With a mic or without mic while recording video?

Question

Hi, I'm about to capture my friend's piano recital in a few days. Would you prefer to put an extended mic beside the piano that is directly connected to the cam or is it better using the built in mic of the video cam? Would condenser mic also work with the video cam or does it perform similar to any other microphones connected?

Answer 1

Any mic that you can get closer to the source will give you better audio. If it's possible, do some testing before you actually record to find the best mic placement.

Condensor mics are more sensitive (and usually preferred) because they require external power called "Phantom Power" (48v) which is usually supplied via a mixer board or AA or 9V battery.

It would also be good to test how your camera will react to sudden volume changes, depending if you leave the automatic gain engaged or if you set it manually, to ensure that no distortion occurs.

Answer 2

Use an external mic - if nothing else, you won't pick up the noise from the camcorder and you'll get a less "coloured" recording.  If you can use a separate recorder and then add the audio when you're editing it would probably be better.

Answer 3

Use your external mic. Not only does the audio sound better when the mic is closer to the source, you will get less camera/handling noise. Bring along a pair of headphones though so you can monitor the audio. What mic and camera are you using, by the way?