Anyone else getting nowhere looking for a Sony video camera you can plug a mic into??
I’ve spent over an hour doing Google searches trying to find a Sony camera (actually ANY camera) that has an external microphone input.
Why? Because as any online media producer knows, most video cameras will give you acceptable image results, but none will give you the audio quality you require. That’s not because the onboard mics are bad, it’s simply because you need to mic from up close to get acceptable quality.
So. You go to the web and search for what you need. And you use every combination of words you can think of: video camera, camcorder, mic input, external mic and so on.
Do you think that any of the sellers or manufacturers out there leap out to satisfy that need? Nope. Nothing but thousands of tangential, inconsequential references – mostly from people as frustrated as me, looking for the same thing.
So I called Sony UK customer service.
“I’ve got a need that your website isn’t satisfying” I began to the bored front-line Customer Services girl. “I’d like to speak to someone in marketing about it. It’s a missed opportunity because I know there are quite a few people looking for the same thing”
“I’m sorry” she said “We don’t pacifically (sic) have a marketing department”.
“Oh you do” I told her. “Yes but they don’t have a customer facing role” she answered back. At this point I lost the motivation to teach this corporate giant the basics of a customer-focused (as opposed to ‘product-obsessed’) marketing strategy.
Nevertheless, at least she tried to do her best to meet my need. After 10 minutes on hold listening to horrible music, she returned to say “We do have one – it’s the DCRVX2100E”
Ah yes. This one.
Isn’t it idiotic that I KNOW there are other, cheaper cameras in their product range that have mic inputs. I JUST CAN’T FIND WHICH ONES and nor can they when asked.
Save yourself 1hr searching online and call Sony UK Customer Services on 08705 111 999. Be warned, you won’t find out what you need to know – just what they’re geared up to tell you.
Sony, if you want to talk to me about how to make your marketing more customer focussed, I’m available on a consultancy day rate.
Hi Omar – go look at Canon or Panasonics becaue they DO have cameras with external mic jacks.
I think this is a silly brand move by Sony. Why encourage someone who always saw himself as a Sony customer go to the competition? Doh.
Hi, I’ve been researching this very same question, looking for a consumer grade camcorder with a mic input so I can get decent sound on my instructional videos. I did find this little wizard (“digital camcorder finder”) on cnet which allows you to bring choose to see results for models which have mic inputs:
http://reviews.cnet.com/4247-6500_7-4.html?tag=dir.dt
Several Canons around $300 among others came up when I searched today. Good Luck, Tracy
HI, 4 days for searching a mini dv with mic input…
Canon md 205, mic input but no headphone….
Hi, I’m looking for a cheap camcorder with an external mic imput too! i went into currys digital and they told me i would be looking at £1500 which is rubbish. as for the question about getting a cheap mic, most supermarkets have them. I also use the mics from singstar on ps2. they have good quality sound.
thanks.
I have a sony DVD 306E and it has a external mic input. My problem is finding a decent not to expensive mic. Any suggestions???
Hi Alina – good luck with your search!
Well ..its refreshing to see that I’m not the only one looking for a ‘mic input’ at mid range prices – up to AU$1000. I started with Sony, but they dont have anything!
My criteria is: High def, Memory Stick Duo Slot, quick start, good video capture, light.. BUT WITH a MIC INPUT jack please! Yes ..the ‘marketing of handycams’ is even missing this, so google cant find anything either! Good luck to the market when they figure it out!
If any one knows a handycam they can recommend that fits the bill I’d really appreciate their comments Thank you
Join the club! As a Media Studies teacher, it’s becoming harder and harder to pick up cheaper mini DV camcorders with external mic inputs. I used to have several Sony cameras that were perfect; they’re now broken and Sony has removed inputs from most of its new models. The Panasonic GS-230 was perfect, what happened? Yes, Panasonic replaced it with the GS-330 and removed the external mic input. Some cheaper Canon models do have mic inputs but these tend to be TOO cheap, less than £200 when I want to spend £250 – £300. It is very frustrating!
I agree, I’ve been a long time user of a Sony Mini DV, wanted a replacement, spent two hours in 3 camcorder shops, so far nothing to be had unless you spend over £1k.
Crazy.
Hi Omar – go look at Canon or Panasonics becaue they DO have cameras with external mic jacks.
I think this is a silly brand move by Sony. Why encourage someone who always saw himself as a Sony customer go to the competition? Doh.
hey thanks for the small article
i’m looking for exactly the same: a camcorder (a cheap one) with external mic input
thanks – appreciated by at least one person!