How to....

[o2pb]

Thanks you for your feedback.

I got a JVC DVL 805. Its an ok miniDV camcorder, but it doesn't support external microphones.

Boompole and a shotgun mic will end up costing me over 300 dollars. What kind of connector does it use? Can I record to another source (IE iPod or a casset player) and than just dub it over the video.

I think I should do some test shots, and see how it works out when its edited.

[shirt]

A JVC DVL 805 doesn't even have a mini input? It should and if it doesn't thats too bad.

You don't need a boom and shotgun.

You need a stick, gaffers tape, and a middle end radio shack microphone. That should do the trick and improve your audio considerably.

As for what to record to? Ipod, MiniDisc, Laptop, Reel to Reel... anything portable, that records sound. As for using cassette tape, don't bother.

I have a MiniDisc recorder that works great. Just do some tests to make sure that what you use to record will sync up with the video in post.

As for a connection types...

Most mics use XLR, lower end mics use 'plugs,' be it mini, 3.5 tiny, or just regular.

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ January 10, 2004 05:40 PM: Message edited by: shirt ]</font>

[o2pb]

This is all godo info, but mt camcorder doesn't support external microphones. Which completly blows.

Can I get a XLR-to-normal cd-player style jack convertor?

[belovedmonster]

yes, but unless you have access to an XLR mic already I would just buy a cheap mic with an ordinary connector. 70 bucks will get you a shotgun mic called the Audio Technica ATR55 which will do more than well enough. If you cant afford one then steal one (so long as its not mine).

[o2pb]

hahaha. So Audio Technica ATR55 should be enough right? Does it filter out ambient noise? What about steps, and other general noises?

I found it on ebay, but it doesn't include the furry thing. What is it called by the way?

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ January 11, 2004 09:23 PM: Message edited by: o2pb ]</font>

[GREATwarEAGLE]

It's sometimes called a dead cat. Seriously. And that goes on a zeppelin, which encases the suspended mic.

[belovedmonster]

the mic comes with a bit of sponge but it doesnt come with a furry thing. No mics come with furry things you have to buy them seperately. Look for a Rycote wind jammer, for that mic it will about ?20, dunno how much in your funny money. You have to buy the right sized one and i cant remember what size i got for my mic so you might have to do abit of homework.

[Tard]

From the posts he's made here, sounds like "o2pb" was thinking of doing a LOT of actor-looping & post stage-effect noises.

Hell, if your camera doesn't even have an external-mic input, I (personally) would NOT spend much effort worrying about the audio. At least not until you can acquire and/or afford the equipment setup necessary for spot-on post-production work.

If it's just video, try out the internal camera mic. If that doesn't work, try making it as close to a "silent movie" as you can (Richard Kern made some GREAT trash-chic flix in the 80's with a silent B&W 8mm camera, minimal looping, and a cacophony noise soundtrack).

[shirt]

Just beware that most of the terms they use in England (where the majority of people are from on this board) are not used in North America.

Your profile says you're in Toronto, as am I.

The furry thing is a windsock. We don't call em' dead cats over here. A windsock fits over something called a zeppelin which covers the microphone.

A cheap shotgun will not eliminate ambience, but will give you decent dialogue. Much improved over that of the camera mic. Besides, you're planning on recording ambience...

As for worrying about audio, do worry. If you want to shoot scenes with dialogue, then shoot them. Just use your iPod setup and sync them up in Final Cut, Premiere, Xpress DV or whatever you plan to edit on. You'll have no problems.

[belovedmonster]

ive never heard it by called a dead cat in england either. Over here its called a wind gag, or the more informal "hairy harry" if you are in the broadcast business.