| Option | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Boom or lav or hand mic Hard-Wired to Camcorder |
* Least things to go wrong * Likely lowest-cost * Ability to monitor while recording |
* Many camcorder mic preamps low quality * Low-end camcorders unbalanced input * Low-end camcorders permanent auto-level |
| Boom or lav or hand mic Hard-wired to audio recorder |
* Most advantages above plus... * Probably higher quality than camcorder * Probably XLR mic inputs * More flexibility for camera/audio location |
* Extra equipment, more hassle * Requires separate crew for best results * Separate sound file to download and track * Requires audio/video sync in editing |
| Wireless to camcorder or audio recorder |
* No cables, freedom of movement * Ability to monitor while recording |
* Decent RF at least $500-600 minimum * Location ambient RF interference * Cast/crew cell phone interference |
| On-talent recorder (of any type) |
* No cables, freedom of movement | * UNABLE TO MONITOR WHILE RECORDING * Extra equipment, remember start/stop * Separate sound file to download and track * Requires audio/video sync in editing |
| Using talent's own recorder/iPhone, etc. |
* No cables, freedom of movement * No extra recorder cost |
* UNABLE TO MONITOR WHILE RECORDING * Probably extra cost of adapters, etc. * Must install recorder app on device * Extra equipment, remember start/stop * Must get recorded file off device .gif "Drogar Mad(DBG)") * Separate sound file to download and track * Requires audio/video sync in editing |
Others are welcome to add/delete/enhance/correct this matrix I devised off the top of my head.
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