Suggestions for camera setup

[Jamie Baughman]

Hi there,

I have a client who I edit for who's looking for a new camera setup. He is a therapist and records his sessions. Currently his camera only has an onboard mic and he's looking to boost both the video and audio quality.

Any suggestions for "the best" small camera with two audio inputs? Doesn't have to be XLR...1/8th" is fine.

Thanks!

[Seth Bloombaum]

au contraire, the most straightforward method to get two audio inputs is with an xlr-input camera.

2 inputs with a 3.5mm-audio-in cam will be either via an xlr-to-3.5 box, which is xlr anyway, but with more setup and more points of failure, or, some custom cabling for 3.5mm - don't know if this is generally available.

A great little consumer/prosumer transitional camera with excellent picture and xlr input is the Canon XA10.

You didn't mention budget... it's about $1900 to $2000 US. Depending on camera, the 3.5mm cam with external xlr conversion can cost less.

A used Sony PD150 or PD170 (both are xlr-in) is also great for this, about $1000-1200 US, standard def, shoots on tape. Tape is great for putting on the shelf, it is easy and very long-lived.