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What is the microphone like on the Sony HDR-HC1 2.8MP High Definition Mini-DV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom?
I'm going to buy this camera because it's the best one I can afford, Can anyone tell me if the microphone is any good? If not, does anyone know where I can buy a microphone to fit onto it?
I've been using a Sony HDR-HC1 for about 3 years.
The mic on it is just as good as any other camcorder's mic. When you use the "auto" setting for audio gain, when the surroundings are quiet, the auto mic gain will listen for audio and pick up all sorts of background. When the audio is REALLY loud, the recorded audio will clip and sound really muddy. This cannot be fixed in editing. Learn to use - and use - the manual audio control. I have recorded screamer bands with no distortion. I have recorded very quiet environments without picking up any tape transport motor noise.
Since most camcorders do not have manual audio control, this is a HUGE plus for the HC1. As for as I know, the least expensive camcorders with a Mic jack and manual audio control are the Canon HV0/30/40 and the Sony HDR-HC9.
Remember, the HDR-HC1 is a consumer-grade camcorder. Maybe on the higher end of the consumer camcorder scale, but still consumer grade. It does have a "pro" sibling in the Sony HVR-A1U that includes some additional functionality in the features embedded in the camcorder (plus the A1 has an XLR mic connection set-up, but I'll cover that later). With the medium sized lens and CMOS imaging chip, the HC1 does as well as can be expected from a consumer cam. In low light recording, the video will be grainy. This is expected. If you want better low light quality, you need bigger lenses and imaging chips like those found in the HDR FX1 (or its replacement, the HDR-FX1000).
The ONLY issue I have with the HC1 is that is it is a bottom loader - that is, the tapes load from the bottom. If you are using a tripod or tripo-quick-release, the tape door will be blocked. You have to dismount the camera to change tapes. There are a few work-arounds - and some folks have made a "spacer" to raise the camcorder above the mount so the bottom loading turns into a non-issue.
I use different external mics depending on the situation. They are pro-grade mics that use XLR connectors. Since the HC1 has only the 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo mic jack, that means using a BeachTek DXA-6 or juicedLink CX231 provides me with the XLR connectors I need. I also use an angled camera bracket so I can mount the mic to a standard accessory shoe (the HC1 has only the small Sony proprietary "Active Interface Shoe").
There are a few affordable, consumer grade, external mics that are pretty good - if you always have them camcorder mounted - that use the HC1's 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo mic jack... like the RODE video mic (stereo or mono versions), NRG Research's SA-568 dual mode shotgun (mono) mic or their SA-800 stereo mic and the Audio Technica ATR55 (mono) or ATR25 (stereo).
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