Audio-Input quality on VIXIA cams at DVinfo.net

Rick Presas · September 15th, 2010, 07:02 AM

I was just given a Canon HF S200 as a gift and was wondering what peoples thoughts are on using the cameras audio input jack with a boom mic. Hows the sound quality?

Obviously I'm not expecting it to match the quality of cameras with XLR inputs, but would you consider it passable for basic production audio?

Tom Majeski · September 15th, 2010, 03:06 PM

All I can tell you is IMO, with with my Rode videomic connected, the audio is just as good as with my XHA1. I would guess with a better mic, all the more.

Rick Presas · September 16th, 2010, 08:10 AM

Thats good to know :)

I currently have a 7D rig set up, but HDSLRs arent too friendly to 1-man-crew type run and gun stuff, and frankly, syncing audio can really be a pain (not always worth the time for a little weekend project). I was hoping that this little handicam (which the picture REALLY impresses me) could fill that little void.

Tom Majeski · September 16th, 2010, 10:11 AM

Rick, I just sold th A1 last month and bought a similar kit - T2i and HVs200. I know what you mean about HDSLR pains. With a good mic I think the S200 is very capable, having manual level set and attenuation setting. Right now I'm thinking between buying a lav mic or a Zoom H1.

Late week I did a little playing around. I took the camera out at night to record the back yard sounds...crickets,frogs, breeze blowing, leaves rustling... With the internal mic and auto level, it was good, but with some hiss. External Azden shotgun (very cheaply priced) and manual gain @ 80% was really nice.

The Hoodman loupe I bought for the T2i also works great on the S200 for bright sunlight viewing.

Tom

Jay Massengill · September 16th, 2010, 11:13 AM

I agree, the HF11 I have has no problems with the audio input and manual control, as long as you are feeding it a proper mic-level signal.
I use a variety of mics and interface methods and devices. One important point is to use a good quality source for phantom power if your mic or mics require that.

Ian VanCattenburch · September 19th, 2010, 10:46 AM

Rick, I use my hfs200 with a little Azden shotgun mic and I have no complaints.

Gan Eden · September 25th, 2010, 12:29 AM

Where would you recommend getting a mini shoe adapter for this camera?

Tom Majeski · September 28th, 2010, 05:27 PM

Mini shoe adapter.

Amazon.com: Adorama Canon Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe to Universal Shoe Adapter (FLAT TYPE) - Black: Gateway

September 15th, 2010, 07:02 AM	#1
Rick Presas Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Brownsville Texas Posts: 74	Audio-Input quality on VIXIA cams I was just given a Canon HF S200 as a gift and was wondering what peoples thoughts are on using the cameras audio input jack with a boom mic. Hows the sound quality? Obviously I'm not expecting it to match the quality of cameras with XLR inputs, but would you consider it passable for basic production audio?

September 28th, 2010, 05:27 PM	#8
Tom Majeski Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: State College PA Posts: 45	Mini shoe adapter. Amazon.com: Adorama Canon Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe to Universal Shoe Adapter (FLAT TYPE) - Black: Gateway Amazon.com: Adorama Canon Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe to Universal Shoe Adapter (FLAT TYPE) - Black: Gateway

September 15th, 2010, 03:06 PM	#2
Tom Majeski Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: State College PA Posts: 45	All I can tell you is IMO, with with my Rode videomic connected, the audio is just as good as with my XHA1. I would guess with a better mic, all the more.

September 16th, 2010, 08:10 AM	#3
Rick Presas Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Brownsville Texas Posts: 74	Thats good to know :) I currently have a 7D rig set up, but HDSLRs arent too friendly to 1-man-crew type run and gun stuff, and frankly, syncing audio can really be a pain (not always worth the time for a little weekend project). I was hoping that this little handicam (which the picture REALLY impresses me) could fill that little void.

September 16th, 2010, 10:11 AM	#4
Tom Majeski Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: State College PA Posts: 45	Rick, I just sold th A1 last month and bought a similar kit - T2i and HVs200. I know what you mean about HDSLR pains. With a good mic I think the S200 is very capable, having manual level set and attenuation setting. Right now I'm thinking between buying a lav mic or a Zoom H1. Late week I did a little playing around. I took the camera out at night to record the back yard sounds...crickets,frogs, breeze blowing, leaves rustling... With the internal mic and auto level, it was good, but with some hiss. External Azden shotgun (very cheaply priced) and manual gain @ 80% was really nice. The Hoodman loupe I bought for the T2i also works great on the S200 for bright sunlight viewing. Tom

September 16th, 2010, 11:13 AM	#5
Jay Massengill Trustee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Burlington Posts: 1,976	I agree, the HF11 I have has no problems with the audio input and manual control, as long as you are feeding it a proper mic-level signal. I use a variety of mics and interface methods and devices. One important point is to use a good quality source for phantom power if your mic or mics require that.

September 19th, 2010, 10:46 AM	#6
Ian VanCattenburch Regular Crew Join Date: May 2008 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 50	Rick, I use my hfs200 with a little Azden shotgun mic and I have no complaints.

September 25th, 2010, 12:29 AM	#7
Gan Eden Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Golden Outback, Australia Posts: 55	Where would you recommend getting a mini shoe adapter for this camera?