Continue
below to learn more about the equipment
available from SCS Gear2Go and to access links to
specifications, user guides, and other resources.
If you are already an experienced borrower and you
are ready to make a reservation, just click the
"Reserve Gear" button on the right. Enjoy the light and
sound!
Jump to:
Digital Video
Camcorders
Digital Still
Cameras
Digital Audio
Equipment
Tripods and Other
Equipment |
How
do I reserve equipment?
- Click the "Reserve Gear" button above to select from all available items, or click the appropriate "Reserve It" button below to select a particular device from this page.
- On the next page, click the "Book" button adjacent to the item you wish to reserve.
- Follow the screen prompts to complete the process.
- Watch your inbox for a message confirming your reservation.
If you prefer, you may call 410-704-5151 (Options 2,1,3) or visit the SCS Service Desk in CK-35 to make a reservation with staff assistance. But, we strongly encourage borrowers to make their own reservations online to avoid problems associated with miscommunication. SCS will call or email you if we are unable to accept your request for any reason.
It is our practice to cancel reservation requests made with any non-TU email address; only addresses ending in "@students.towson.edu" or "@towson.edu" are acceptable.
How
long may I keep the equipment?
You may reserve an item in advance for a period of one to four days. This term is intended to ensure fair access to our relatively modest inventory and to discourage borrowers from losing track of equipment. SCS may grant extensions under the conditions described below, but no item may ever remain checked-out for more than eight days without the explicit authorization of an SCS professional staff member. SCS retains the right to change this policy if necessary (providing advanced notice on this page) to insure equitable access and to prevent abuse.
- Any student, faculty, or
staff client may request a reservation
extension
during an
active reservation by calling,
emailing, or visiting SCS.
Please do not simply make a new
reservation online. You may
inadvertantly reserve an item other
than the one you already have; if
this happens, we will automatically
cancel the second reservation and
email you.
- Faculty and staff
clients may make two back-to-back
reservations
in advance,
if needed. To request a loan
term exceeding eight days, faculty/staff borrowers should email
or call Robert Cave
(rcave@towson.edu,
410-704-3024). Students
may not make
multiple back-to-back reservations
in advance.
- Please understand that if
we are
unable to grant an extension due to
conflicting reservations, you
must return the equipment by
the agreed-upon due date of the
initial reservation or we will
consider it overdue.
What
are the pickup and return procedures?
When you arrive to pick up equipment, an SCS staff member will initiate the check-out process, confirm that all kit components are present, and answer any questions you may have. We no longer print checkout receipts; however, we will gladly send you another confirmation email reflecting updates, if any, to your original reservation.
It is your responsibility to know and adhere to our terms and conditions.
When you return equipment, a staff
member will inspect it to verify that it
is undamaged and that all components are
present. Then, we will record the date
and time of the return. If components
are missing or damaged, we will require
more information to record the damage and determine who should be
responsible for the repair/replacement
costs.
We expect equipment to fail over time as
a consequence of day-to-day use; we hold clients responsible
only
for
loss and damage beyond normal wear and tear.
What happens if I return equipment late?
Your delay in returning equipment might prevent other clients from completing important assignments or projects on time. Consequently, we regard your due date seriously and ask that you call us immediately should an emergency situation prevent you from returning equipment on time.
SCS tracks the incidence of late
returns. If a client reaches a total of 6
late return days* or 3 late return incidents, SCS
will suspend his/her borrowing privileges
for both off-site and on-site resources
for 6 months.
(*Because your late return of 3
items---for example, a camera, a tripod,
and a microphone---could affect 3
separate clients waiting for those
items, we record one late return day item when
equipment is late.)
What happens if I fail to pickup equipment without notifying SCS?
When you make a reservation, the equipment is held for you. No one else can reserve it. If you don't pick up the equipment---in other words, you abandon the reservation---it remains unavailable to others, nevertheless. We recognize that plans sometimes change, but we believe that in such cases it is reasonable to expect the client to contact us and cancel the reservation. If your plans change and you will not be picking-up a reserved item, please email scs@towson.edu and include "Cancel Gear2Go" in the subject so that we may release the equipment for other borrowers.
SCS tracks the incidence of abandoned
reservations. After a client's 3rd
abandonment,
SCS will suspend his/her borrowing privileges
for both off-site and on-site resources
for 6 months.
If my borrowing privledges have been
suspended, is there somewhere else I can
borrow a camera to complete an
assignment?
We are unaware of any other campus or community services of this type. However, if your need is urgent, you can ask your professor to request an exception on your behalf by writing to rcave@towson.edu. In such cases, we will allow a student to borrow a Gear2Go item for up to four days.
What
kinds of devices are currently
available?
SCS circulates the following types of multimedia equipment. The numbers in brackets indicate the number of units SCS currently offers. If you would suggest adding equipment not represented here, please let us know.
Pocket digital
video camcorders, flash memory-based [24]
Advanced digital video camcorders, flash memory-based
[5]
Digital video camcorders,
MiniDV tape-based [4]
Digital SLR camera [3]
Digital compact cameras [2]
Digital audio
recorders [2]
Tripods [12]
Wireless lavaliere microphones
[3]
Wired lavaliere microphones [2]
Wired headphones
[10] (for use on site only)
Graphics Tablet [1]
(for use on site only)
Trackball
[1] (for use on site only)
Flatbed scanners [4]
(for use on site only)
MIDI keyboard headphones
[1] (for use on site only)
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Kodak Zi8 Camcorder [14]
This pocket-sized 1080 HD camcorder is easy to use and features removable
SDHC media and an external microphone
port.
Use the included AC adapter to power the
camera and you won't have to worry about
the batteries dying in the middle of a
shoot. |
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Cisco Flip UltraHD Camcorder [10]
This pocket-sized 720 HD camcorder is
the easiest-to-use camera we offer. Two
words: dead simple. In our experience,
you can expect to get 60 minutes of
recording from a set of 2 fully charged batteries.
The kit includes 4 batteries (which must
be returned) and a portable recharger
allowing for two hours of recording.
Battery recharging requires
approximately 6 hours. |
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Sony HDR-CX550V Camcorder [3]
This full-featured 1080p HD camcorder
records to both removable SDHC media and
an internal 64GB hard drive. It
features an high capacity battery and a
viewfinder, and it supports manual
control for the artistically inclined.
It also shoots standard definition video
and excellent 12.3 megapixel stills.
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Sony HDR-CX560 Camcorder [2]
This full-featured 1080p HD camcorder
records to both removable SDHC media and
an internal 64GB hard drive. It
features an high capacity battery and it
supports manual control for the
artistically inclined. It also shoots
standard definition video and excellent
12.3 megapixel stills.
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Panasonic PV-GS250 Camcorder [1]
This full-featured digital camcorder
records video to MiniDV tapes and 3.1
megapixel still images to SD media
cards. It circulates with a full
set of accessories including an external
microphone and wired remote control. This is a tape-based camcorder. Transferring video to a computer for editing will be more time consuming and may require special equipment. Bear in mind that you can can reserve the SCS Studio and request assistance when you're ready to transfer.
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Sony DCR-PC5 Camcorder [2]
This full-featured digital camcorder
records video to MiniDV tapes and sports
an i.Link (Firewire) port. This is a tape-based camcorder. Transferring video to a computer for editing will be more time consuming and may require special equipment. Bear in mind that you can can reserve the SCS Studio and request assistance when you're ready to transfer.
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Sony DCR-HC46 Camcorder [1]
This easy-to-use digital camcorder
records video to MiniDV tapes and
connects to computers via USB and i.Link
(Firewire) when mounted on the included
docking station. This is a tape-based camcorder. Transferring video to a computer for editing will be more time consuming and may require special equipment. Bear in mind that you can can reserve the SCS Studio and request assistance when you're ready to transfer.
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Canon EOS 60D Digital SLR [3]This professional-level DSLR camera records 18MP still photographs and full-HD video to SDHC media. It includes a Canon EF-S 18-135 F3.5 lens* and a vast selection of automatic and manual controls. The 60D connects to computers via USB. (*Borrowers are strongly discouraged from removing the lens; open Kit Tips below for more information.): : Resources KitTips Specifications Manual Lynda.com Course Some chapters are available without logging in. For full access, reserve LDC via SCS access. To provide fair access to this limited resource, new reservation rules go into effect September 10, 2012. Clients may make only one four-day reservation at a time. This reservation may be made up to 30 days in advance. Clients may make a new reservation on the final day of an existing reservation, provided that a kit is available. As mentioned above, DO NOT simply make a new reservation online. We will cancel it. Instead call or visit to request that your existing reservation be extended. These new rules apply our Canon 60D kits only. : :
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Canon PowerShot A95 [1]
This excellent 5.0 megapixel digital
still camera sports a 3x optical zoom,
an angle-adjustable view screen, and
manual control options.
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Kodak EasyShare C663 [1]
This excellent 6.1 megapixel digital
still camera features a 3x optical zoom
and shoots web-quality (640x480) MPEG
video.
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Olympus Camedia C-3020 [1]
This lower-resolution 3.2 megapixel
digital still camera features a 3x
optical zoom and a bright F2.8 lens; it
also supports manual settings and
records QuickTime movies. |
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Samson Zoom H2 Digital Audio Recorder [2]
This small, lightweight digital audio
recorder will capture vocal and
instrumental performances, as well as
interviews and lectures with stunning
clarity. The device features four
on-board microphones and records in a
variety of formats and quality levels to
affordable SDHC media cards.
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audio-technica Pro 88W Wireless Mic System [3]
This rugged, easy-to-use wireless
microphone system offers two switchable
frequencies and supports a 100'-300'
range. It's great for video
applications. The transmitter and
receiver each use a single 9 volt
battery.
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audio-technica 805b Wired Mic [2]
This classic wired lavaliere
microphone is suitable for interviews in
the studio; it includes a 1/4" to 1/8"
plug adapter and runs on a single button
cell battery (included). Spare batteries
are located in the front zippered pocket
of the kit case.
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Blue Yeti USB Mic [1]
This advanced multi-pattern (4) USB
microphone is well suited to recording a
wide variety of audio sources--from
narration to choral and instrumental
performances--directly to a computer.
There is a headphone port for
monitoring.
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Labtec C110 Headphones [1]
These lightweight, comfortable
open-style headphones |
This device is available for use on site (in SCS facilities) only. |
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Sony MDR-XD100 Headphones [1]
These lightweight, comfortable studio
monitor-style headphones convey bass
sounds more accurately than open-air
headphones.
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This device is available for use on site (in SCS facilities) only. |
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Behringer HPS3000
Headphones [8]
These :: Resources Kit Tips (in development) Specifications Manual |
This device is available for use on site (in SCS facilities) only. |
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M-Audio
Axiom 49 MIDI
Keyboard [1]
(1st Gen) For use with DAW (audio) software (e.g., Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Garage Band) to input/edit music. : : Resources Kit Tips (in development) Specifications Manual : : |
This device is available for use on site (in SCS facilities) only. |
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Wacom
Intuos4 6"x8"
Graphics Tablet
[1] This input device for the artistically inclined includes the Intuous4 medium tablet, pen, mouse and a pen stand all in a soft case. : : Resources Kit Tips (in development) Specifications Manual : : |
This device is available for use on site (in SCS facilities) only. |
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Kensington
Expert Mouse USB
Trackball [1] This mouse alternative may give your wrist a rest and provide you better control of your cursor. : : Resources Kit Tips (in development) Specifications Manual : : |
This device is available for use on site (in SCS facilities) only. |
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Epson
Perfection 3490
Photo USB Flatbed
Scanner [2] This 3200 dpi flatbed scanner can be connected to any SCS computer for digitizing photos, art work or printed pages. : : Resources Kit Tips (in development) Specifications Manual : : |
This device is available for use on site (in SCS facilities) only. |
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Sony VCT-R640 Video Tripod [9]
These video tripods are light enough
to carry around all day, yet sturdy
enough to support rock-solid recording
in all but the most extreme conditions.
The pan-tilt head and quick release are
perfect for your next video or photo
project.
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Velbon Victory 480 Video Tripod [1]
Solid support with a 3-way pan-tilt
video head and quick release.
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Bogen 3001B Pro Video Tripod [1]
This all-metal tripod is a heavy,
professional-quality support suitable
for applications when extra stability is
called for. Includes a 3-way pan-tilt
video head and quick release.
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Quantaray Titan QII-550 Video Tripod [1]
Solid support with a 3-way pan-tilt
video head and quick release. |
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Gear2Go / Gear4Here
Terms & ConditionsIn taking possession of the equipment you are
requesting from Student Computing Services,
(A)
you attest that you are a Towson University student,
faculty member, or staff member and possess a valid
TU OneCard identification;
(B)
you agree to take all reasonable steps to safeguard
the equipment from damage and theft, to adhere to
the SCS guidelines for equipment care and to return
the equipment in the same state you received it;
(C)
you agree to return the equipment and all
constituent components on or before the due date and
time indicated in your reservation confirmation and
receipt;
(D)
you acknowledge your understanding that if you do
not return the borrowed equipment on time, SCS may
deny your reservation and borrowing requests in the
future;
(E)
you acknowledge your understanding that if you do
not return this equipment within one week of the due
date, SCS may bill you for the replacement value of
the equipment through the Towson University Bursar's
Office;
(F)
you acknowledge your understanding that if you
repeatedly reserve equipment and then fail to pick
it up without alerting SCS, we may deny your
reservation and borrowing requests in the future;
(G)
you acknowledge your understanding that Towson
University, the Office of Technology Services, and
Student Computing Services will not be responsible
for file or media loss due to equipment malfunction
or misuse;
(E)
you acknowledge your understanding that Student
Computing Services routinely deletes all borrower
content (i.e., image, audio and video files) from
returned equipment and that it is your
responsibility to transfer your files to your own
computer or storage device before returning borrowed
equipment.
Late Return Policy
Abandoned Reservation Policy
When you make a reservation, the equipment is held
for you. No one else can reserve it. If you don't
pick-up the equipment---in other words, you abandon
the reservation---it remains unavailable to others,
nevertheless. We recognize that plans sometimes
change, but we believe that in such cases it is
reasonable to expect the client to contact us and
cancel the reservation. SCS tracks the incidence of
abandoned reservations. After a client's third
abandonment, SCS will suspend his/her borrowing
privileges for both off-site and on-site resources
for 6 months.
:::
: :
Plan
to use a device that records to removable SDHC
memory cards? We suggest that you consider
buying your own SDHC memory card, Class 6 or
faster, for the
peace of mind that comes with knowing your
card's history and so that you can more
conveniently access your recordings after
returning the camera or recorder. 
If
you plan to use a MiniDV tape-based video
camera, we highly recommend that you buy a new
MiniDV tape for each video recording project.
Or, at the very least, use a tape that you know has not
been overused.
8000 York Road | Towson, MD 21252 | 410-704-2000