The T2i is awesome. The GH2 is also very much worth looking at. If you like the T2i, the T3i might be very much worth the small bump in price, for the flip-screen, alone.
Would I be correct to assume you're new to filmmaking? If that's so, in my opinion, it's okay to use the built-in mic in the beginning, only because there's so much to learn that I think it best to take one thing at a time. But you should know that your audio will be horrible this way, and as your skills improve, you'll definitely want to spend some money on audio.
If you read my last post on this topic, you would know that is my plan.
I did read your last post, dork.
What I'm saying is that using the in-cam mic is cool, only if you're just starting out. Otherwise, it's bad news.
Oh, ok. And ya I know what you mean.
Oh, and it's only cool for your very first short or two. Upon editing your footage, you will immediately realize how crappy the sound is, and you will grow tired of it quickly.
The quick fix is a cheap ($30) mic that will plug directly into your camera. This will only be less-crappy, but still crappy. Less-crappy is better than totally-crappy, though (and, in fact, I won a number of awards in small local festivals using this less-crappy setup). The less-crappy setup will get you by, until you can afford some better gear.
I don't remember which mic I used. It was an Audio-Technica. Got it for maybe 30 or 40 bucks on ebay. I settled on my particular model by googling reviews.
Your mic will most likely come with a mount. Duct-tape that mount to a broomstick, and you've got your boom-pole. You'll also need a really long extension cable (ebay, as well).
Now, here's the tricky part -- the T2i doesn't have a headphone jack, and monitoring your audio is 100% necessary. Is there a creative way to work around this? Or, is there a super-cheap audio recorder out there?
The mic I think you were referring to might be this one Audio Technica ATR-55 Condenser Shotgun Microphone
Get it close to your talent and you should be OK
Now, here's the tricky part -- the T2i doesn't have a headphone jack, and monitoring your audio is 100% necessary. Is there a creative way to work around this? Or, is there a super-cheap audio recorder out there?
T2i MagicLantern firmware replacement will give you an audio meter on the screen..
I think the T3i has this build in?
T2i MagicLantern firmware replacement will give you an audio meter on the screen..
I think the T3i has this build in?
The Zoom H1 is super cheap (£75 or so over here). Only minijack input, but overall will give you sound quality miles ahead of any of the DSLRs.
T2i MagicLantern firmware replacement will give you an audio meter on the screen..
I think the T3i has this build in?