Need help buying a second hand camera with external mic

[OM2]

I need to buy a camcorder with an external mic

I'm looking to buy on ebay

I need some model names of camcorders to search for

I've been told by someone that Sony DCR-PC models have an external mic inout
Some of the models I've looked at definitely do
Even though they're quite old models (the ones I've looked at), they're really really high spc

But... I'm not bothered about getting Sony necessarily

I want to buy a mini DV camcorder
But... also would be interested in a hard disc one as well

Thanks


OM

[zoobie]

try reading here
www.camcorderinfo.com

I'd avoid ebay if possible

[OM2]

thanks for the advice

i think i have found the answer!!
answer: canon
specifically, canon flash media camcorders
they *all* seem to boast the external mic facility
i've looked and looked everywhere and can't find any other camcorders that have an external mic input (without going to professional models that is)

i'm looking at the canon fs100 - this seems to be the lowest spec u an buy
but priced around £220, this is good value for me

i would have been happy to pay upto £100 for a second hand camcorder with external mic input
but... i'm happy to pay £220 for a new one instead

ebay: yes... absolutely... i understand what u say
i'm an experience powerseller on ebay though - if u know how to buy and what to look out for... then ur safe in the jungle of ebay

[zoobie]

you could always just stick a little recorder in the victim's pocket and run a mic to their head...heh heh

[OM2]

lol

[mrswla]

I need to buy a camcorder with an external mic
OM

What kind of external mic? Most camcorders that I have seen have some kind of ext. mic input.

My Sony HDR-HC1 has minijack http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRS_connector that I can hook up an exteranl mic to, and my sony HVR-A1U has XLR http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XLR_connector inputs that I can hook up multiple mics up to.

So what kind of external mic hookups are you looking for?

[edDV]

In addition to an external mic jack, look for manual audio level control and a headphone jack. A peak meter would also be helpful. All exist on the Canon HV20/30 series.

XLR lo Z mic connection requires a matching transformer. You'll need two for stereo.
http://www.markertek.com/Audio-Equipment/Audio-Interface/Impedance-Matching-Transforme...Inc/A96F.xhtml

[mrswla]

In addition to an external mic jack, look for manual audio level control and a headphone jack. A peak meter would also be helpful. All exist on the Canon HV20/30 series.

Also exist on the A1U, although the Canon is better at low light lux.

[edDV]

In addition to an external mic jack, look for manual audio level control and a headphone jack. A peak meter would also be helpful. All exist on the Canon HV20/30 series.

Also exist on the A1U, although the Canon is better at low light lux.

Yes and the A1U has built in XLR connectors, but the used prices are still high for this camcorder.

[OM2]

guys... thanks for the replies
i know this a very late reply and i probably WON'T get any replies because the initial subject has been forgotten!

i thought i'd reply anyway

i'm looking to get a canon fs100
this has a 'normal' size jack
and not a thick one
(+ you can use a headphone - though it doesn't explicitly say this in the specs)

is that good or bad?

thanks

[edDV]

guys... thanks for the replies
i know this a very late reply and i probably WON'T get any replies because the initial subject has been forgotten!

i thought i'd reply anyway

i'm looking to get a canon fs100
this has a 'normal' size jack
and not a thick one
(+ you can use a headphone - though it doesn't explicitly say this in the specs)

is that good or bad?

thanks

The FS won't do MiniDV but the HV30 will operate as MiniDV or HDV formats. HDV can also be exported as 720x480i DV format for mixing with other MiniDV material.

The computer you listed will struggle with AVCHD format (FS-100). HD quality will be lower than HDV.

What software do you plan to use for editing?


OOps I was confusing the FS-100 with the HF-10 which is AVCHD format. The FS-100 is standard def (MPeg2 not DV) but the reviews are rather poor.
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Canon-FS100-Camcorder-Review-35668/Conclusion-amp...omparisons.htm

[OM2]

oh... ooops
u might have saved me £220!
i read and read and read into the camcorder

i thought i was right in thinking that it recorded at the same quality as min dv?
are you saying that it will be less quality?

for my purpose though: i dont need to mix
all recording + editing will be from the same camcorder
does that effect anything?

let me know
thanks

[mrswla]

is that good or bad?

All depends on what you are going to use it for.

According to Cannons spec's at best it records 9 Mbps. Mini DV, which you where looking for at first, records at 25 Mbps. Almost 3 times the bits.

[OM2]

All depends on what you are going to use it for.

According to Cannons spec's at best it records 9 Mbps. Mini DV, which you where looking for at first, records at 25 Mbps. Almost 3 times the bits.

oooh.... u really have spoilt the party now!
i aint buying now! i'll stick to mini dv
but: still have the audio problem though
either buy a camcorder with external mic or do it another way

[edDV]

All depends on what you are going to use it for.

According to Cannons spec's at best it records 9 Mbps. Mini DV, which you where looking for at first, records at 25 Mbps. Almost 3 times the bits.

oooh.... u really have spoilt the party now!
i aint buying now! i'll stick to mini dv
but: still have the audio problem though
either buy a camcorder with external mic or do it another way

I made a correction above and added a review on the FS-100 which wasn't that favorable.

Good external audio was withheld from consumer models in the past. It was often the main reason to spend more for prosumer models.

The first MiniDV camcorder to offer external mic and manual gain was the Panasonic GS-500. These are still in high demand used so prices will actually be higher than the HDV/DV format HV20/HV30. The HV20/HV30 have most of the important features found in >$1500 prosumer cams. Over here you can find these in the $400-$700 range.

There is great support for these camcorders at www.HV20.com and here since many of us own one.

[OM2]

edDV, thanks... i'm looking into what uve said now