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Getting Good Sound

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(@strongbad)
Posts: 83
Estimable Member
Topic starter
 

I have a Sony DCR-TRV Digital-8 camcorder. It's been about 3 1/2 years since I baught the camera and I've used it to make several small films.

I'm getting ready to make a longer film (around 45 min - 1 hour) and I want it took look good and SOUND good. I'm probably going to be stuck with using the camcorder to shoot it, but that's fine (I don't plan on selling or showing the film to a huge auidence or anything, and I don't have the money to buy or rent an expensive camera.)

One of my problems in the past has been not so great sound- as in if no actor is speaking you hear a buzz, if actors are talking outisde the camera mic picks up EVERY little sound down to the tinniest cricket. My camcorder has no mic input. I will be editing my move through Pinnacle editing software which is installed on my home computer (don't worry it's brand new and has a TON of space.)

How can I realistically get better quality sound considering my circumstances and what I have to work with.

Thanks.

 
Posted : 08/05/2006 2:31 pm
(@markg)
Posts: 1214
Noble Member
 

Basically the only choice for good sound if you don't have a mike socket will be to record seperately. Get hold of a decent boom mike and a DAT or Minidisk or similar.

 
Posted : 08/05/2006 3:18 pm
(@strongbad)
Posts: 83
Estimable Member
Topic starter
 

Is it really worth it then? I mean how much would that cost me/ how difficult would it be. Remember I'm using Pinnacle editing software. I know when I record sound seperate I'm going to need a clappboard to sync it up, and once it's done how would I get it into Pinnacle? What about the mic on the camcorder?

Thanks.

 
Posted : 08/05/2006 7:27 pm
(@robi8886)
Posts: 220
Reputable Member
 

you can't plug a mic in the camera?

and yes sound is that important. It's just as important as lighting or the video. That constant buzz immediatly takes the audience out of the movie. If you dont want to focus on sound then focus on lighting. Either way eventually your gonna have to deal with both, so why not take care of it now.

"Anyone who has ever been privileged to direct a film also knows that, although it can be like trying to write 'War and Peace' in a bumper car in an amusement park, when you finally get it right, there are not many joys in life that can equal the feeling." - Stanley Kubrick

"Anyone who has ever been privileged to direct a film also knows that, although it can be like trying to write 'War and Peace' in a bumper car in an amusement park, when you finally get it right, there are not many joys in life that can equal the feeling." - Stanley Kubrick

 
Posted : 08/05/2006 7:39 pm
(@strongbad)
Posts: 83
Estimable Member
Topic starter
 

I've got the lighting under control. I've got enough money and know how to make that look good. My only problem is sound.

 
Posted : 08/05/2006 11:05 pm
(@robi8886)
Posts: 220
Reputable Member
 

then I would say go ahead and get a good mic and boom pole. The you have the three main parts of production covered and your movies will be that much better.

"Anyone who has ever been privileged to direct a film also knows that, although it can be like trying to write 'War and Peace' in a bumper car in an amusement park, when you finally get it right, there are not many joys in life that can equal the feeling." - Stanley Kubrick

"Anyone who has ever been privileged to direct a film also knows that, although it can be like trying to write 'War and Peace' in a bumper car in an amusement park, when you finally get it right, there are not many joys in life that can equal the feeling." - Stanley Kubrick

 
Posted : 09/05/2006 5:14 pm
(@agingeri)
Posts: 235
Estimable Member
 

Yes, it's a BIG headache to shoot sound separate from picture, but if you have no mic port it seems like your best bet for good audio.

And yes, it IS worth it. You will be STUNNED by how good it sounds to have a shotgun mic over the actors' heads pointing straight down. You drastically reduce the amount of background noise and the end result is worth the hassle.

-----------------
Andrew Gingerich
Exploding Goldfish Films
Check out my vodcast on iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=96931870

-----------------
Andrew Gingerich
Exploding Goldfish Films
Check out my blog at http://www.exgfilms.com
and my reel at http://portfolio.exgfilms.com

 
Posted : 09/05/2006 8:36 pm
(@strongbad)
Posts: 83
Estimable Member
Topic starter
 

Sounds great (excuse the pun).

Could anyone help me out by giving me a link to a website where I can get all this equipment? I just need a website where I can find the most basic things that I need and be able to purchase them to do the sound seperately.

Anyone know how much it'd cost me to do this? How exactly would I get the recorded sound onto my editing software?

Thank you all very much.

 
Posted : 10/05/2006 2:54 pm
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