Re: sound quality with field mixer
 

Now if only I were sure that the camera line in really bypassed the camera pre-amp instead of just padding it back down to mic level...........

Re: sound quality with field mixer
 

With the exception of DSRLs, I have never really had a problem with most 'pro' cameras inputting balanced line-level for interviews and such, properly gain-staged and using a quality preamp front end. The primary preamp/mic interaction is normally where noise problems would occur. then again, even if the camera's audio inputs are direct line level, it could have low-grade A/D converters.

Re: sound quality with field mixer
 

Yes, I would suspect that most everything in the camera audio path is relatively low grade. Somehow I don't recall much advertising trumpeting cameras' audio features as a major selling point compared to their video features.

But I guess for voice no major issue as long as you can deliver a clean signal to the camera inputs. Even today's "low grade" is probably better than the "top of the line" of yesteryear.

Re: sound quality with field mixer
 

I had the "lowly" Sony 70U in my possession for a few days, and for a project, recorded some voice over using it as a recorder. Of course it was recording to a video file. I was quite impressed with the very nice sound I go out of my master bedroom closet using the camera.

Edit note: Connected the camera to a Rode NTG2

Re: sound quality with field mixer
 

I like my NTG-2 as well. Voice is fine. Classical music/Piano/Violin on the other hand goes to a separate recorder.