Hi Mary
Interesting input - and wow, I can't believe an instructor would spin on the first lesson! I'll ask them to take me up in a Cessna and do it at some point I think; I'm learning in a PA28 so no spinning for me in that.
I'm going to have to disagree with you about the camera though. I have a small GoPro, dictaphone and associated audio cable. It's a rig that I set up before I even do my walk around. I set it up and then forget about it; there's no playing up for the camera etc. I don't believe that safety is in any way compromised with that approach. I watch the footage back to myself afterwards (none has even gone on YouTube) and it really helps me to assess my weak spots, spot all of my (many!) mistakes and get into the right mindset between lessons. If I felt as though my behaviour was changing for the camera or if safety was compromised, I would stop doing this in a heartbeat.
As it happens, I do find other peoples footage interesting too. Sometimes I can learn from their mistakes but mostly I just enjoy watching people fly around different locales. I know - what a loser
Thanks for your insights though, I will give it some serious thought. I really do take safety very seriously and I'd hate to think that I was compromising on that even a little bit.
Cheers!