Reddit reviews Zoom H4N Handy Portable Digital Recorder - 2009 Version

Digital audio recorder.

Perhaps not this exact one, but something quite similar.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Org-Makers-Brand-ZH4N-Zoom-H4n/dp/B001QWBM62

Edit: /u/loufilerman has got it - it's a Zoom H5

Well, she did have to actually make the videos with non-horrible production quality. That would require an investment in a prosumer camera, external field recorder with timecoding and some lighting that you could totally buy at Harbor Freight... That only leaves enough money for a brand new BMW, a nice used Cessna 172 and a few pairs of expensive shoes.

Could you get one of these Zunes? My husband uses one of those to record jazz gigs he plays and stuff. The quality is nice. then, using an interface like Garageband, you could edit and create your podcast. Maybe?

Also, have you approached WDCE or WRIR about this? It sounds like a good idea for a local radio show! I used to DJ at WDCE and loved it. They are so nice there. If you contact them I bet they would be interested. They would train you. Then you would have 1st class equipment and I believe there is software you can get on your computer to record your broadcasts.

If you think that's amazing, pick up a Zoom h4n

You know, I was about to type a long reply but I've decided to be lazy and copy/paste the contents of an email I sent to a buddy who just bought a T3i. I use a 60D, and use all these things, but most all this stuff should work for you with a 5D.

Crane and eyecup:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003SAHSVI

Cards:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002WE4HE2
I buy 8 or 16 gigs, with the idea being that that's NOT a lot of room. If I had a 32 or 64 gig card and that card failed I'd much rather lose 16 gigs of footage than 64 gigs which could be an ENTIRE production.

Batteries:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ZSHKIO
Work justs as good as the Canon name brand ones.

My 'Kit' lens:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EXR0SI

Cheapo plastic shoulder mount we used for the music video:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036NMQ7S

Gini camera rigs:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/gini-2011/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686
I did a minimum purchase right as the auction ended, and snagged their "dslr rig pro 10" for 235 + shipping. If you look at their past auction history, it seems like EVERYONE does this.

Audio Recorder:
http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Handy-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B001QWBM62/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315766729&sr=8-1
They just got me this bad boy at work to plug my XLR mics into, so I record audio to it, and video to my dslr and then sync in FCP. Works awesome, however you probably could do the same thing with your HDV camera, they'd be about the same size.

As always: cheesycam.com has the best reviews and whatnot on all this stuff.

Here's KEH.com's listing for the kit lens you are looking at. They have a rating system with UG at the bottom, then BGN, and up. I'd go for BGN though, they tend to be extremely conservative with their appraisals. http://www.keh.com/camera/Canon-Digital-Zoom-Lenses/1/sku-DC079990648100?r=FE

Remember, it's the glass that matters. so buy the (or borrow my) cheapest lens you can and start saving for the nice lens.

I would stress that the quality of the audio is far more important than the quality of the video. Filming on your cell phone but recording audio with a nice audio recorder will do wonders to how people perceive your documentary. It's a little more work synching the audio to the footage but I come from a documentary background and I can't tell you how much good sound helps with any video. Consider purchasing this: http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Handy-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B001QWBM62
It's relatively simple to learn and use. It's small enough to carry around with one hand or in a bag. Musicians use it predominantly to record their music. Synching audio is pretty simple as well. Just roll your audio then roll your camera. Once both are green, clap your hands and you can sync the audio to the clap in post-production (for interviews of course). When you are filming footage in the field and both of your hands are preoccupied, you can just film yourself stomping your foot to match audio.

If you want something more than cell phone quality for video, check out this flip camera: http://www.amazon.com/Flip-UltraHD-Video-Camera-White/dp/B0040702IE/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1345657139&sr=1-2&keywords=flip+camera
It films at 30 fps as opposed to the other flip which is 60fps. 60 fps will make your video look like a home movie. 30 fps is closer to the standard 24 and makes it look more professional imo. Any HD camera will suffice with 30 or 24 fps recording.

And as a broke ass actor who's getting into making my own stuff. I know what I am getting in July once everyone dumps their old ones. http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-ZH4N-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B001QWBM62/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372198342&sr=8-1&keywords=h4n

I consider it a personal and professional highlight both that I was lucky enough to get to sit down and interview the man one-on-one when The Martian came out a couple of years ago. (I also talked to him on a panel later in the day, but the 1:1 was particularly interesting.)

For folks who don't know how movie junket interviews work, there's a system to them. You generally get 10 minutes with each "talent," and in those 10 minutes you've got to cram in enough questions to be able to produce some kind of write-up that people will find interesting enough to read. This is harder than it sounds, because you have to figure out what the fuck questions to ask that haven't been asked a trillion times before; with someone like Ridley Scott, it's even more difficult because the man has seen and done everything a director can see or do.

That being said...the dude was awesome. He caught me off guard because when we sat down, he wanted to talk about my recorder, which is just a cheap low-end 2-channel digital recorder. So we chatted for 30 seconds or so about XLR inputs, and then I hit the "record" button and we got down to it.

Ridley Scott is the kindest, most interesting grandpa any of us have ever had. He has stories, you guys. He has stories for everything. He answered my dumb questions with aplomb and gave me waaaaaaaaay more than I could have hoped for. More, he was fun to talk to. I could have spent the whole damn day talking about movies with Ridley Scott. He is riveting.

So, yes, happy birthday to a man who is not only a true master of cinema, but also just a really great guy.

Here's the full 10 minute interview straight from the recorder, if anyone's just particularly bored and wants to listen to Scott's excellent answers to my dumb questions. Audio is a little low because this was for a written piece, so the audio wasn't intended for professional publication. But it's mine so I'm happy to share!

edit - if anyone's interested, here's the audio from the panel later in the day, which was Scott, Andy Weir (author of the book) and Dr. Jim Green (NASA planetary science advisor), facing down me and 4 other reporters in a conference room. This one's fascinating because most of it is either Andy Weir talking to Ridley Scott, or Ridley Scott and Jim Green geeking out about space. They were way more interested in talking to each other than they were to us stupid reporters :D

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001QWBM62/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1419523889&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40


http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005CQ2ZY6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1419524021&sr=8-1

Are you going to be running your mics through an audio board (I would suggest that) or try to go straight into your computer?

These are the mics I use:
http://www.amazon.com/MXL-990-Condenser-Microphone-Shockmount/dp/B0002GIRP2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1422462371&sr=8-3&keywords=MXL

Windscreen:
http://www.amazon.com/Nady-MPF-6-6-Inch-Microphone-Filter/dp/B0002CZW0Y/ref=pd_bxgy_MI_img_y

Audio board
http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-1202-BEHRINGER-XENYX/dp/B000J5Y282/ref=sr_1_19?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1422462418&sr=1-19&keywords=audio+board

These are doing to be your main components, if the mics are too expensive I can recommend some cheaper ones. Ideally you want to record to hardware (not your computer) then transfer it. I usually also record on my computer as well just to have a backup. I use Audacity to record on my computer

I use this to record to SD cards to put it on the computer.

http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Handy-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B001QWBM62/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1422462555&sr=1-2&keywords=h2n

Let me know if you have any questions.

Canon 60D. Around a grand, but it gives you an articulating LCD.

Getting audio into these cameras isn't great and on my 7D, I've found that it's a frame or two off on synch. Go for the external recorder and start shopping for some sort of stabilization for the camera.

Good recorder: http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Handy-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B001QWBM62/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1UHOUBH1YBJ6A&colid=27C3X0IKYSNTB

Good blog for budget filmmakers: http://cheesycam.com/

I love my H4n.
It has a built in pair of condenser mics that sound pretty good, so he can just turn it on and record whatever. It also has an onboard 4-track mixer, so he can record something (like a guitar riff), switch to the next track and record something else (like vocals), etc. etc. This makes it really easy to quickly record song ideas or live sessions and it is perfect for practice, because it also has two extra inputs for more mics or electric instruments. I use it to practice bass with my headphones.

Plus, he could use it as an interface if he wants to record onto software. It comes with a USB port so he just has to plug it into a computer, either use the H4n's mics or use its two extra inputs and hit record!

Its really versatile and can grow with him as he gathers his own equipment, and $260 bucks is really cheap considering what it is.

I've had mine for four years and I use it all the time!

I humbly suggest 2 things if you are serious:

1. Get/borrow a recorder with a headphone jack, I recommend one with condenser mics like the zoom h4n http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Handy-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B001QWBM62 ... ideally you can both record yourself to listen later, and also hear yourself sing in realtime. But even just recording yourself on a laptop and listening after the fact, will give you a clear picture of how you sound. You cant evaluate your own sound while you sing. Practice your song and notice which parts work/dont, where you need improvement.
   
   
2. Get a couple voice lessons. Even 2-3 lessons will put you on the right track. Be sure to practice and do the excercises they give you. Bring the song you want to sing, to your voice teacher. BONUS: Bring the recorder to your class and record the whole thing, for guidance later.
   
   If you truly are tonedeaf, you will have a problem. But otherwise, these should help you improve a lot.

So I'm half way through, this is more of a list of things that you should consider, maybe not all of them.

***

I disagree with everyone on one thing, you will spend more money ramping up the quality of your camera(e.g. Sony to a Black Magic), if your going in then get something that you wont feel the need to replace in a year or two, of course this varies with your financial situation.



I'd start here, you'll likely need a dead cat



Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm f/1.7 Aspherical Pancake Lens


Black Magic will be more than competent for most anyones need's, and it's cheap(relatively), significantly less on amazon.

I have a fair bit of experience with this tripod manufacturer, so I'll say this one will do great

This slider should be fine for the light weight of the Black Magic, tripod mountable

These look alright, go better quality if at all possible

Cheers!

I 'm the host of the PopFury Podcast.

/r/podcasts can suggest some cheap equipment.

I don't know what your budget is or what your longterm plans are. At bare minimum you will need:

Editing/Recording Software: Audacity is what I use and it is free

Microphone: if you're planning on having guests, a USB blue yeti snowball that directly plugs into your computer is a cheap way to get multiple people on mic. Get a pop filter on the cheap.

A hosting website: Podbean is free.

I'm not pretending the above will yield the best sound or is the best hosting solution, but it does provide quick and low cost entry. If you want each person to have their own mic (or need multiple mics for multiple guests), you're heading into additional costs of buying XLR mics for each person and a mixer.

My current equipment:

• 2 Blue Yeti Pros (each with a pop filter)
  
• 2 of Sony MDR7506 headphones (so we can hear ourselves on mic)
  
• Headphone Amp (we can control our individual headphone volumes)
  
• Behringer XENYX 1202 -- went with 4 inputs in case I expand to more guests
  
• BEHRINGER U-CONTROL UCA222 -- connects mixer to my computer
  
• Audacity -- to record and mix
  
• Auphonic (online service) -- to save time adjusting levels, reduce hum, etc
  
• Libsyn -- hosting
  
• (soon, website costs as I'm getting ready to create one)
  
  If I could go back in time, I'd trade out the Blue Yetis Pros (condenser mics) for a pair of dynamic mics.
  
  eta: alternate recording solution, portable mic like the H4n
  

Several years of experience in the field of recording.

Failing that, there are many different products out there. http://smile.amazon.com/Zoom-Handy-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B001QWBM62/ is one I like simply from using it when folks want to record their comedy sets while I am doing live sound.

Any half decent recorder should be able to be synced to your video in post with few changes.

I'm a multimedia photojournalist. I love the Zoom H4N. Great, raw .MP3s with a ton of in-device compression and such.

http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Handy-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B001QWBM62

Or get like a Canon G1X II - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1028804-REG/canon_9167b001_powershot_g1x_mark_ii.html?N=0&gclid=CPXGjr7Cr8ECFYSPMgodTDkAWQ&InitialSearch=yes

I use a Zoom H4n. The Amazon link has tons of information and reviews of it. I think it works great for recording - I haven't used most of the features like I thought I would like the four track capability but I suppose they are there for future use. It is terrible as a USB audio interface which is a shame but they could update the drivers later as it is still a pretty new device. My Soundcloud page has examples of recordings made on the H4n. All in all I would think one of the less expensive Zoom recorders like the H2n would be more than adequate for most applications as at ~$300 it's quite an expensive piece of gear especially when you're not using all the extra features it ships with. I have also used a Tascam DR-07 before I had this recorder and it made good enough recordings but not as good as the Zoom recorder in my opinion (but for half the price it's great!). I use Reaper on Windows to edit and it's a great DAW considering you can use the fully functioning application forever for free if you like or you can purchase a license which is very reasonable for the feature set it has.

Ah, sync-sound is a beautiful thing. I love my Zoom H4n more than any other audio equipment I've had in my career.

Get a used Zoom H4N Handy Portable Digital Recorder, and then when you have money buy a microphone with a good xlr cable.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001QWBM62/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used

In your case, I'd recommend a separate audio recorder with a lav mic or shotgun mic. Here are a few options.

Audio Recorders

• Tascam DR-05 (~$100 USD)
  
• Zoom H1 (~$100 USD)
  
• TASCAM DR-40 (~$180 USD, XLR)
  
• Zoom H4N (~$270 USD, XLR]
  
  Lav Mics
  
  
• Azden EX503 (~$20 USD, phantom powered)
  
• Audio-Technica ATR-3350 (~$20 USD, battery powered)
  
  Shotgun
  
  
• Rode Videomic (~$150 USD)
  
• Azden SGM-1X (~$170 USD, XLR)

I use the Tascam DR-40 for all my DSLR audio needs. It is less expensive than the H4N. The one downside is that out of the box it will need a firmware update if you want to catch 4 audio channels from the device (two built in mics and two external mics). The firmware is easy to upgrade.

Here is a review of both done by Cheesy Cam:
http://cheesycam.com/tascam-dr-40-vs-zoom-h4n/

Here is an amazon link for the DR-40 ($174.99):
http://www.amazon.com/DR-40-4-Track-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B005NACC6M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349040942&sr=8-1&keywords=tascam+DR-40

Here is an amazon link for the H4N ($261.00):
http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Handy-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B001QWBM62/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349041012&sr=8-1&keywords=zoom+h4n

I've heard many swear by the Zoom H4n.

Been told the Rode VideoMic is a good starter mic.


If you're plugging a mic into your camera, you may want to get Magic Lantern to help control your audio levels.

Source: I too am in the market for some good audio gear.

I have used two Shure CVB-B/O Boundary Condenser Microphones at a table with 10 people and they picked up everyone just fine. Folks farther from the mic needed to speak a bit louder, but audio was very clear overall.

These have XLR connections, so you will need to connect them to something like a Zoom H4n digital recorder XLR Mic 1 and Mic 2 inputs on the bottom of the unit. Use a 32Gm SDHC card and you can record for hours on end.

The two mics and the H4n make for a very portable recording setup. You then transfer the .WAV or .MP3 recording files to your PC/Mac for editing and adding music and such.

Listen to Newport. I use the h4n zoom for aduio: http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Handy-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B001QWBM62

You can plug mic's into it via two xlr inputs or, the built in mic's actually have pretty good sound quality to them.

One of the things you have to consider is that with the GH2 it has an almost 2x crop zoom, which means that the lens act differently than if you were to use a full frame sensor. so that 14-42 mm lens will actually act more like a 28-84mm. Plus the GH2 has a 3x crop. Personally I would recommend a 50mm prime lens, 28mm prime, and an 84mm prime. These are more production based lenses with a lower f stop so you don't have to increase the iso.

Also you should consider that you will have to shoot at 50 or 60 for the shutter speed, so this can help as well. Personally I would say invest in some audio equipment like the zoom h4n

Can I suggest something? I have a background in sound production :)

This recorder:
http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Handy-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B001QWBM62

Plus this starter mic rig:
http://www.amazon.com/Professional-Advanced-Broadcast-Microphone-accessories/dp/B00N39J0LU/ref=sr_1_4?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1453274565&sr=1-4&keywords=boom+mic

Plus this Boom Pole:
http://www.amazon.com/LyxPro-MPL-05-Sections-Lightweight-Microphones/dp/B014E6CZB2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453274746&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=boom+pole&psc=1

Use the mic mount from the shotgun rig as it has nylon wraps and wont cause vibration sounds.

Get some work gloves, unplug the fridge and get down to business. Hold the boom out of shot above the head of the actor, in front of their face and pointed at their nose.

The mic is a hyper-cardioid which means it picks up sound really well directly in front of the tip from far away. Get a clapper and log your shots.

Written on the clapper: Scene 1 Take 1
Spoken out load while audio and video is rolling: Scene one Take one
clap, so the recorder can hear, and the video can see.

You got this!

WAIT WAIT WAIT. Before you post this somewhere else.


I record cello a lot, and there a couple of ways you can go about this.

One is getting something like the Zoom H4n which sounds incredible. You could record an orchestra with this thing. I have one, and its all that I used for my college pre screening stuff. You can also connect it to your computer for use with something like garageband or logic. It works great.


The other (more expensive) way to go with this would be to get a decent mic, an interface, and then plug that into garageband or logic or whatever. I wouldnt suggest this though since you are only going to be recording one cello. ha. My username.


But yeah thats my 2 cents. Like I said, I have a whole lot of experience recording solo cello and multitracked cello.

I run a side business doing audition and concert recordings, and I've had great results with the Sennheiser MKE400. I've heard great things about the Rode VideoMic as well. The other thing you might consider is investing in is a Zoom H4n or similar device that can be used as an external microphone as well as a portable audio recorder for lessons.

Less than $500 for even a decent camera will be difficult. I'd suggest looking into a used Canon T3i or a new/used T2i. They may be slightly more expensive but they're the best thing you'll find around that price range (in my experience). Also because they both have interchangeable lenses you can upgrade/adapt them as you get more cash to invest.

I know less about mics although I think it may be difficult to find what your describing, especially at that price. Something like this may be what your after but I really can't say that the quality will be great and the cable will probably get in the way if you're moving around.

What I'd really suggest is to abandon the idea of on-body unless it's absolutely necessary for some reason. If you're up for doing that I'd suggest a shotgun mic (something like this would probably do just fine). The absolute best option in terms of quality and lasting value would be to buy an H4n. The disadvantage is that you'll end up having to sync your audio to the video but the advantages are that the audio quality is great, you can add better (XLR) mics in the future and you can move it around depending on where your audio source is.

I know that this isn't exactly what you're looking for but I hope it's some help anyway. If you have questions please feel free to ask :)

I am not too familiar with hosting and feeds, but learning on Audacity is your best choice here. Depending on how many guests you want (I assume 2) grab two of these Nady SP-1 kits. They are awesome because the come with a nice mic stand with boom arm, greatcable, and a nice mic for the ultra low price. I use the Zoom H4n to record my podcasts since I do not have a mixer.

This Nady MSC3 kit is nice too, but the cable produces too much of a hum and the mic stand feels cheap.

Edit: This kit will get you off the ground for about $260 and it should last a long time. The mic kit is cheap enough that if a kid breaks it, you can just buy a new one. Make sure kids don't touch the H4n; that isn't cheap.

I'm not a singer, per se, but I've been playing guitar for a while and I have a small home-recording set-up, and I use microphones to record my instruments.

A question: how are you planning on recording yourself? Using a stand-alone device, like a this Zoom H2, or are you going to be using a computer with an audio interface? An example would be something like this PreSonus interface in conjunction with a microphone. I'd recommend a large cardioid condenser microphone, as they generally sound the best with vocals.

If you're using a computer to record and want to use something free and relatively easy to use, I recommend trying Audacity; or if you want something much more robust, Reaper. It has a free and unlimited trial, or at least it was when I used it a few years ago, so it's kind of like donation-ware. It is extremely powerful, though much more complex.

If you're going to be recording with a stand-alone device, then you'll probably want to use one of these, or something similar, on your computer for editing and whatnot.

The nice thing about using a computer to record is that it's pretty simple to sync up your backing track to your recording track. Or rather, you simply don't have to do anything other than have one track recording at the same time you're playing the other in the same program. Pretty easy to do. You will need some headphones in order to prevent your microphone from picking up your backing track while you're recording, unless you're using a dynamic microphone (these are not nearly as sensitive as condenser mics).

With a stand-alone recorder it will be more difficult because you'll have to move your vocal track until it lines up just right with your backing track. Not hard to do, but it is something you'll have to fiddle with a little to get just right.

If it really needs to be accurate I'd suggest an online transcription service:

https://www.speechpad.com/

Then I'd get a quality field recorder and possibly some external mics:

http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Handy-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B001QWBM62/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405613970&sr=8-1&keywords=field+recorder

http://www.amazon.com/CM-1000-Omni-Directional-Stereo-Conference-Microphone/dp/B002XGDXJY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1405614158&sr=8-3&keywords=conference+mic

You'll also need 1/8 -> 1/4 adapters to use those mics: http://www.amazon.com/Premium-Quality-Adapter-STEREO-Female/dp/B00BE50BPO/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1405614374&sr=8-5&keywords=3.5mm+to+1%2F4

As far as a Mic Goes, an Azden SGM-1X works fairly well, you will need to do a little editing in post, however. Then you can get an XLR to 1/8 for about $7. Then if that doesn't cut out the wind well enough then you could check into a wind muff.

As far as audio syncing goes, if you get the mic I recommended above there would be no need for that as your camera would use the audio from that rather than your on-board camera mic. If you decide to get something else, such as an external recording device (Which I would love to snag a Zoom H4N someday) then Final Cut Pro X has a super easy way to sync up your audio... (Seriously selecting your Video and Audio clips, right clicking and synchronizing) If you can't afford that, then you could easily clap in front of the camera and use that sharp waveform from your camera's audio and match it up with the sharp one from your external audio recorder.

Hopefully that helps!

Personally, I've found Amazon's S3 service to be the cheapest host for large (60+ mins) MP3 files for my podcasts. Then I use Podtrac to check stats on the downloads. For putting out the feed to all compatible players, I use Feedburner's podcast service.

To actually make the feed, a self-hosted Wordpress is fine (just link to the MP3 for a given episode within an entry and WP does the rest). I'm sure a hosted WP might do the same. There's also Tumblr (same thing - link to the MP3 file from within an entry).

As for equipment, you don't need much. I, personally, use a mixer and 3 mics because I do a live broadcast and have guests. But, if you're not putting it on video and/or you're fine with gathering around a recorder, many podcasters swear by the Zoom H4N (or similar).

If you want to go the mixing board route - a simple Beringer 6-track is only about $80, and I found a 3-pack of Audio Technica microphones for around $60 on this page at Musicians Friend

Do you have a good audio recorder? See if anyone you know can rent you one of these. We can then clean up and edit the audio.

Panasonic's AF100 is a decent upgrade to a full fledged digital video camera from a DSLR that a lot of people use for documentary work. The main problem with it is that there isn't a wide selection of lenses, but that issue shouldn't affect documentary work.

If you want to record sound separately to a digital recorder and then sync it with footage in post, a cheap and good digital recorder is the Zoom H4N. It has everything you need in a mini-field digital recorder - line in and XLR in. That and a set of wireless mics will give you great audio from your interviews. However, if you're going to be using the AF100 you do have the option of recording sound directly to the camera and skipping the post-sync process. It's a preference thing...it's more convenient to record directly to the camera but recording separately gives you more options in post and flexibility in sound design.

I can recommend two books:

The Sound Effects Bible which is excellent for giving you tips on how to listen to sound, not just hear it, not just hear sounds. and Sound Design by David Sonnenschein
which is more theory andform based, but is excellent for giving you ideas in terms of narrative structure and flow through a story using sound design.

If you're interest is more than a little serious, I would also strongly recommend buying a stereo field recorder, like a Zoom H4n or something similar. it's completely self contained so all you need to do is point and record. It's really good for recording sounds and ambiences on the spot and impromptu recordings. (You'll need an SD card, get a big one, you'll want to record everything!!!)

This is how I got started and I've certainly not regretted it, even from a hobbyist point of view it's not a bad thing to be spending your life doing in my opinion.

Hope this was useful.

Edit: link code fail.

I was about to recommend this, but it would seem Roland has stopped making it. Maybe you can buy one used. I got it because of the digital i/o and to capture vinyl in lossless. Works great and originally sold for $99. They may have a newer version out.

Edit: I just thought of another option. I know of at least three people who have one of these and they are all very happy with it. Very portable and a lot of different recording options. Saves to flash media so you can move it to your computer easily.

I'd be willing to bet the cameraman is using something like this attached to the camera for the audio. I've used that device and similar ones for field recordings, live band recording, etc. and you'd be surprised how close to studio-quality sound you can get. Also, there's definitely some compression applied to the audio so that nothing's too quiet.

Well start at the beginning. People notice high quality recordings. If you listen to your Pod on headphones, crappy mics then get compressed to crappy MP3s is tedious to listen to.

If there are 2 or you, plan on spending a couple hundred bucks to solve this.

I use Sterling ST-51 Condenser mics- You can generally get them on sale at Guitar Center for $70 bucks. Here is a link to amazon

After you get that you'll need two XLR cables
After that you'll need some sort if interface. I have never had more than four people on my podcast, but the nature of podcasting generally means you'll get good a production, go as big as you can early, someone somewhere will want to pay you to produce for them. It's better to have the flexibility out of the box then have to cluge around with shitty hardware. However if you're on a tight budget there are other things you can get. Audio to computer interfaces give you more flexibility because you can add things like music live during a recording from other devices, allow you to use Skype (which isn't obvious when you have high quality mics and interfaces) I trend toward Focusrite, they make Bad Ass equipment. The Scarlett series works well for me. They don't have a loop back feature, but if you get that far let me know and ill tell you how to do it for the cost of a $1 RCA cable.

You can get linear PCM recorders Here and Here for about the same money as an audio interface, so its your call. They put it all in one package, but in the long run I think you'll end up getting tired of moving large files to your software for editing. I use the Tascam DR-40 and give it to people who are traveling - it is STELLAR and less than anything else on the market, because its old. But it's record out of the box- Easy.

Now Software- Ive used pay versions of Cakewalk. Ive used Audacity, which is great but clunky. I have landed on Reaper. It is the most full featured, open, continually updated, solid, go to, piece of software you can find. They're not dumb, they let you download a fully functioning copy for free. Its Not hampered in anyway. If you don't buy a license then you have to sit through a click away every time it opens. Better yet, just try it for a while, then you will appreciate it and want to buy the $60 license for small business or home use. Brilliant in every way.

That set up will last you for years and give you virtually pro quality production capability.

TL;DR
Mics (and Cables) Sterling ST-51 or similar (less than $100 ea)
Audio interface ( Many in, Many out, USB 2, Focusrite or Tascam)
Software (There can only be one, Reaper, Hands down)


Edit: My pods are at Defensesecurity.org , Homeready.org and Renman24.com - if you listen to the first ones and then listen to the latest ones you'll notice my equipment improvement, and editing style change. Its a muscle, work it out and it'll get better.

Edit 2: spelling and links
Edit 3: Links again

Easiest way to do it is a field X/Y mic (We used a Zoom H1, H4 is even better) at the head of the table, going into Audacity, or Garageband if you happen to have a Mac.
With some noise removal, you can get a decent recording, essentially what we had in season 5.

Nowadays we each have our own mic going through a mixer into Audio Hijack.
WHICH I CANNOT RECOMMEND ENOUGH! It's so cool. It can record anything happening on your computer and manipulate and store it any way you want.

If I was recording in person and had that much money to spend (I record over Skype for my podcast, as we all live hundreds of miles from each other), I'd be hooking studio mics or shotguns up to something like the Zoom H4n Handy Portable Digital Recorder or TASCAM DR-40 4-Track Portable Digital Recorder and recording onto an SD Card (which I'd easily transfer from afterwards) and not recording straight onto computer. Obviously still have popguards, stands, etc.

Why would I do this? Because it's what I do when filming - even though I've got a good laptop the audio wouldn't be that good if I used your set-up with shotguns and converters. So it would be better quality, mainly due to no conversion connections, and you wouldn't have any electronic humming while recording from the recording equipment itself.

Obviously the above wouldn't work for someone doing a live cast.

Get a t2i with ML, 50mm 1.8 lens, zoom h1, or if your budget can afford it, zoom h4n. Check eBay for cheapest prices. That's everything you need and in your budget. Good luck.

Sounds like your total sound budget for your mic and recorder is about $400? If so, there might be a better solution than the H4n [Referral Links]:

You might want to consider a [$270 Zoom H5] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KCXMBES/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00KCXMBES&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20). It has better/quieter preamps than the H4n - plus it has separate line outs for camera & headphones.

Add a [$130 SGH-6 shotgun microphone capsule] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GXMTZE6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00GXMTZE6&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20), and you'll have a nice shotgun/recorder package for about the same price as the [$199 H4n] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QWBM62/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001QWBM62&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20) with a decent shotgun mic.

Again, I would avoid the Videomic "Pro" for its unbalanced output and flimsy little 3.5mm cable.

Nice shootout between the H5, H4n and DR-40 from Sam Mallery [here] (http://www.sam-mallery.com/2014/10/audio-test-zoom-h5-vs-zoom-h4n-vs-tascam-dr-40/). I am a DR-40 owner, but I have to agree with his assessment of this recorder as the noisiest. I do like its dedicated line input, however.

Sam does another great shootout [here] (http://www.sam-mallery.com/2014/10/zoom-h5-shotgun-shootout-sgh-6-vs-rode-ntg-2-vs-ntg-3/) between the H5 with the SGH-6 shotgun capsule, the H5 with the NTG-2 and the H5 with NTG-3 (spoiler alert: the SGH-6 beats the [$229 NTG-2] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00093ESSI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00093ESSI&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20), but not the [$699 NTG-3] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001C0IFDQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001C0IFDQ&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20) ;))

Good luck with your decision and Happy New Year!

As a Youtuber who's invested in the wrong gear before the right gear, here's a quality list that I've found works for my needs and will likely be great for you.


Camera

Panasonic GH4: This is a great camera that shoots 4K. If you are shoot in 4K, downscale to 1080p, you have the option to reframe and zoom into a closer shot without losing quality. It has a flip out screen so you can see yourself, focus peaking to show you on screen if you're in focus, and can record longer clips (in select modes) than the Canon T3i to make syncing easier. This camera is also great for when you want to deliver in 4K one day.
$1699


AC Power adapter: No worrying about batteries for the indoor shooting. $20


Lens

Panasonic 12-35mm: Versatile lens that gives you great range. $1000


14-42 kit lens: Cheaper alternative. $120


Audio

Zoom H4N: Great recorder for your mics. Monitor each mic's level independently. $250


Rode NTG-2: Shotgun mic. $270


Sennheiser Wireless Lav: Expensive, but great quality. $640


Audio Technica ATR-3350s: Cheap corded lavs with long wires. $30


You'll need one long XLR cable, a light stand to use for the boom, and some kind of shotgun mic shock mount. $60 for all.


Lighting

3-light softbox kit: Great kit, been using it for a year with no issues. I don't use the over head light, as I don't have the space. I can use the light stand to boom or for another light. $170


Neewer CN-160: Small LED light to help light certain situations or to use as a hair light. $30


Tripod

Manfrotto Tripod w/Fluid Head: Great set up, worth the investment, but there are cheaper alternatives. $350


Memory Card

64GB Sandisk Extreme Pro: Great card which will allow for smooth 4K recording. $100


____



If you have any questions about any of this gear, let me know and good luck with everything!

T3i's can be purchased for 400 to 500 bucks or so. You can find them cheaper on eBay or Craigslist perhaps.

For audio, you have a few options. People really like the Zoom H4N. I have a Tascam 60d that is a bit cheaper new, and works fine (although it eats batteries).

Rode makes some good sub $200 mics that all work fine .

If you need a tripod, don't go too fancy (unless you need fancy). You can get a good new tripod for $40 at Walmart or try Goodwill and get a good cheap one for $4. ( I got a $120 tripod there yesterday for $4)

For the first year of filming corporate videos, I just used hardware store can lights. They cost about $6 each. You can clip them to just about anything, or put them on light stands. You can find light stands for cheap on eBay, or you can do what I did, and use thrift store tripods (3 bucks each) as light stands.

All of that would put you at about $1000

Yes, it's shaky without tripod. If you get the Canon, you can also look into later getting an external recorder for audio, and then syncing them up in post. It's going to be a little costly, but it's also going to allow you to use pro audio gear and have manual control of the audio levels.

Zoom H4N

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001QWBM62

Has 2 mics and 2 inputs.
You can plug it in to your computer with USB and record directly to GarageBand, or record to an SD card.

I just realized that I never linked the actual recorder that we use. That'd help, huh? :P

While I can't get too in detail about specific microphones cause I've only used crap ones, I can tell you that a mic isn't going to do crap for you without a recording device. And with that I gotta recommend the H4N Zoom. It's a small recorder that's about the size of a graphing calculator that can also be used as it's own mic with great sound quality. You can hook up some headphones and an external mic to it and just use it as an audio recording device, or depending on what kind of camera you have (DLSR for instance), you can attach it to your camera as it's own little camera mic. It's very easy to use and I highly recommend it. Even if you think it's a little on the pricier side, it's worth it. Save up. It will last and it's an awesome tool.

http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-ZH4N-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B001QWBM62

I would probably go with this as long as you have someone to run audio

http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-ZH4N-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B001QWBM62/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375811157&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=h6n+zoom+recorder

http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-EW-112P-G3-A-omni-directional/dp/B002CWQTXG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1375811208&sr=8-2&keywords=lavalier+microphone

http://www.amazon.com/Rode-Condenser-Microphone-Videographer-Professional/dp/B007BPDKHM/ref=sr_1_1?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1375811583&sr=1-1&keywords=shotgun+microphone+kit

I've had this for a couple of months and I'm super happy with it.

http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Handy-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B001QWBM62

It all depends on what your budget is. If I were doing this I would:

• Use a cheap condenser mic on that rigged up boom your "awesome webman" made.
  
  
• Position the mic either above talent or in front but out of frame.
  
  
• Run that mic into a field recorder like the Zoom H4n or something similar.
  
  
• Also record with the camcorder's built in mic.
  
  
• Have the talent or intern clap in front of the camera at the start of each take.
  
  
• Line up the recording from the camcorder with the recording from the Zoom in order to sync it with the video, then remove camcorder audio.
  
  This is certainly more expensive, but running audio into the camera isn't likely going to get you good results....curious, what model Canon is it?

I've gotten great results using the ZOOM H4N and blending it's built in mics with a board feed. If the room mix sounds good sometimes all you need are the built in stereo pair, but a good board feed will crispen it up, even if it's just vocals. At $250 it's a great deal. You'll want an RCA to 1/4" cable though...as most board feeds come out at line level but the XLR inputs on the H4N treats them as mic level, which renders it completely distorted and unusable.

Here are a few recordings I've made with it:

Phantom Glue

Avox Blue

Wandas (internal mics only)

I recommend the Zoom H4n. It's a portable recorder with a stereo mic setup built in. The quality is phenomenal and the mics work very well at capturing a realistic stereo image. It's priced at about $260, but for a great mic/recorder combo, you can't beat it. I'm sure you could find one used, or possibly step down to a lower level, but I don't have any experience with the cheaper models.

http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Handy-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B001QWBM62

For your situation I would recommend a handheld recording unit. You can get some amazing, quality recordings in a standalone unit. Something like the Zoom H4N ($279) or The Sony PCM-D50 ($500, we have one at work, it's phenomenal) would work well. Once you make recordings with your unit you just take the wav files and edit them down on your computer and you're off to the races.

For recording small sound effects both at your house and in the evironment, I prefer having a handheld recorder to anything else. Your other option would most likely be microphone -> USB/Firewire audio interface -> laptop.

Amazon has it with prime shipping as well http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Handy-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B001QWBM62

Had one through work and was great, thinking of picking one up now that i don't have access to it any more.

we use the Zoom H5N or cheaper the http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Handy-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B001QWBM62/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top great for recording

The Zoom H4n

It has a built-in crossed pair of condensers so you can record multiple instruments at once. I mostly use it for acoustic and singing, but it also sounds good pointed at an amp.

As a podcaster I highly suggest picking something up like a Zoom H4N http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Handy-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B001QWBM62 as it is the ideal, unobtrusive setup for podcasting. There are other's like it, i'm just preferential to this one, it costs ~$200 and no more headsets needed with great audio.

Try a Zoom handheld recorder (http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Handy-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B001QWBM62).

I got mine on sale at Guitar Center super cheap and it works really well. No need for expensive mics or amps and no laptop or anything necessary. I'm a flutist, but having played and recorded with piano a few times it sounds good to me.

I say, Grab a Zoom H4N and a Lav mic like the ATR-3350 And you're pretty much set for most things! However if you want a decent shotgun microphone that goes into the H4N you might want to consider a RODE NTG2

I use a Zoom H4n and absolutely love it. While its not really cheap, $300 is a great price for the quality of the recording you are getting.

Zoom does have some less expensive models, I just have no experience with them.

Looking at options to convert to digital. I feel like, on my Mac, using the Behringer USB audio converter and Audacity has been a bit hit or miss. I can't control the recording level for one thing and I just don't feel I'm getting the best quality.

I've given some thought to using an external SD card based recording device, like this Zoom audio recorder, to capture the audio completely outside of the computer, being able to monitor the audio level and adjust the volume up or down if I need then importing the audio into my computer and do editing then.

My biggest PRO I can think of with this method would be that I can theoretically capture a much higher quality signal (using a 24/96kHz range) then export it down to CD quality after cleaning it up on my computer. Also, the ADC would be on a device that is often used as a field recorder built for capturing good quality audio.

My biggest CON is that it adds time and effort into my conversion stream. I still like the idea of not touching my computer until the final stage though.

I'm told that this thing is the way to go for mobile recording: http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Handy-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B001QWBM62

Then edit on any computer later.

Try this for recording audio: http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Handy-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B001QWBM62/

Check out the first customer review and watch the video to hear the different setups possible.

Is this problem solved with something like this?

Wow, thanks for the info and the offer. I'll talk to my partner about this and see what he thinks. As for field recorders, we love the Zoom H4N

as long as it records digitally, that's what you need. Something like this maybe?
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Digital-Flash-Recorder-ICD-PX312/dp/B004M8SSZK/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1370384214&sr=8-11&keywords=digital+stereo+microphone
On the more expensive side of things, there are stereo mics like this one here, which are dreamy:
http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-ZH4N-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B001QWBM62/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1370384214&sr=8-5&keywords=digital+stereo+microphone

In that case, you have a few options you could play with. As 2013orBust mentioned, you could conceivably purchase the Blackmagic Cinema Camera (2.5k RAW). You could also pick up a 5dMkII, a Panasonic GH3, or even a Sony a99. However, I would highly recommend investing in a mid-priced DSLR (maybe a 6D, 7D, GH3, something along those lines) and save up the rest for some good primes.

As for audio equipment, the Rhode VideoMic Pro shotgun mic can be attached in the hot shoe and works well. You could also invest in a Zoom H4N, or Tascam DR-100mkII, or Tascam DR-40 (those are just some of the more popular, but there are some other options; my personal favorite is the DR-100mkII).

Head over here and look through the comments to see some awesome recommendations about some other gear you could potentially invest in at different price levels.

EDIT: Mistakenly thought the Blackmagic could only record RAW at 2k, changed that to 2.5k.

Here are some links for the product in the above comment for different countries:

Amazon Smile Link: zoom


|Country|Link|Charity Links|
|:-----------|:------------|:------------|
|USA|smile.amazon.com|EFF|
|UK|www.amazon.co.uk|Macmillan|
|Spain|www.amazon.es||
|France|www.amazon.fr||
|Germany|www.amazon.de||
|Japan|www.amazon.co.jp||
|Canada|www.amazon.ca||
|Italy|www.amazon.it||
|India|www.amazon.in||




To help donate money to charity, please have a look at this thread.

This bot is currently in testing so let me know what you think by voting (or commenting). The thread for feature requests can be found here.

Get yourself an audio recorder with some XLR inputs and make your own.

Practice some sound design and replace all the audio for a scene of a show, or movie trailer, or movie, etc...

The recorder I linked above will record at 24bit/96khz, if you have the monitors to make it worth mixing in a higher bit rate/sample depth.

much cheaper on amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Handy-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B001QWBM62

I'd go with the zoom.

Ahh I see. I'd recommend the 24mm I posted above then. As well as suggesting that you rent lens online.