http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Forums » Forum: Camcorders - Recent Topics en Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:33:34 +0000 http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/renting-a-camera#post-52475 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:23:12 +0000 saint_me 52475@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi there, I've been charged with finding and renting a 2nd video camera for a coming production that I am involved in helping out on - our main camera is a JVC GY HD111e and we're looking for a second camera that will be cheap but will be able to be shoulder-mounted &amp; record in HD to miniDV's. I have sent away a few emails to some companies I found in the Yellow Pages and am awaiting a list back from these companies with the available cameras but I'm really just asking for some real-world advice here.</p> <p>I'm based in the UK and have never rented any video equipment, I would just love some advice or for anyone to share their experiences of renting a camera as I would like to know a little and not be completely ripped off! Have you ever rented and how much did it cost? Did you find any way to squeeze more value out of the rental? Any hints, tips and information would be greatly appreciated. =)</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/looking-for-advice-on-a-couple-different-camcorders#post-52445 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:56:14 +0000 Borak 52445@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I am looking to purchase a new camcorder that is semi prosumer level. Right now im seriously considering the Sony VX2000 or VX2100. However i feel like these cameras are outdated but i'm probably completely wrong. I was also looking at the Canon HV30 and HV40 but being that these are HD cameras that might cause problems when it comes to the editing. So pretty much it's down to whether or not HD or 3CCD is what i should be looking at. Any advice will help, Thank you so much!</p> <p>ps. my budget is around $1000 give or take</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-choice-for-camcorderremote-combo-to-allow-slow-playback-and-freeze-frame#post-52278 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:47:07 +0000 Bob Lakey 52278@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I am a baseball coach and would like to set u a video analysis station for pitchers and hitters. Looking for a camera and preferrably a wire less remote that would allow us to record and then playback on a monitor slowlyand smoothly and freeze as needed to help teach technique of these sports activities.I currently have a Sony DCR-DVD92 NTSC which so far I have not found a remote that would allow those features.</p> <p>We are willing to strart from scratch and purchase what will work best for us however we are trying to accomplish this without breaking the bank...Anyone with knowledge or experience with equipmentthat would meet our needs? Really appreciate some help!!</p> <p> </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/recording-setup-for-phonics-course#post-52340 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:38:09 +0000 bugmenot 52340@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I would like to use a DV cam (NV-DS50EN) to record some videos for a phonics course. There will be both close-up videos (close distance) and class videos (long distance). Could you suggest a suitable mircophone?</p> <p>How about the one recommended in this video? <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeQgc6zEYMo">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeQgc6zEYMo</a></p> <p>I've tried several cheap phones but they don't seem to work at all, I guess the DV cam only takes an electret one?</p> <p>Thanks very much in advance.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/deciding-on-a-camera#post-51396 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:07:49 +0000 zoannon 51396@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi</p> <p> </p> <p>I want to get a camera that I can record and use to stream at the same time.  Is this possible.  Example of application would be to set up to record a meeting, at the same time stream the vision up to ustream or similar.</p> <p>What type of cameras allow me to do this: I have looked around local shops but they seem to tell me it is not possible.</p> <p>Any help would be appreciated.</p> <p> </p> <p>Thanks</p> <p> </p> <p>Glenn</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-type-of-camcorder-for-me-appreciate-suggestions#post-52228 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:37:01 +0000 Silenkiller 52228@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hello - there certainly a lot of camcorders out there right now, wondering what some of you more experienced users would suggest.</p> <p> </p> <p>Budget: Approx. 3000-4000 USD. I'd be willing to go used if possible to save some cash.</p> <p>Looking for the HD option. I consider it to be a future-proof nessisity. </p> <p> </p> <p>Will be used for shooting music videos, workout program DVD's, and web based video of product/restaurant reviews. </p> <p> </p> <p>Suggestions? I have no time constraints to learning curve is not a big deal. Would be helpful if it supported filters/different lenses. </p> <p> </p> <p>PS - Also will be used for the occasional cover of band performances, so audio/low lighting capabilities would be a plus. </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-type-of-camcorder-do-i-need#post-51995 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:51:37 +0000 thellamaasskicker 51995@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Ok what type of camcorder do i need to make my own home videos for<br /> skitts and stuff to edit on my computer? i am confused about all of the<br /> options, do i want dvd, mimi dv, hard drive, high def, flash<br /> memory???   i want somthing conveinient to post onto the web, like<br /> youtube or funny or die.... would i want a hard drive camcorder? <br /> seriously i am confused...</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/canon-gl1-problems#post-52048 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:35:35 +0000 patriotsfanatic 52048@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I was shooting my bros football game and these blue bars would intermittently come down the screen. The would come and go i switched tapes but it still continued to happen. What are they and what do i do to get rid of them?<br />example:<a rel="nofollow" href="http://web.me.com/cltraylor/Site/Movie.html">http://web.me.com/cltraylor/Site/Movie.html</a></p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/looking-for-new-camcorder-intermediate-use-with-fce#post-51305 Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:32:48 +0000 bythecshore 51305@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I am looking for a new camcorder and would appreciate people's short recommended lists, according to these requirements:</p> <p>1. Video must be editable in FCE (Final Cut Express)<br /> 2. Video must be editable on my iMac 2.46 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo<br /> 3. Cost less than $750<br /> 4. Jacks; Ext. mike input, Firewire input, headphone jack<br /> 5. AV input so I can input from old 8mm camcorders</p> <p>I loved my now-broken Canon Optura 20 and would like something in that<br /> range, but capable of 16:9 output to fit today's screens. However, it<br /> doesn't have to shoot super HD or anything; most of my videos are<br /> posted to MobileMe these days. The Canon's quality was fine for what I<br /> need to shoot, which is mainly family videos. I like DV tapes for<br /> storage but would consider SD cards or other removable media.</p> <p>Thanks in advance for your ideas, lists!</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/camcorder-for-a-band-photography#post-51201 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:43:46 +0000 nk_nk 51201@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi All, </p> <p>I'm new to video photography and my aim is to take videos of a rock band (Concerts and rehersals).</p> <p>That means that the video will be taken in low light conditions, and the audio should be reasonable (possibly XLR input with phantom power?).</p> <p>I'm looking for mini DV camera, I don't think that HD is a must, I'd rather put my money on a better sensor and lense. on the other hand, I'm not sure that a "pro" camcorder is the right way to go...</p> <p>Any suggestions on an entry level camera that would not be too expensive, but will be sufficient enough for my needs?</p> <p>Thanks.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/speed-hd-9-vs-hd-8tz#post-51430 Sat, 17 Oct 2009 23:05:47 +0000 wwinter86 51430@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi,</p> <p>I was wondering how the new HD-9 compares to the HD-8tz as the specs look pretty much the same.</p> <p>HD-9:<br /><a href="http://www.speed-jp.net/1/en/product-detail.php?id=133" rel="nofollow">http://www.speed-jp.net/1/en/product-detail.php?id=133</a></p> <p>HD-8tz:<br /><a href="http://www.speed-jp.net/1/en/product-detail.php?cid=5&amp;id=149" rel="nofollow">http://www.speed-jp.net/1/en/product-detail.php?cid=5&amp;id=149</a></p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/looking-for-video-camera-with-good-quality-in-low-light#post-51244 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 03:16:38 +0000 toxxxic 51244@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I shoot alot of bands in low-light club/bar lighting. Looking for sugestions for good low-light video cam under $1000.00 usd .</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/torn-between-pd170-and-dvx100b#post-50525 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 03:35:40 +0000 OsiViper 50525@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I've been trying to decide on a good "Prosumer" as their called camcorder.<br /> And Its been kind of narrowed down between the Sony PD170 and the Panasonic DVX-100B.</p> <p>I have done a lot of research between the two. I was looking for a camera that does well in low light and both of them do very well. Looking for XLR audio connectors and both of them have that. Not a real preference on 24p, while it does look nice to get the film look there are programs now that can do it fairly well without making the video look horrible.</p> <p>And I know both are discontinued but they are around the same price range used.</p> <p>So right now I am torn between the two and unsure of which is better overall.<br /> Any help would be greatly appreciated </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/searching-cheap-pro-camera#post-48282 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:53:29 +0000 The shooter 48282@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi,</p> <p>I'm looking to buy a camera, and I can't decide from consumer and pro. The Canon hV30 looks good, but I'd prefer the sony Hvr-hd1000u. Does anyone know a place where I could buy a used pro cam? I'm opened to any suggestions.</p> <p>Thanks in advance, </p> <p>Antoine</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/camera-interchangeable-mini35-and-more-advice#post-51050 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:29:33 +0000 heartzz 51050@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hello everyone,</p> <p>I am currently looking into the possibilities of buying my own camera, i have made some shorts and stuff, but i am tired of not being able to just go out and shooting when i want to because you need a camera.<br /> So what i am interested in? well my budget is about 6000$, I have and still do make independent funded short films of good quality, so i really need the best in my category. Some people say that with good lightning a cheaper camera can be better than a Hdv with bad lightning. I know, i have good lightning people to back me up. I have used the Canon XL H1 with a PS technik mini35 and a 50mm lense, i really had a good DOF and it looked very grainy and filmic. So i am really interested in a interchangeable camera where its possible to mount a mini35 adaptor to get better DOF. What cameras do you suggest i buy?<br /> Some other questions:</p> <p>What a the difference between the canon XL series, which one is best?<br /> What is the commonly known best mini35 adaptor and which one to i get the most out of in terms of price?</p> <p>Btw I am thinking of buying a used camera if possible to save money.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/do-have-a-latest-product-for-sony-camcorders#post-50860 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:51:42 +0000 suzchew 50860@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi.... all, i wanna buy a new video camcorders. do anyone recommend the latest product? Thx </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/camera-choice-3#post-50808 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:56:49 +0000 Sk8EditPro94 50808@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Im looking for a good professional panasonic camcorder to film skateboarding with. Could anyone recommend a good panasonic that will also support a good death lens? I need a recommendation for the death lens too. </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/dvc20-or-fx7#post-50726 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:47:29 +0000 Mr.Jeff 50726@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Okay Guys I am being given a small budget to work with to purchase a camcorder. I will be frequently shooting in low-light/indoor settings (such as dimmed churches and nightclubs). HD is not important right now, but may be a nice feature to have available in the next couple years (as budgets increase). I have previously used a vx2100 and was very pleased with its low light capabilities. </p> <p>I was looking at the Panasonic DVC20 because it was cheap and has 1 lux rating, but I have not seen 1 piece of footage from this camera that was impressive. On the other hand, I was looking at the Sony fx7, but it only has a 4 lux rating and has mixed reviews/comparisons to the 2100.</p> <p>I have been impressed with the fx7 footage I have seen, but I haven't seen any really good low light tests. The DVC20 footage I have seen is pretty average. </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hdv-questions#post-50680 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:49:14 +0000 Omtech 50680@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi, can anyone please tell me the average recording lifetime for a Canon xh a1.<br /> If you don't know, what is the average recording time for all HDV cameras before the head needs to be replaced. </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/cannon-xl2-vs-sony-pd150#post-50395 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:34:37 +0000 saint 50395@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>So i have an opportunity to get a used cannonXL2 for only 200 more than my PD150 which I could trade. Just how superior is the XL2 to the PD 150?</p> <p>I am still feeling it out, it smells a little fishy. A guy in Oakland has a jvc 200U for 3500, and could be worked lower, really wants to sell fast had it listed for a few days at 4100.00. when I said it was more money than i had considered he then offered up the XL2. the XL2 which is not listed (on craig's list, the JVC is). </p> <p>He wanted me to go to Oakland with cash today or tomorrow I basically told him that wasn't happening. His story is that him and some buddies took classes and bought the cameras and then just decided they weren't that into it and he is tired of them sitting around.</p> <p>Little worried about the source of the unit to be honest. How do you check if the unit is stolen is my main concern. </p> <p>the guy knew about drum hours and fan hours... but was kinda vague as to his projects and where he had used the camera etc.</p> <p>any thoughts as to whether I should pursue this </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-type-of-camera-is-for-me#post-50417 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:02:30 +0000 Franko 50417@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I am a college student who will be graduating in a year. And I want to jump into the indie film world. So of course I will be needing a new camera, and was wondering if the fine people here in the community could help me. </p> <p>I want a camera that has all the manual features. </p> <p>Probably a $2,000 limit. The camera has to give me good, clean quality image that I can use for film festival work. </p> <p>But I don't need the best of the best just yet. As I have no training in Cinematography. So that is a crew person I will always need. And if I ever do a work at the absolute pro level. I'll have a budget that assures a Cinematographer, and the equipment they prefer.</p> <p>That is what I'm looking for. A camera that I can use to make Film Festival quality work, yet not at the level that I'm gonna be making feature length film quality pieces.</p> <p>Thanks to all.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/i-need-help-capturing-from-my-hvr-hd-100u-urgent#post-50420 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:13:29 +0000 memina 50420@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I NEED HELP PLEASE!!! I BOUGHT AN HVR HD 100 U AND SHOT MY FIRST WEDDING WITH IT. I AM USING FINAL CUT PRO TO EDIT IT. I SHOT ON SD DV NOT THE HDV SETTING. I AM CAPTURING DV NTSC 48 KHZ. WHEN IT'S CAPTURING I DO NOT SEE THE LETTERBOX ON THE FOOTAGE BUT WHEN I BRING INTO THE TIMELINE I DO? WHY IS THIS AREN'T I NOT SUPPOSED TO HAVE LETTERBOX SINCE IS HOT REGULAR DV. DID I FORGET A SETTING OR AM I DOING SOMETHING WRONG? I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP!</p> <p>THANKS! </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-recommendation-for-best-budget-avchd-corder#post-50236 Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:59:01 +0000 NormanWillis 50236@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I need a recommendation for the best budget AVCHD camcorder, both in SD and in HD.</p> <p>My friends are going to film a bunch of speakers, and then send me the raw data on DVD's. They just plan to put a camcorder on a tripod, attach a simple clip-on lav mic, and then shoot. Then they plan to dump the data to a DVD, and then do that again for eight days. Then I will pick up the pieces from here.</p> <p>My friends are clueless about three-point lighting and all that, and I don't want to overload them. I just need to give them a simple recommendation about which AVCHD camcorder and clip-on lav mic they can get, on a budget.</p> <p>Thanks very much for your help.</p> <p>Norman </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/looking-for-inexpensive-camera-for-general-use-as-well-as-ski-slopes#post-50011 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 03:45:05 +0000 duck91 50011@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi folks.<br /> I'm looking to buy a camera for general use as well as for use when snowboarding/filming others on the slopes. I'm not looking to spend a ton of money. Right now the two cameras I am considering are the Kodak zi8 and the canon fs200. Which do you think is a better choice for my purposes? Or do you have another suggestion?<br /> I'm leaning towards the Kodak Zi8 but the fact that it has no optical zoom is kinda a turn off... I realize that it's a point and shoot, but I honestly can't tell too much of a difference from footage I've seen online. But that's why I'm posting here, because you all will definitely know more about any of this than myself.<br /> By the way, I've got a Macbook Pro with both iMovie and Final Cut, just to clarify.</p> <p>Thanks!</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-digital-camcorder-for-me-2000-10000#post-49994 Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:03:57 +0000 popetman 49994@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hello all.</p> <p> </p> <p>Just a quick (and potentially stupid) request for information:</p> <p> </p> <p>I would like to buy a film camera, which one is best.</p> <p> </p> <p>Ok, (to make an unanswerable/dopey question slightly less dopey, and almost answerable) ... for what purpose, and at what price point am I looking at?</p> <p> </p> <p>Like I said I don't know or have any knowledge base in this area. But I know what I want.</p> <p> </p> <p>It's being used to video stand up comedy. And at a level of recording that should be good enough to release in some form or other onto DVD. After buying this I will probably be buying Apple Final Cut Studio. Or whichever editing suite is best on the Mac.</p> <p> </p> <p>So I would like:</p> <p> </p> <p>1 </p> <p>Superb Sound. Needs to be built in. As there's no boom operator. So a really good, broadcast quality in built mic.</p> <p> </p> <p>2 </p> <p>And needless to say brilliant picture.</p> <p> </p> <p>3</p> <p>The camera will be 'locked off', so it will just be pointing at an area where I hope all the action will happen. Not sure if this makes a difference. There being no camera man.</p> <p> </p> <p>4</p> <p>Security. How do I stop someone walking off with the camera?</p> <p> </p> <p>5</p> <p>Hard drive. I want to record many shows. And just transfer any 'good' ones onto the Mac. And just record over all the ones that don't make the grade. So I'm guessing I don't want tape, but some kind of hard drive. Ideally enough space to record for at least 6-7 hours. As we have multiple shows on some nights.</p> <p> </p> <p>6</p> <p>Battery life? Will it always need to be plugged in. Or do camera batteries last longer than my parents' old VHS camcorder? Battery life of 6-7 hours in record mode?</p> <p> </p> <p>The camera will also be used to record sketches and the like. </p> <p> </p> <p>And are there any other things I need to think of/ask?</p> <p> </p> <p>Like lighting? Is there a better type of camera for what will be in effect recording action on a fully lit stage?</p> <p> </p> <p>I think that's the techno stuff out of the way.</p> <p> </p> <p>I can't stress how much I would love the camera to be top/best there is.</p> <p> </p> <p>But that's all down to price.</p> <p> </p> <p>I would love to spend no more than £2,000.</p> <p> </p> <p>But if that's too low, then I could go to a max of about £10,000.</p> <p> </p> <p>Though my girlfriend may never talk to me again. </p> <p> </p> <p>So I would love to know, if there's an awesome camera at around £2,000. £5,000. And £10,000.</p> <p> </p> <p>Those are the three sorts of price ranges I'm looking at.</p> <p> </p> <p>I really do appreciate you reading this, and anyone who chips in with advice, or even just abuse for my naivety/and balls in asking other people to do all my 'leg work'. I have to make this clear, I don't have any clue about cameras. So any and all help, however simple/obvious it may seem to you, will be really helpful.</p> <p> </p> <p>Hmm, now I've 'outted' myself as being film camera challenged I bet I get a deluge of people trying to sell me an 'Etch-a-Sketch' for ten grand.</p> <p> </p> <p>Thanks again,</p> <p> </p> <p>All the best.</p> <p> </p> <p>xxx</p> <p> </p> <p>P.S. I'm in London (UK) so film in PAL</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-should-we-review#post-48664 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:56:21 +0000 jburkhart 48664@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Does anyone have a particular camcorder model they would like to see reviewed?  Give us a suggestion, and we'll try to take a look at it.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/422-10-bit#post-49878 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:26:35 +0000 makingvideos 49878@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I attended a Final Cut Studio event today. One of the moderators said that an ideal broadcast quality camera in the market is one that shoots 4:2:2 10 bit. He did not mention any specific brand, but the Panasonic AG-HPX 300 came to mind. </p> <p>Unfortuanely, I'm not paying those ridiculous prices for P2 cards. Otherwise, I would have already bought that camera or something like the Sony EX3. Sony's SxS cards are also very expensive. Then there's the JVC 700U which records files native to FCP on inexpensive SD cards.</p> <p>All of this information has left me confused. How important are these spec/codec issues if you want high quality and hope to show your projects on TV or in a film festival? What are the minimum standards/specs a shooter needs?</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advice-on-whether-sd-camcorder-for-hd-camcorder#post-49825 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 20:54:45 +0000 jainankita83 49825@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi all,</p> <p>  My friends and I are planning to take part in 48 hours film festival. All of us are very new to film making and have little or no film making experience.</p> <p> We are trying to rent out camcorders for this. Our options are</p> <p>1)Sony VX2100 </p> <p>2)Sony DSR-VX2100</p> <p>3)Sony HVR-Z1U(HD)</p> <p>4)Sony DSR-PD150(SD)</p> <p> </p> <p>HD cameras are more expensive to rent than the SD ones. What I want to know is how much difference would having an HD camera make for such a</p> <p>festival. We are planning to get additional light equipment and microphones. Any feedback is welcome.</p> <p>Thanks.</p> <p> </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/circular-polarizing-filters#post-49745 Mon, 03 Aug 2009 21:38:30 +0000 manappraisal 49745@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I am new to the world of filters. I just purchased a Hoya circluar polariziing filter and will be testing soon.</p> <p>My impression is that the filter is supposed to be adjustable via the free turning outer ring. However, when place to my eye and turned, nothing happens.  The outer ring turns freely, but no adjustment on the brightness occurs. Is this normal?  If so, then what does the outer ring do, if it does not vary the amount of light which passes through.  This experiment was done in bright sun light.</p> <p>Thanks.</p> <p> </p> <p>Jeff Deuitch</p> <p>Palmetto, Fl</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/external-camcorder-mic-vs-portable-audio-field-recorder#post-43575 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 17:29:23 +0000 functionx2ds 43575@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi,</p> <p>I'm a videographer shooting with a Panasonic PV-GS 70, I shoot mostly live bands and loud music concerts. I want to improve the audio quality of my recordings (right now using built in camera mic) but have a dilemma and need your help. I've been researching the different options I have and wanted to know which one you think would be best considreing a budget of $200.</p> <p>1. Buy an External Mic for Camcorder: Like the Rode SVM or Sennheiser MKE400</p> <p>Pro's: Would Probably improve my recordings and have shoe mount to go directly on camera. Also I wouldn't need to synch the audio to the video in post-production when editing and that would save me a lot of time (also sometimes it's hard to synch the drums precisely with  all the cymbols etc...)</p> <p>Con's: My camera doesn't have a manual audio control and I'm scared that at high volumes the sound will clip. I can't afford to buy also a beachtek adaptor to regulate the levels going in the camera.<br /> Also I saw some youtube clips of concerts shot with the rode svm and I wasn't too impressed with the sound quality.  Also wondering if less expensive mics would do the job?</p> <p>2. Other option is to buy a Portable Audio Field Recorder like the Zoom H2</p> <p>Pro's: I can control the levels and adapt depending on the venue size etc...Reviews and audio quality are pretty good. Also have option to record in wav or mp3 format.</p> <p>Con's: Wouldn't know where to put it (doesn't have shoe mount to go on camera). Not sure if I can connect the output of the zoom H2 to my camera mic in (that would save me the editing process of synching audio to video). If it can't be connected to the camera mic in, I would have to edit and synch the audio to video.</p> <p> I know that many of you would suggest that the best audio for concerts would be by getting it from the sound guy mixer. Problem with that is that sometimes the mixer is far from the stage and would be dangerous to get a really long cable to connect. I could connect it via wireless but very expensive. Other problem with that is that some sound guys are not very nice and don't want to help you unless you pay them!</p> <p> Please let me know what you guys think I appreciate your help!</p>