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The Cal Poly Humboldt Library has equipment for you to check out for free! You can borrow anything for three days and can grab multiple items, including DSLR cameras, camcorders, GoPro cameras, tripods, digital audio recorders, microphones and more. You can ask for any of these items at the Checkout desk on the first floor.
If you have any questions about equipment, or other aspects of a digital project, we are happy to help! Contact us (the Makerspace) at makerspace@humboldt.edu.
Audio equipment is listed on our Creating Audio page. Don't forget that the audio in your video project is as important as the video itself. Depending on your project, you may want to capture your audio to a separate device in order to get the best quality. Many of the cameras have built-in mics that are fine, but some are lacking.
The Canon Vixia HF G70 is one of our best options for capturing high-quality footage for a variety of video projects, including interviews, presentations, events and more. The G70 is the updated version of the G20 (see below) and both are wonderful for video and have quality built-in microphones. With built-in storage and two SD card slots, you can shoot and store a huge amount of footage. You may want to also borrow a tripod, lavalier mic or other accessories.
The Canon Vixia HF G20 is also a great option and is the older model version of the G70, sharing many of the same features.
Compatible Microphones
The Canon Vixia HF R300, R700 and R800 cameras are great for capturing high-quality footage for your video project, including interviews, presentations, events and more. The cameras include all you need to record basic video (includes built-in mic) but you may want to also borrow a tripod, lavalier mic or other accessories.
Compatible Microphones
Zoom calls the Q2n-4k "the 4k camera for musicians" for a reason -- it is truly optimized for capturing audio. It has built-in stereo XY mics that can handle loud sounds (up to 120 db SPL) and the option to connect an external mic. Use the Zoom Q2n-4k as a webcam and stream live events!
Real-time availability info is not available yet- please email us (dml@humboldt.edu) or drop by the Checkout Desk to learn more.
The camera itself is simple but requires some setup to get started:
Zoom Video Tutorials (YouTube)
With any luck, once you connect your camera with the included USB cable, your computer will recognize it and you will stream the same way as you would with the built-in camera. However, if you have any issues, this simple guide from Sweetwater music will help you through.
The R10 is a mirrorless camera that has a fast automatic focus, making it a slightly better pick for video compared to DSLRs. Mirrorless cameras also let you shoot video continuously for up to 2 hours -- well beyond the 30 minute limit of DSLRs. But the mirrorless R10 also allows you to shoot high quality photos with plenty of the options also found on DSLRs to control for those technical shots, like ISO, focus, shutter speed, and more.
The adjustable vari-angle touchscreen makes taking shots at awkward angles a snap. The 24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, high-speed 15 FPS mechanical shutter, and fast autofocus make this a great option for photo or video. This camera is also lighter than most of our DSLRs.
This mirrorless camera is great for photos and video.
The camera is ready for your next project, but remember to:
The Nikon D5600 is an updated version of our great D3200 DSLR camera. The D5600 is bit better suited to shooting video, with a flip-out display. This DSLR provides plenty of automatic point-and-shoot functions but also allows you to control things like ISO, focus, shutter speed, and more to take those technical shots. The D5600 also has some built-in special effects, including selective color and fisheye.
This DSLR camera is great for photos and video.
The camera is ready for point and shoot, but remember to:
The basics:
More advanced features:
The Nikon D3100 is a great camera that provides plenty of automatic point-and-shoot functions but also allows you to control things like ISO, focus, shutter speed, and more to take those technical shots.
This DSLR camera is great for photos and video.
The camera is ready for point and shoot, but remember to:
The Canon T8i is a great camera that provides plenty of automatic point-and-shoot functions but also allows you to control things like ISO, focus, shutter speed, and more to take those technical shots.
The T8i is also WiFi enabled to allow you to transfer photos and video to mobile devices and social media. This DSLR is also optimized to shoot full HD (1080p) video. The adjustable vari-angle touchscreen makes taking shots at awkward angles a snap.
This DSLR camera is great for photos and video.
The camera is ready for point and shoot, but remember:
The Canon T6i is a great camera that provides plenty of automatic point-and-shoot functions but also allows you to control things like ISO, focus, shutter speed, and more to take those technical shots.
The T6i is also WiFi enabled to allow you to transfer photos and video to mobile devices and social media. This DSLR is also optimized to shoot full HD (1080p) video. The adjustable vari-angle touchscreen makes taking shots at awkward angles a snap.
This DSLR camera is great for photos and video.
The camera is ready for point and shoot, but remember to:
The Library has several GoPro Hero Black cameras available to check out for your next video project. These tiny cameras are great for almost any video or photo project. They are waterproof (to 33ft with the door latched), have built in mics, and can be controlled via the free Android and iOS apps or via the voice command feature. You can also control the camera using the LCD touch screen. The front-facing screen also allows you to monitor what is being captured if you are recording yourself.
We currently have the Hero13, Hero11, Hero9, and Hero8 cameras. All of them produce high-quality video and audio and use the same app to control the cameras. For most projects, we recommend any of these cameras, but if you have specific needs, here is a list comparing the specs for the different models:
| Camera Model | Hero13 | Hero11 | Hero9 | Hero8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum video resolution | 5.3k at 60 fps | 5k at 60 fps | 5k @ 30 fps | 4k @ 60 fps |
| Maximum photo resolution | 27.13 MP | 27.13 MP | 20 MP | 12 MP |
| Maximum slo-mo resolution | 240 fps at 2.7k | 240 fps at 2.7k | 240 fps at 1080p | 240 fps at 1080p |
| Webcam mode? | 1080p, 30 fps | 1080p, 30 fps | Yes | Yes |
Try out the Quik App to make edits, add transitions, music and more — all from your phone or tablet. Stream live directly from the camera using it as a webcam to use with Zoom and other desktop applications or directly live stream to Facebook, YouTube, and more (see details and instructions below).
You can also edit your videos with a variety of other applications free to you as a member of Cal Poly Humboldt. Visit our Creating Video Software guide for recommendations and details.
The camera is simple but still requires a few important considerations:
The GoPro Max 360 is a dual lens 360-degree camera that captures 5.6k resolution video and photos. With the GoPro Max, you can also switch between the front and back lenses when filming or shooting for unique perspectives. The camera also has built-in stabilization and stitching to make 360-degree projects simple. The audio quality of the GoPro Max is fantastic, with six microphones embedded within the camera.
The GoPro Max is water proof and dust proof just like other GoPro cameras (as long as all of the doors are closed). However, you will want to keep the lens protectors over the lenses whenever using the camera in other than pristine conditions to avoid damaging them. The included tripod/selfie stick will not appear on the video and can be mounted to a backpack to give the appearance of a drone flying above you.
The camera is relatively straightforward and can be used by itself, but it is recommended to download the mobile Quik App available for iOS and Androids. The software interface is intuitive.
Download Suggestions for Spectacular Results:
GoPro Player - software for editing & importing your footage (Mac & Windows). Unless you are exporting your footage through your phone, you will need to use this software to render your footage as .mov files. The native GoPro Max file format is .360 and is not compatible with any other software, so it must be converted to .mov through a phone or through the GoPro Player software before you can edit the footage with other software. Our Using GoPro Player to Convert .360 to .mov guide has step by step instructions with detailed explanations to help guide you through the process.
GoPro Player has known keyboard control issues:
Please note, there are known accessibility barriers associated with the use of the GoPro Player software. Advanced settings for batch exports are not accessible using keyboard controls. Keyboard controls for advanced settings are fully functional for individual exports and for adding individual files to a batch queue. We include detailed keyboard control instructions in our Using GoPro Player to Convert .360 to .mov guide. However, if you require assistance with the software, our equipment or the equipment checkout process, please contact the Digital Media & Learning Librarian, Tim Miller, at (707) 826-4959. You can also email us at makerspace@humboldt.edu or drop by the first floor of the Library for help.
Adobe Premiere Rush - use your phone or tablet to edit, add music and sound effects, titles, adjust colors, and more! Free with Creative Cloud & free for three imports without Creative Cloud).
Videos for Creating, Saving, Editing, & Publishing:
Importing Photos/Videos on Mac & PC without Quik App (2 minutes)
Overview of how to use GoPro Player for Mac and PC (6 :30 min.)
Guide to Vlogging and Editing/Tips with Adobe Premiere Pro + Quik App ( 11 min.)
Editing & Exporting 360 Video with GoPro Player & Quik App - GoPro Player at 2:39 & Quik App on Mobile at 13:09 ( 20 min. )
360-degree video is very different from regular video and there are a few things you'll want to consider when designing your next 360 project.
The Insta360 X3 is a dual-lens 360-degree (spherical) video camera that is waterproof to 33 feet (unlike the One X). You can also easily grab still images from the video using the app, which is also used to control the camera (via Bluetooth and Wireless connections- instructions). Like the GoPro Max, you can also reframe the 360 footage to convert it to regular video. The Insta360 app has many features to edit any kind of video project you're working on. If you're new to shooting 360-degree video, Insta360 has some great resources to help you get the best footage.
Download your videos using the included USB cable or use the app to save to your phone or tablet. The Insta360 X3 also supports live streaming and many features that make this more than just a 360-degree camera.
Use the invisible selfie stick (included) to shoot footage that appears to be floating in mid-air. Upload photos directly to Google Street View with the app.
The camera itself is simple and can be used on its own but works best with the Android and iOS apps and some setup to get started:
360-degree video is very different from regular video and there are a few things you'll want to consider when designing your next 360 project.
The Logitech c920 HD Pro Webcam is great for web conferencing, live streaming, and recording interviews and events. The high quality of the 1080p HD camera is matched by the stereo mics with built-in noise reduction.
The webcam is quite simple- all you need is a computer or device with a USB port and software for your project. Simply plug in the camera and it should automatically be recognized by Windows or Mac computers. For best results with your project be sure to test out the camera and mics before your event or video shoot.
There are different programs you can use for your project, including:
If you are looking for more in-depth tutorials on creating videos, we have some Online SkillShops that cover the complete process. You will also earn a badge for each SkillShop you complete!
Tell us your ideas! We'd love to learn how we can help you with your next project. If you have purchase suggestions, tutorial or workshop requests, need a space or want to meet up with others to share ideas: let us know!
If you borrowed equipment from somewhere else on campus, be sure to return it directly to them. The CAHSS Equipment Center loans gear to Art, Journalism, and Film students and is located in Gist Hall, room 210.
