Suggestions for camera setup at DVinfo.net

Jamie Baughman · May 6th, 2012, 01:26 PM

Hi there,

I have a client who I edit for who's looking for a new camera setup. He is a therapist and records his sessions. Currently his camera only has an onboard mic and he's looking to boost both the video and audio quality.

Any suggestions for "the best" small camera with two audio inputs? Doesn't have to be XLR...1/8th" is fine.

Thanks!

Seth Bloombaum · May 6th, 2012, 02:16 PM

au contraire, the most straightforward method to get two audio inputs is with an xlr-input camera.

2 inputs with a 3.5mm-audio-in cam will be either via an xlr-to-3.5 box, which is xlr anyway, but with more setup and more points of failure, or, some custom cabling for 3.5mm - don't know if this is generally available.

A great little consumer/prosumer transitional camera with excellent picture and xlr input is the Canon XA10.

You didn't mention budget... it's about $1900 to $2000 US. Depending on camera, the 3.5mm cam with external xlr conversion can cost less.

A used Sony PD150 or PD170 (both are xlr-in) is also great for this, about $1000-1200 US, standard def, shoots on tape. Tape is great for putting on the shelf, it is easy and very long-lived.

May 6th, 2012, 01:26 PM	#1
Jamie Baughman Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 180	Suggestions for camera setup Hi there, I have a client who I edit for who's looking for a new camera setup. He is a therapist and records his sessions. Currently his camera only has an onboard mic and he's looking to boost both the video and audio quality. Any suggestions for "the best" small camera with two audio inputs? Doesn't have to be XLR...1/8th" is fine. Thanks! __________________ Jamie Baughman

May 6th, 2012, 02:16 PM	#2
Seth Bloombaum Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,420	Re: Suggestions for camera setup au contraire, the most straightforward method to get two audio inputs is with an xlr-input camera. 2 inputs with a 3.5mm-audio-in cam will be either via an xlr-to-3.5 box, which is xlr anyway, but with more setup and more points of failure, or, some custom cabling for 3.5mm - don't know if this is generally available. A great little consumer/prosumer transitional camera with excellent picture and xlr input is the Canon XA10. You didn't mention budget... it's about $1900 to $2000 US. Depending on camera, the 3.5mm cam with external xlr conversion can cost less. A used Sony PD150 or PD170 (both are xlr-in) is also great for this, about $1000-1200 US, standard def, shoots on tape. Tape is great for putting on the shelf, it is easy and very long-lived. __________________ 30 years of pro media production. Vegas user since 1.0. Webcaster since 1997. Freelancer since 2000. College instructor since 2001.