I'd like to know if I could get away with using a Professional CD or minidisk recorder out in the field, to do documentary filming outdoors. Or is it absolutely necessary to put out the big bucks for something like a Shure FP33 field mixer, which I intend to get in the future. Last question, the best price for the the Shure FP33 is at B&H. Does anyone know of a cheaper place.

You can use either method for field recording and many of our members are using MD, DAT and portable CD recorders in the field. A field mixer sure can make life a little easier in the field, but it isn't absolutely necessary. I prefer Sound Devices (http://www.sounddevices.com/index.html) mixers to the Sure mixers. They have a new, smaller mixer available in a month or so. They have some very innovative products and the quality of their products approach bullet proof.

You might want to use the search function in the upper right corner and search MD, field mixer etc. to get info from the numerous, past posts on this subject.

Plenty of people have used portable MD and DAT recorders. Synchronization is the general problem. Some people use a clap board to sync the audio.

I use a MiniDisc. Works well. Sound Sync is not difficult provided you have someshort, sharp sound to synch on. Using a NLE with audio waveform display helps.

Jeff, I was considering the Sound Devices line of mixers. You mentioned that SD was releasing a new, portable mixer. Please let me know any specifics about what you have heard or what you believe Sound Devices might be releasing.

They have pictures and a few details available at the link I posted above (click on the Sound Devices link). I think it will be announced at NAB and ship a few weeks after (mid to late April).