Video camera with audio input?

Question

I am looking for a low priced video camera (under £400) with an audio input so i can use an external microphone.

Answer 1

look for a cam that has a cold shoe adaptor to suit the external mic. i recommend a RODE video mic. it's a 3.55 mm jack input and runs on a 9v battery. easy to use and great audio.

there doesn't seem to be many around so good luck!

Answer 2

Cheapest (US) is the Canon ZR800. Apologies for knowing if there is a UK (PAL) equivalent and not converting from $US to £.

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/contro...

Next is the Canon ZR900

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/contro...

No Sonys or Panasonics in the low-end.

Be aware that just because they have a mic terminal does not mean they have manual audio control. If you are shooting loud audio, the most expensive mic available will still feed crappy audio because it is the camcorder's automatic audio leveling circuit that cannot keep up with the loud audio.

The cheapest camcorders of which I am aware with mic in jacks AND manual audio control are:

Then there are the Canon HV20, HV30, Sony HDR-HC7 and HC9.