Cannon T3i and Zoom H4n

K

Kalls

Member
Hi Guys,

I am a newbie. I have written couple of short film scripts. I have acquired Canon T3i and Zoom H4n.
That's all I have for the time being. Yep! I will be getting a tripod soon.

I have friends who are actors and are willing to act in my short films. I am planning to do skits very soon (in couple of weeks!)

I tried couple of test screening and the sound quality wasn't that impressive. I don't have budget for a Rode NTG3 and I don't have someone
holding the boom pole (atleast for the first few skits!)

Well, here is my question.

How can I get professional quality sound for my projects? What kind of microphone should I use?
Could someone please help me as to what I need to configure to get this proper sound?
There is also noise from the camera that I don't want to get on the video.

I heard from a friend - plug the microphone xlr cable to the camera and shoot it. So I don't understand what my friend is suggesting.

So if I am recording through the camera what do I need?

Also, Please suggest other options if any. I am looking forward to make new friends and make quality films. Thanks for your time and support.
 
Welcome to DVXUser!

Well, you're off to a great start in that you're asking questions now! Be prepared to learn from mistakes, though. That's not a bad thing, actually, and can be a great way to develop yourself as a film maker.

As for your questions, well... "professional quality" sound isn't as simple as configuring an H4n to record. To be honest, just the H4n is not enough to get that. Here are some great starting places (links to other threads in DVXUser) that will give you a sense of audio's broader scope:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?247260-Audio-101-Helpful-links-and-information

As for "plugging the XLR straight into the camera", well... your T3i doesn't have XLR in. You can use a converter, and there's a cable that will connect the H4n's line out to the camera's mic in, but if you have an external recorder there's not much reason to record in camera.

Pay attention to lessons on mic selection and placement. Placement can help overcome selection, in some cases, but selection will never make up for bad mic placement. The closer, the better, and for any mic with on-camera dialog the effective working distance is within 20" of the actor's mouth.

Also, the ability to monitor sound - constantly - during production is a must. Recording sound without listening through headphones is the same as shooting video without watching the viewfinder/LCD. You have to taste as you cook; if you don't taste, how in the world do you know what you're serving to your guests?
 
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If youre just starting out, you dont need to buy a ton of professional audio equipment (expensive). Using the H4N and a shotgun mic will be fine. Plug the XLR into the H4n then record through there. Sync it up in post by clapping at the start of recording on both the camera and mic.
 
You are not going to get professional sounding audio at this point. Not if you don't know what plug the XLR into the camera means. Note that the T2i doesn't have XLR input, but you should still know what that is. If you want to do sound properly you need a good microphone with wind protection and someone to hold it close to the actors. Within a couple of feet for most dialog. Those are both things you said you aren't going to do, so unless you decide to bring someone in to help it will be an uphill climb. There's a lot to learn, and if you try to learn everything by yourself all at once it's going to take a lot longer than finding someone to focus on what side- like audio, while you do video.
 
Thanks Nolan!

Cassius - I agree with you as I was overwhelmed. I did seek a friend's help and now have a better understanding. Also all you guys are of great help. I am planning to use shotgun mic and connect it using XLR cable to zoom h4n. I am planning to sync audio and video like Nolan has suggested and hope it turns out correct ( have to do it atleast once to get comfortable with it.) Thanks.

Alex - Thanks Chief!!
 
I started with a 60D and an H4n also. You can get pretty good audio with this combo. It will heavily depend on controlling your environment and techniques. Try using the mics on the H4N and booming it, or setting it up on a mic stand with the stand adapter that it comes with. This has worked for me in the past. I consider the H4n amongst professional equipment and it has worked great for me. Don't be afraid to record sound separately. Yes this is a little more work in post, but I can make a world of a difference. Make it work best for the situation, and environment you are recording in and you should be fine.
 
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