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Camera vs Sound

dlevanchuk

dlevanchuk

So i've noticed there is a TON of "What camera should I get" and not enough of "What audio should I use" type of topics.


I got an idea today to put two cameras side by side to compare how important audio really is.

In my set up, I had two cameras next to each other, recording same person simultaneously.

Camera #1: Most used and well known T2i
Camera #2: Camera that most moms and pops use to record their first new born babies.


While cameras were recording, I hooked up my external boom mic to H4n and tried to get the best out of my not-so-great mic to get a decent audio,



So, here it is


Can good audio quality really save the video, or will sharp image overshadow poor audio???
​

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYyxzqSfNGg



You decide!




PS. I know, i know... the mic isn't most awesome boom mic out there, and i didn't use cool windscreens, or most processing... but thats not the point..
The point is that most people skimp out on investing into good audio, and only want to have good HD camera..
 
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You know pro cameras dont have microphones right? It's not so much a choice. Once you buy a good camera, you are forced to use good sound.

But I think you've made a good case for why you should never use an on camera mic. I've seen more than one person try to release a feature with one. Unbelievable. It's a mistake I never made even in my first weeks as a filmmaker.
 
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hey nate,
this video was targeted more for starting filmmakers like myself, who want to buy $1000 camera, and leave no money for audio.

just wanted to see what would have happened if i used a camera that i got for $10 and combined it with audio thats worth around $300.

anyways, it was just fun little experiment i made yesterday, see how the videos would compare.
 
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dlevanchuk said:
hey nate,
this video was targeted more for starting filmmakers like myself, who want to buy $1000 camera, and leave no money for audio.

just wanted to see what would have happened if i used a camera that i got for $10 with audio stuff, thats worth around $300 and where first time filmmakers should invest their money.

anyways, it was just fun little experiment i made yesterday, see how the video would turn out.
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It's perfect for what you're seeking to do. I think the video should be 'stickied'.
 
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This is something I've been meaning to do...

for abut five years.

Glad you did it. I'm going to link to it when the question
comes up. Good audio isn't always the mic itself, it is the
mic placement. I suspect if you moved the T2i two/three
feet from the actor the audio would be pretty good - at
least acceptable.
 
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I'm planning on buying an H1 (the H4n is too expensive for me) and a fancy windscreen (I hate wind) and I'm thinking it will be enough.

Am I wrong ? Is a mic mandatory ? Does the difference betwenn the H4n and the H1 justfy the price range ?

Thank you guys.
 
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TheArtist said:
I'm planning on buying an H1 (the H4n is too expensive for me) and a fancy windscreen (I hate wind) and I'm thinking it will be enough.

Am I wrong ? Is a mic mandatory ? Does the difference betwenn the H4n and the H1 justfy the price range ?

Thank you guys.
Click to expand...

Either one will be lacking without attaching a microphone. The built in stereo mic simply isn't intended for dialogue.
 
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pen said:
boom that zoom and you'll be fine.
Click to expand...

i hoped to show in the video that even with a good camera, the lack of sound significantly degrades the alltogether quality.

if there is a choice to choose between good camera or a good sound - id suggest to go for the good sound, since even crappiest camera will give pleasant outcome if the vid sounds good.

but it doesnt work other way around.

Used boomed shotgun mic for the vid, and a mic from the onboard camera.
 
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There was an huge article in a photomag a month back (not sure wich one) comparing mics for hddslr and such..with prices..wish i had picked up that mag..i went back today looking for it...gone

I did find this....its not the actuall articles cause that was at least 4 pages long with mixer and recorder reviews....but this should help.

http://www.dpmag.com/gear/accessori.../gear/accessories/sound-advice-for-video.html

damm i wish i picked up that mag...im pissed at myself..cause i cant remember the name of the mic i wanted..it was inexpensive and high rated quality.

mmmm a H2 zoom $124
http://youtu.be/5jSO_Kb_E4s

....maby next month......in the meantime ill keep looking
 
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