External audio for GH1

[pmk396]

I recently got a GH1 and I am still getting use to it before I use it for filming a short film. However, I am aware of the fact that the built in mic on the GH1 is rubbish and I'll be much better off buying something like a Zoom H4n to record audio on. After pricing around, the Zoom H4n is a bit outta my budget at around €300 - €400. I was recently in an electronics store pricing other smaller Olympus digital audio recorder that were around €70 - €100. They have a small port for external mics (not XLR) and looked more like a dictaphone. Does anybody know if these cheaper audio recorders are worth buying or would I be better to wait a few months and try and save up to buy the Zoom H4n?

 

[stoneinapond]

However, I am aware of the fact that the built in mic on the GH1 is rubbish...

It's not rubbish, it's just a built-in microphone with all the limitations that such an arrangement creates.

I was recently in an electronics store pricing other smaller Olympus digital audio recorder that were around €70 - €100. They have a small port for external mics (not XLR) and looked more like a dictaphone.

Most probably worst than the built-in microphone, but at least it is movable.

...would I be better to wait a few months and try and save up to buy the Zoom H4n?

Yes. (Although bear in mind that by itself, the Zoom may not fulfill all of your requirements.)

 

[pmk396]

Thanks for the reply stoneinapond.
The Zoom H4n it is so! I read somewhere before that it'd be much better to use an external audio recorder than the in built mic. Even when using an external mic into the GH1's mic port, the audio on the GH1 isn't supposed to be great.
I understand that the Zoom H4n has XLR ports for mics but when you say the Zoom won't fulfil all my requirements, what did you mean? Are there any disadvantages that the Zoom has that you know of?

 

[stoneinapond]

...I read somewhere before that it'd be much better to use an external audio recorder than the in built mic. Even when using an external mic into the GH1's mic port, the audio on the GH1 isn't supposed to be great.

It all depends on your needs.

There are quite a few examples of people using external microphones and recording in camera. The problem with that is a lack of monitoring and control.

But if all you need is some ambience and it's not windy, the internal microphone might suffice.

I understand that the Zoom H4n has XLR ports for mics but when you say the Zoom won't fulfil all my requirements, what did you mean? Are there any disadvantages that the Zoom has that you know of?

No, I was just making you aware that the Zoom is not the be all and end all of audio capture. The microphones on it are decent, but sometimes you might need to use external microphones such as a lavalier or a microphone on a boom. But it is certainly a step in the right direction for the budget concious filum maker.

Hope that helps.

 

[pmk396]

I'm guessing that, when using an external audio recorder, the hard part is trying to sync the audio in with the film. My understanding is to use the audio recorded on the camera's in built mic as a guide when inputting/syncing the audio from the external recorder in post production.

I don't wanna keep harping on about it but I always thought that in all big films/motion pictures, the audio was recorded on separate audio devices. When you say lack of control and monitoring, what did you mean?

 

[vitalitystudios]

If budget is one of the problem look in to the zoom h4 not h4n. You can find them on ebay for about 120 sometimes and I link it to a the gh1 using an attenuated custom wire. I found the diy here in the gh1 forums for the wire works great. I have made three so far for my two cameras and one for my buddy's camera we love them.

 

[stoneinapond]

I'm guessing that, when using an external audio recorder, the hard part is trying to sync the audio in with the film. My understanding is to use the audio recorded on the camera's in built mic as a guide when inputting/syncing the audio from the external recorder in post production.

Yes.

I don't wanna keep harping on about it but I always thought that in all big films/motion pictures, the audio was recorded on separate audio devices.

A definite yes.

When you say lack of control and monitoring, what did you mean?

I was referring to using the camera's built-in recording capability with an external microphone. In the right circumstances, you can get decent audio, but there is no visual monitoring or volume controls on the camera to help you with levels. You have to check the audio after the fact to make sure it was recorded right.

 

[pmk396]

The Zoom H4 it is so. I don't see any on eBay just yet but I'LL definitely keep my eye open for one.

Thanks for the replies guys. You've been a big help.

 

[chrisso]

There's also a cheaper Zoom H2, and I think a few forum members use other devices such as a Tascam. Or you could look on Ebay for a used H4.

 

[vitalitystudios]

I have an h2 also and it works great but the h4 has the xlr inputs which is worth getting if you plan to use any pro microphones in you have no need for the xlr inputs the h2 is a nice little device.