DVD camcorder problem. Can anyone help?

Question

I recently bought a sony handycam dcr-dvd610, which I plan to return soon. The camera works fine using the memory stick duo, but when recording directly to dvd, it records the sound of the dvd spinning inside, and it can be heard when I play it back on the camera, computer or dvd player. I don't know if this is a malfunction, or if all dvd cameras will do that. I don't want a mini-dv camera, even though it has better quality recordings. I want to be able to easily transfer the videos to pc. I considered a hard drive camcorder, but I don't know if they are reliable. The hybrid dvd camcorders seemed like a good option, since you can record to both dvd and memory card. What should I do? What kind of camera should I get? Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Look at the camcorder. The mics are about 2 inches away from the motor that spins the disc. When you record in a very quiet environment, the auto-mic gain circuit turns itself up to "listen" for sound. Any camcorder with a motor - DVD, hard drive or miniDV tape will have a similar issue. Since we cannot hear what you are hearing, it is a bit of a challenge to know the symptom you are reporting - buit this is the most obvious.

To eliminate this noise, you have three options:

1) Edit the drive motor audio out in post-production.

2) Get a camcorder that does not have a motor. That means flash memory camcorders.

3) Get a camcorder that has an mic-in jack and use external mics. Put the mic closer to the audio source - when you plug into the external mic jack, the internal mics are disabled so they cannot pick up the motor noise due to their proximity to the motor. It is preferable that any camcorder you consider has manual audio control, too.

To the best of my knowledge, the least expensive camcorders with a mic-in jack AND manual audio control are the Canon HV20, HV30, Sony HDR-HC7 or HC9. Personally, the only reason I would use a DVD based camcorder is if I need a paperweight or a doorstop - I would certainly not use it for recording video.