Comments on: Sony camcorder with external mic input jack?

By: Sam Deeks

Sam Deeks — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:25:15 +0000

Thanks, Dan!

By: Dan Carpenter

Dan Carpenter — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:40:48 +0000

This is a listing on Amazon.com with an external mic 3.5mm jack. Not sure if you can buy it through Amazon.uk.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-VIXIA-Camcorder-Internal-Memory/dp/B004HW7E7E/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I28J6E6N6IEI1E&colid=CGF5JMYJVGHE

By: Dave Thackeray

Dave Thackeray — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:14:20 +0000

James – that thing about licensing: I’ve never heard that cited before as a reason for the lack of audio inputs on low-medium cost camcorders in the UK. Is that speculation or known fact? I’d really like to look into that at a deeper level if you have a link you could share with me.

Thanks!

By: James

James — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 23:57:27 +0000

You know,
Here in the UK the BBC and government hold such strong audio recording licence systems, that it is always super expensive to buy a camera with audio line input for licensing reasons.
I have known cameras available in the USA, Europe, Asia identical to UK camcorders, but with audio inputs and of course a different model number.
Then we can buy an upgraded version for usually 3 times the price, making a £400 camcorder £1200.
Its all about licensing!

By: Sam Deeks

Sam Deeks — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 23:49:41 +0000

Hi Colin
I’m not sure about the camera you’re looking for (check back through the comments on this post – some people seem to have found one or two with mic input sockets). If you’re looking for a good radio mic, I use the Sennheiser ‘Freeport’ lavalier mic. Last time I looked, it was about £110 in the UK.

By: Colin Leal

Colin Leal — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 19:41:02 +0000

I’ve been trying to update my old hi 8 canon camcorder and have in the past used a cheapo radio mike with tieclip and reciever fitted on the camera shoe it needed a bit of patience to use but eventual result were quite acceptable. I think it was an Eagle. My question then does anyone market a digital camera priced between £200 to £500 with a mic and earphone skt. Also a well priced radio mic. Many thanks in anticipation ona reply.

By: Lleucu Meinir

Lleucu Meinir — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 13:27:24 +0000

…..the Zi8 doesn’t seem to be available anymore.

By: Lleucu Meinir

Lleucu Meinir — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 13:15:37 +0000

I’m as frustrated as all the above. Although I work with a semi-pro camera, when I go into schools I need cheaper alternatives for them to buy. But, I want the students to appreciate the importance of good sound. I’ve also spent hours online looking for a camera. This panasonic is around £400 and has a 3.5mm socket for an external microphone. But, I don’t think it will work well with macs, which is a shame for many schools. Here’s a link to a review:
http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/camcorders/365194/panasonic-hdc-sd90

By: Mark McCormack

Mark McCormack — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 21:04:10 +0000

It looks like Kodak responded to this demand with the Zi8. Does anyone have feedback on their experience with that?

By: Sam Deeks

Sam Deeks — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 18:43:25 +0000

Roberto, thank you for that! I am sure that will be a useful piece of information for many people. I get around 10-15 people a day arriving at this post after searching in Google.