Ok listen. I wanna buy a 1 CCD camera, probably a Canon Optura Pi because it's got the Progressive scan.
But I wanna know if there's a way to connect an external microphone (better one than the built in mic), and get a better sound. This will especially work in some scenes I wanna do in which the camera is about 3 meters away from the actor and the actor's gotta say something , walking in a noisy park.
So? is there a way to use an external microphone?
Thanks a lot.
In short, yes you can connect an external mic.
Checking the manual ( http://www.canondv.com/downloads/manuals/ins_opturapi.pdf) the camera has a mic input. I suggest one of these products ( http://www.filmmaking.net/fnetforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=326 -read my post) which will give you better level control and XLR inputs.
Enjoy.
Hey thanks a lot. I'm definitely buying it now.
What's your take on Shotgun mics?
I heard there's a nice Canon Shotgun mic that'll work for the Optura Pi. Would it work for a noisy, street scene?
Most shotgun mics have the same super-cardioid pattern of sound pickup. Thus, if it is mounted on the camera in a horizontal fashion you'll pick up tons of background noise. This is why most are used on a boom pointed downward.
I've never used a Canon brand mic, so I won't comment. Instead I'll suggest two brands I am familiar with and feel comfortable recommending. Both Azden (SGM-2X) and Sennheiser (ME66) make excellent shotgun mics. They Azden equipment is a bit cheaper in cost without losing quality. Azden also makes an inexpensive wireless lavalier kit that might be of interest.
