Recording Choice

[mhh]

I will soon be purchasing a Canon 7D which I know is not suitable for recording audio, mainly because of the lack of control over the audio gain. Up to now I have been using a Canon HV20 camcorder with a Beachtek adaptor, so I can connect a mic with xlr. The Beachtek doesn't provide preamps. I use this set up mainly for short films.

My initial thoughts were to use the Canon HV20 to record the audio.

My question is for a budget of approx $300 would I see much improvement in audio quality over the Canon HV20 with beachtek? The options I have considered are:

1. External device such as Zoom H4n
2. Replace the beachtek with a Juicedlink and still use the Canon HV20. I gather the Juicedlink has good preamps.
3. Other

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

 

[JordanBlock]

I'd go with an external recorder. Use the 7D's sound as a guide track to help sync up in post.

 

[Gohanto]

Dealing with another camera would get really annoying, really fast. I'd go H4n, no question.

 

[dre83]

Or renting a recorder (like sound devices or tascam or...).

With the $300 you may be able to rent a recorder, good mices, wireless, boompole, windjammer.

For the recorder, I'm used to Sound devices...there not difficult...but you have to take a look at it the day before recording... Be sure to check 48kHz, 24bit, poly wav.

4 track should be fine...

 

[mhh]

Many thanks for the replies. Is there anything else in that price range to consider or is the H4n the best currently available.

 

[atomick]

It's not "the best available," but rather it's one of the better solutions available specifically for DSLR filming. The H4n is the most common choice given its balance of cost, audio quality, XLR inputs with phantom power, 1/4-20 tripod mounting, and light weight. There are far better recorders out there (I find the H4n's preamps noisy, but way better than the original H4!), but they're pricier, and/or weigh more, and/or they don't have XLR inputs, and/or can't mount directly to the camera (which may only be an issue for certain styles of shooting). Many folks get the H4n first, then get an outboard mixer with better preamps (like Sound Devices MM-1, MixPre, or even 302) and run line in to the H4n.

 

[mhh]

That's great advice Atomick. Thank you for taking the time to comment.