I'm looking for a non-High Def (but high quality) camcorder with an input for ext microphone. Suggestions?

Question

can't seem to find one. Sony makes it but it's some weird flash attachment- i need the kind that allows you to use like a lavilier.. for instructional videos (but not HD because they can't be played back on non-HD) Any suggestions? thanks

Answer 1

The cheapest camcorders with a mic-in jack are the Canon ZR800, ZR900 and ZR930. They do not have manual audio control. This is important for very loud or very soft audio environments.

The cheapest camcorders with a mic-in jack with manual audio control are the Canon HV20, HV30, Sony HDR-HC7 and HC9. They also have a headphone jack for monitoring the audio. The camcorders can be set to record DV (instead of HD) if you want.

These are miniDV tape based camcorders and will provide you with the best available video quality compared to other storage media type camcorders in the same price range. Your computer will need a firewire port for transferring the video for editing.

And the wireless clip on mic is a "lavaliere". You will need one with a base station that connects with a 1/8" (3.5mm) jack (unless you get one with an XLR connector and an XLR adapter). Audio Technica makes an OK one. Sennheisers are best - along with the Sony pro stuff, but the are expensive.

Sony makes a wireless mic that uses the Sony proprietary "Active Interface Shoe" for their consumer camcorders that have that... if that is what you end up with.