60D audio compared to consumer camcorder audio

markblasco

markblasco

Well-known member
OK, I know the 60D hasn't been out long, but since the audio improvements are one of the reasons everyone is liking these for video, I'm wondering if anyone has compared the quality of the 60D audio to that of a consumer grade camcorder, such as the HV20 or something similar. I know that the audio quality won't be as good as a pro level video camera, but the audio on some of the consumer cameras is good enough to do many projects without a separate audio recorder, so I'm curious if the audio in the 60D is better/worse/the same. I've done several projects on the HFS100 with a shotgun mic plugged into the camera, and it has always worked well enough, but if the 60D is going to be a step backwards in terms of quality, I would like to know that before I plunk down the money for one.
 
Mark - I haven't tested it side-by-side per se, but my 60D is comparable to other Canon DSLR's sound-wise (I also have a 5DII and just sold a T2i to get the 60D. I also owned a 7D for a short time.) Also, I have had an HV20 since they came out but haven't really used it since I started shooting video with my Canon DSLR's. But with a Beachtek adapter on the HV20, I recall getting pretty good sound. I think the 60D is at least as good if not better.

Anyway, for most applications that don't require a separate audio recording system (higher end film/TV/live event productions), I think the on-board audio from the 60D is fine. Frankly, the mic/XLR adapater you choose will probably have more impact on the quality of your audio than whether you shoot with a 60D or an HV20 though... Of course, shooting video with a DSLR is a whole other story and as I said, I pretty much haven't touched my HV20 since I got a DSLR that shoots video.
 
Is it true that the 60d has no "live" audio meters while recording? If that is the case than the camcorder audio system is way better (for run and gun) in my book.
 
The 60D has no live audio meters, so in that sense it is not as good as a camcorder that does, but if you are comfortable with your levels ahead of time, and for situations where you aren't worried about peaking the audio, if the actual quality of the audio is as good as the current camcorders with external mic inputs, than I can work with that. Would I use this for a professional commercial shoot? No, but it would be a good backup audio, and I'm more thinking about a local business that wants a quick cheap commercial, or web video's, etc.

Anyone have both a D60 and a camcorder like the canon hfs100 or hv20 that wants to plug in a mic to each one and just record a little bit so we can hear how they compare? Either that, or can someone post something recorded with the D60 and an offboard mic so that we can hear some of the audio from the D60?
 
Funny Ive owned all of these at one time but not at the same time. I bought the 7d and then the 60 was announced just days later. I used it for a month and then returned it. Ill buy the 60d when just body is in stock on amazon or the Jewish Holidays end and I can get over to Adorama. I suspect that Ill save some money, get the same video quality and throw the savings at a TOkina 11-16
 
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