Camera Advice?

[popltree2]

So I am looking for a good MiniDV camcorder for a vidcast. I know Randolph recommended the Canon HV20, but it is still slightly out of the budget. Anyone have a recommendation around the $300-$400 range? Also looking into a wireless mic system if anyone has any ideas. Haven't looked into them yet.

[comhcinc]

i know nothing about cameras but i know a thing or two about mics
i'm guessing you are wanting a lavalier mic? if so i suggest the shure pg185 (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Shure-PG14PG185-Performance-Gear-Wireless-Lavaliere-Microphone-System?sku=271191&src=3WFRWXX&CAWELAID=49832314) it's kinda pricey but work great for spoken word.

if you just a handheld mic i would go with the shure sm86 (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Shure-SM86-Cardioid-Condenser-Vocal-Mic?sku=270090&src=3WFRWXX&CAWELAID=26020450) it's a great mic that can be used in most any set up.

all of those are really pricey. i'd suggest if you just wanted a good mic and you can live with a cord go with the shure sm48 (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Shure-SM48LC-Vocal-Microphone?sku=270105&src=3WFRWXX&CAWELAID=26020455)

[popltree2]

i know nothing about cameras but i know a thing or two about mics
i'm guessing you are wanting a lavalier mic? if so i suggest the shure pg185 (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Shure-PG14PG185-Performance-Gear-Wireless-Lavaliere-Microphone-System?sku=271191&src=3WFRWXX&CAWELAID=49832314) it's kinda pricey but work great for spoken word.

if you just a handheld mic i would go with the shure sm86 (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Shure-SM86-Cardioid-Condenser-Vocal-Mic?sku=270090&src=3WFRWXX&CAWELAID=26020450) it's a great mic that can be used in most any set up.

all of those are really pricey. i'd suggest if you just wanted a good mic and you can live with a cord go with the shure sm48 (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Shure-SM48LC-Vocal-Microphone?sku=270105&src=3WFRWXX&CAWELAID=26020455)

Yeah, I am looking into lavalier mics. I was looking at Shure and Sennheiser, both of which are fairly expensive.

[comhcinc]

Sennheiser is okay, i'm not going to say anything bad about them. you are doing spoken word? so if you find a cheap one go for it.

having said that, Shure is The Name in sound. you will never have a problem out of them and if you every deciede to sell them you can get almost what you payed for them.

i forgot the shure sm93 (http://www.instrumentpro.com/P-SHURESM93?source=froogle) it's a wired lavalier mic is about half the price of a wireless. it has some great sound as well

[popltree2]

Sennheiser is okay, i'm not going to say anything bad about them. you are doing spoken word? so if you find a cheap one go for it.

having said that, Shure is The Name in sound. you will never have a problem out of them and if you every deciede to sell them you can get almost what you payed for them.

i forgot the shure sm93 (http://www.instrumentpro.com/P-SHURESM93?source=froogle) it's a wired lavalier mic is about half the price of a wireless. it has some great sound as well

Yeah, it's going to be all spoken word. Thanks for the picks. Will probably have to go with the wired one to start out with. I can't tell, does it have an XLR connector?

[mic]

When needed I use a Nady Systems VHF wireless lavalier microphone that I purchased probably 10 years ago. It produces, IMO, quality sound for voice and can be used at great distances. You might want to check out Nady and see if they offer something in your price range.

[mikec]

The Shure SM93 does have an XLR but there is a negative. It requires phantom power.

One mic that we beat to death and it kept coming back for more was the AT 803b lav. It has a battery for power.

BTW, check out the Lectrosonics' wireless systems. They are used a lot in news gathering and video production. They have transmitter modules that you plug on one of your "regular" mics and it then is a wireless.

[popltree2]

When needed I use a Nady Systems VHF wireless lavalier microphone that I purchased probably 10 years ago. It produces, IMO, quality sound for voice and can be used at great distances. You might want to check out Nady and see if they offer something in your price range.

Thanks. The Nady seems to be a bit more in my price range for the time being. Now am I going to be able to pipe the feed from the receiver right into the camera or will it have to go through something else?

[mic]

Thanks. The Nady seems to be a bit more in my price range for the time being. Now am I going to be able to pipe the feed from the receiver right into the camera or will it have to go through something else?

The one that I have can be connected directly to the camera's audio input jack with a 6 inch cable. Originally the receiver was meant to be clipped to your belt and use a 3 foot cable, but with a little ingenuity it now attaches to the camera's shoe. The receiver is small and light weight making the whole thing very portable.