Does the Sony Handycam DCR-SR45 have an external mic jack?

Question

I am looking into buying a shotgun microphone with a boom and I was wondering if I can plug it into the Sony Handycam DCR-SR45 or any similar camera's

Answer 1

The DCR-SR45 does not have an external mic jack.

Here is your camera's product page:

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stor...

Go to "Specifications"

In the middle column under "Inputs and Outputs"

Note: "Microphone Input: N/A"... Not Available

This camcorder also does not have the Sony "Active Interface Shoe", so no external mic connectivity is possible.

The least expensive standard definition camcorders with a mic-in jack - of which I am aware - are the Canon ZR800, ZR900 and ZR930. They do not have manual audio control. The mic-in jack is a 1/8" (3.5mm) plug. That means either using a camcorder-mounted or low-end mic (unless it is a Sennheiser wireless lav) or if you plan to use a mic with an XLR connector, getting a BeachTek or juicedLink XLR adapter... or a cheapie XLR-1/8" tail.

The least expensive camcorders with a mic in jack (1/8") and manual audio control are the Canon HV20, HV30, Sony HDR-HC7 and HC9. They would have the same type of cabling issues as the ZR series.

Since you want to use a shotgun mic at the end of a boom pole, the cable run will be at least 15-20 feet. That means balanced (shielded) cabling and XLR connectors...

The least expensive hard drive based camcorders that have rudimentary audio control are some of the higher-end Sony's that allow you to switch between "normal" audio gain and "Low" gain (for high audio level environments). The HDR-SR11 and SR12 fit this.

If you are shooting outdoors, you will also want a "dead cat" (also known as a "zeppelin") wind muff (Rycote makes good ones, but they are expensive - the claim is you can make your own). You will also want to isolate the mic from the boom pole. I use a Sabra SMM-1 Universal Shock Mount. But you can make one out of PVC pipe and rubber bands or hair ties.

I also use a Sony HDR-HC1 (and shopping for a HDR-FX1 or HVR-V1U) with a BeachTek DXA-6 or juicedLink CX231 and either a NRG Research SA-568 switchable shotgun or Audio Technica AT-825 or Shure wireless lav... depending on the audio requirements at hand...