in case the device gets stolen or lost.
Pros: Ease of use, data protection
Cons: Limited options, image & audio quality
Webcams
Webcams can be used to stream and record video directly to a lab computer or laptop. This is helpful in situations where you wish to link/sync video data to other measurements, and/or to process the video data in real-time.
Pros: Ease of use, real-time monitoring
Cons: Limited options, image & audio quality
Camcorders
Camcorders are primarily used for recording stimuli material, or in cases where high image quality is required. Due to their larger sensor size and more advanced options, camcorders can offer a much higher image quality than other cameras listed on this page, especially in low-light conditions.
Pros: Image quality, image controls
Cons: Ease of use
360 Degree Cameras
360 degree cameras are special in that they can record a 360 degree view around them. You can use a 360 degree camera to create unique stimuli material, or in situations where you wish to record multiple subjects at once and placing multiple normal cameras is not an option.
Pros: Unique 360 degree view
Cons: Data security, file sizes, special editing software required
Surveillance Cameras
Surveillance cameras are, at least in our case, effectively webcams with a network connection. They are primarily used for monitoring only (not recording).
Pros: Ease of use, real-time monitoring
Cons: Limited options, image quality
Motion Capture Cameras
Motion capture cameras are highly specialized cameras used for tracking optical markers. What makes these cameras special is their global shutter (as opposed to a rolling shutter found in most other cameras, which is much cheaper but can create distortions), and their sensitivity to the infrared spectrum (wherein motion capture markers are visible). While it is possible to use some of our Qualisys cameras for recording regular video, it is not advised for any purposes other than motion capture.
Pros: Global shutter, high-speed marker tracking
Cons: Everything else