Camcorder and Wireless Microphone Recommendation

[theITguy]

Dear All,

I am working for a voluntarily welfare organisation and would need the following for one of our daily work:

1) Camcorder
(a) HD not required
(b) HDD/Flash/Memory card are acceptable
(c) Must allow external mic
(d) Allows simultaneous live feeding and recording

2) Two External Microphone
(a) Wireless to be used with camcorder
(b) Need not be same brand as camcorder, can work can already.


I am given only $1,500 to work with, so I would appreciate if recommendations be provided. I have looked at the Canon HF M300, but no idea about the external microphone.


TIA

 

[azman]

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Hi ITguy,

You can try the Audio Technica ATR-55.

I know Hung Brothers at Sim Lim Square sells them. Could cost about $120.
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[Bamboopictures]

You're in luck. The Canon Vixia HF-R10(USD600) has mic and headphone inputs with manual control. But you may have to share the video composite out jack with the headphone via a RCA to 1/8" adapter. You will also need to buy a Beachtek if you want to record 2 mic inputs into separate Left and Right channels. If you don't need separate channels, you can get this triple mic Azden camera mixer for under $100.
http://www.amazon.com/AZDEN-CAM-3-Camcorder-Audio-Mixer/dp/B00006JPD1
For the money leftover, I think you will have to settle for either cheap VHF wireless (garbage quality) or good old cabled lavaliers.

 

[theITguy]

Thanks guys for the information provided.

I was actually looking for an external wireless click on kind of microphone. The lavalier wireless type? But I guess it is too expensive.

Alternatively, I am looking at a microphone to hang it from the middle of the ceiling. I was recommended with a SM81 (expensive stuff from what I understand) as there is echo in the room.

 

[akerue]

im actually curious to why u wanna hang a mic on the ceiling, as for echo in room, u can always cut the reverb down...

try to up the budget a bit, and like the others have suggested, go to hung bros at simlim, and ask them to help u out with the set up, if not got the second hand route...

u shld be looking at the G2 wireless series, shld cost damm cheap second hand, and it shld last u for quite a long time... if got the cash to throw, go for the SK series or Lectrosonics...
cheers... and gd luck,

 

[theITguy]

Hi akerue,

The recording in the room is for counselling sessions and intended for live feed to a PC in another room. Counselling sessions may have more than just 1 counsellor and 1 individual, example a counsellor with a family of 3. It is weird to hold a microphone. Hanging the mic is like those actual movie making sessions where they will have the mic above the scene to capture the narration. I may be wrong or there could have been better ways to do it.

 

[akerue]

ok get what u mean, but like that u need a boom man, a guy to hold the boom mike up, that way its better, i suggest u go Hung Bros and ask abt a parabolic mic, but its cabled u can put it anywhere, as for doing live feed, well the set-up will be extensive, plus u need to relay both audio and visual feed....

 

[digitalflyingpig]

Hi theITguy

Your situation sounds very familiar! Ha..haa

You might want to consider using surveillance camera system. Those that you see in Sim Lim Sq. Patch the video and audio into a DVD recorder.

As for the audio, you can 'plant' some mini boundary microphone like http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/389916-REG/Audio_Technica_U841A.html

Try to hardwire everything cos wireless relies on battery and you don't want to keep changing batteries during the session.

 

[azman]

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Hi theITguy,

I understand that in some counselling sessions, the participants may not be comfortable if they see a camera near them.
Therefore, if the camera is to be placed near the ceiling in a corner of the counselling room or placed partially hidden in a cabinet etc, then a shotgut mic like the ATR-55 mounted on the camera is sufficient.

However, if the camera is to be placed on a tripod a short distance away from the group, then a normal microphone mounted on a table mic stand would suffice.
But if you have extra funds, a boundary mic like the one suggested by DigitalFlyingPig would be even better.
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[theITguy]

Hi guys,

Many thanks for inputs. We have an existing setup using a CCTV camera some years back. The video quality and sound is less than desirable....

As for the comfort level with the camera, that one it is for the management and staff to decide, not me lah. I am just a low-life worker

We will probably place the cam behind the individual and facing the counsellor, idea is to improve professional training of the counsellor.

The on-camera mic may be ok, otherwise we will get the ATR 55 Audio Technica as suggested.


Thanks guys, you have been great help.

 

[digitalflyingpig]

CCTV video quality are quite good. Just need to find the good ones.

As for the sound, you need to get the microphone as close to the person speaking as possible.

Taping these sessions must be as discreet as possible or else the 'client' might start 'acting' for the camera.