noob questions mic/card storage

[Robert Mann Z.]

Im kinda new to the world of dslr recording

how much 1080p video can fit on a card?

Clips can only be 12minutes?

and what mic do you guys suggest?


thank you in advanced this is my first post in 9 years

[Chris Hurd]

Hi Robert, welcome back to DV Info Net.

When recording in HD, clips can be a maximum of 4GB which
translates to roughly 12 to 14 minutes per clip, depending on
a variety of variables including ISO setting, etc. It's best to
count on 12 minutes per 4GB clip.

An 8GB card can hold two clips, a 16GB card can hold four, etc.

Pretty sure we have a mic recommendation thread already
underway around here somewhere... hope this helps,

[Michael Liebergot]

In regards to audio.

I wouldn't bother with critical audio on a Canon DSLR as your audio will stop every 12 minutes.
For sync non-critical audio for a DSLR, keep it simple and small and use something like this from Sennheiser. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/534023-REG/Sennheiser_MKE_400_MKE_400_Compact_Video.html

This only a recommendation from me for DSLR use. For more critical audio capture using mics it gets to be a whole other story, as there's different pickup patters (omni, cardioid, hyper-cardioid etc.) which are meant to be used in different situations.

For critical audio I would recommend off camera capture.
For starters your audio can be next to a constant source for a good strong constant signal strength. You also wouldn't have handling noise issues from your rig/camera, as well as having a nice long constant audio track in which to work with.

There are now a plethora of good audio recorders out there in all shapes and sizes. These are some of the more popular ones.

For small solutions (built in mics or 1/8 mic input capability) look into:

Yamaha Pocketrack CX: It's small and very slim. Has built in mics, separate Line/Mic inputs and easy to use. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/576492-REG/Yamaha_POCKETRAK_CX_Pocketrak_CX_Digital_Stereo.html

Sony PCM M-10: New kid on the block that looks very promising. Built in mics, easy accessible controls, separate 1/8 Line/Mic inputs. Sony makes more expensive but very solid audio recorders.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/638090-REG/Sony_PCM_M10_BLACK_PCM_M10_Portable_Audio_Recorder.html

Marantz PMD620: Small solid build, nice menu features (you can store 3 preset recoding setups) nice pre amps, separate Line/Mic inputs.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/515789-REG/Marantz_PMD620_PMD620_Professional_Handheld_Digital.html

Zoom H2: (not good performer in very loud environments but works great for spoken word and instrumental recording. The ability to record using all 4 onboard mic elements makes this a nice easy simple choice for full sounding recordings.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/480163-REG/Zoom_H2_H2_Ultra_Portable_Digital_Audio.html


For small robust audio solutions (built in mics with XLR mic input capability) look into:

Zoom H4n: Good solid build, decent per amps, dual 1/4 TRS & XLR input capability, nice rotatable built in condenser mics, 48v phantom power, 4-channel recoding in a small package. The only real negative on it is that you can only adjust input in stereo pairs, 2XLR and built in mics.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/600761-REG/Zoom_H4N_H4n_Handy_Mobile_4_Track.html

Tascam DR-100: Good solid build, good per amps, dual XLR input capability, nice built in condenser mics, 48v phantom power, 4-channel recoding in a small package. Extra bonus is that you can control each channel individually. No real weakness, except more expensive than H4n.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/599285-REG/Tascam_DR_100_DR_100_Professional_Portable_Digital.html

Edirol R44: Excellent 4 channel recorder in a small package. Rock solid pre amps, 4-channel recoding with independent control, individual 48v phantom power to 4 tracks, built in mics, rock solid build. Expensive but fabulous 4 channel filed recorder.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/542280-REG/Edirol_Roland_R_44_R_44_Solid_State_Four_Channel_Portable.html

[Robert Mann Z.]

thanks as always this site has come through

Michael thanks for the through info i will use your suggestion... Chris your site is the best

[David St. Juskow]

Robert- that Tascam is actually the same price as the Zoom, if you go to B&H directly or get past the advertised on-line price and look into the REAL price (300 bucks.) I was leaning towards the zoom h4n because everyone praises the preamps until Michael just informed us that you don't have individual control on the inputs, which is ridiculous. So the Tascam is the one for me, I believe- I would MUCH rather have 4 XLR inputs and no external mics that i'll never use anyway, but that Edirol is way too expensive!

Also, the best deal I've found for media are Transcend 16 gb class 6 cards, which handle the HD no problem and cost 40 bucks each online. Best deal going as of yesterday! So far, so good with my rebel...

[Michael Liebergot]

David just so you know you do have some control of the inputs, but in stereo pairs.
So if you're recording 4 channels of audio using built in mics and XLR inputs you can control each set in stereo pairs.

It's not optimal for total control, but stereo control of the built in mics + XLRs has worked well for me. I agree that the Tascam is a better unit but the H4n is still every affordable option as well. It all depends on how one is going to be really using the unit.

I usually use it for quick setups for receptions where I mount the H4n on a mic stand in front of a PA stack and individually mic the horn and woofer with Sure SM57 mics to each XLR. Then I use the onboard mics facing the crowd for ambient crowd reaction.