Can the new Sony Webbie HD Camcorder fit an XLR adapter to it?

Austin

Can you fit an XLR adapter to the new Sony Webbie HD Camcorder?

Answer
No.

The "Webbie", as the name suggests, is a video camera optimized for internet video... in other words, it's an ultra-low-end model. Sony sure knows how to make a camcorder... I have several of theirs, it's a fine brand. But you don't get extra features at the low-end.

So, there's no microphone jack, and the built-in mic is mono-only. Like most of this sort of camcorder, it's closer in design to a digital still camera's video mode than to a standard camcorder: tiny lens, no optical zoom, higher levels of video compression, etc.

What you might do is use an off-camera recorder. A MiniDisc recorder, a digital flash recorder, an iPod with one of the recording adapters, even a laptop computer with a decent microphone (if you don't have a mic jack on the laptop, you can get "USB" mics, which are basically just microphones with USB audio interface built-in).

XLR mics are generally higher-end stuff... my $2600 camcorder came with XLR jacks on it, but my cheaper ones, not so much. You can get an XLR to 3.5mm plug adaptor for devices that take an external mic, from a company called BeachTek... but they probably cost more than your "Webbie" did, just for the interface. See here:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=0&shs=beachtek&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=jsp%2FRootPage.jsp&A=search&Q=%2A&bhs=t&Go.x=0&Go.y=0

If you're using off-camera mics, the trick is to properly synchronize audio, so that when you want to sync it up (this presumes you're doing some video editing on a computer), it's easy to find the sync point. You've seen this done before, though you might not know it. That stereotypical "clap-board" you see around movie-making... that's what it's for. High end film cameras don't have on-camera sound, and professional film makers have their own crew for recording sound. The "clap" made by the clapboard provides the synchronization point for the multiple audio and video recording devices.

I use similar things all the time to match up video from two and three camera shoots. Even if the "Webbie" audio isn't all that great, it'll record your sync noise and make it easy to match up some better off-camera source.

Cheapest HD camcorder with dual XLR inputs?

bob crane

I've been looking for a while now and can't seem to find what I'm looking for (if it even exists.)

My budget is $1,300 and that's stretching it for me so cheaper would be nice :/

My only requirements are that it shoots in HD and has dual XLR inputs. I know, it's almost impossible to find one brand new that has both of those capabilities so used or refurbished is fine.

Please HELP!!!

Answer
it dont need XLR

just add preamp

Beachtek DXA2 for example it sits under camcorder
so if your tape ejects under then it can be annoying

been using one os these with Audio Technica 802b for years with
simple canon MV700i with really good results

note: sony camcorders may be different check preamp work with sony

note2: nice to be able to see recording levels, i cant with my dxa2
newer camcorders have bar display.

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what is the Best HD Camcorder?

Banshee

What i want is the Best of the best camcorders in the market today. just camcorders not proffesional video camera.
hd,camcorder. simple as that.

Answer
Your question does not make sense to me.

A "camcorder" defined:
"A camcorder (video CAMera reCORDER) is an electronic device that combines a video camera and a video recorder into one unit.

In order to differentiate it from other devices that are capable of recording video, like cell phones and compact digital cameras, a camcorder is generally identified as a portable device primarily designed for video capture and recording."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camcorder

If you want the "best of the best" then you want a professional grade camcorder. Barring that, you will not be looking at the "best of the best". The step down from professional-grade would be "prosumer". But lets define professional grade, first... In my opinion, pro grade camcorders:
1) have lenses larger than 60mm diameter - usually 72mm.
2) have imaging chips larger than 1/4" - usually 3-chip array and more typically 1/3". Can be 3-CCD or 3-CMOS.
3) have XLR audio-in connectors.
4) record to DV or HDV or some other low-compression format (not AVCHD/MTS).
Deviate from any one of these and the grade of the camcorder drops to "prosumer".

Depending on your specific requirements, those worth investigating:
Sony HDR-FX7, HDR-FX1000, HVR-HD1000, HVR-A1.
Canon GL2

In the higher-end consumer grade area:
Canon HV40, HF and HF S series.
Sony HDR-CX500 series.

No consumer internal hard disc drives camcorders (knowm problems with vibration and altitude prevents recording video). No consumer DVD based camcorders.

Whats the best hd professional camcorder under £1500?

Q. i'm looking for a professional camcorder that records full hd. This will be used for shooting films and i need the manual focus and the auto focus. Been using a canon 60d but want something a bit better. Been looking at the canon xh a1 but that's got mixed reviews. i don't mind any make as long as it is not a consumer camcorder.

Answer
A "professional" camcorder will have:

* Lens filter diameter larger than 70mm;
* 3CCD or 3COMS imaging chip array 1/3" or larger;
* XLR audio inputs.

Find these and all the other stuff (separate manual zoom and manual focus rings on the lens barrel, manual audio control and lots of other manual controls easily accessible on the OUTSIDE of the camcorder) and you will have a pro-grade camcorder. Hint: unless you buy used, there is no such thing. New, the closest you can get is a prosumer like the Sony HDR-FX1000 and add a XLR adapter (from BeachTek or juiceLink).

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Which Pro Hd Camcorder?

sunit12345

Which camcorder should I get, the Sony Professional HVR-A1U or the Sony HDR-FX7? Which one has the best picture quality and other features? I'm using it for snowboarding.

Answer
The Sony HDR-A1U is actually a sibling to the consumer HDR-HC1. The A1U is in the Pro category because it was equipped (as an afterthought) with an XLR adapter that mounts to where the HC1 had a flash for stills. The ring around the lens barrel is shared by the manual zoom and manual focus capabilities. The tape mechanism is a bottom loader which makes it challenging to get the full tape out and a new tape in when the A1U is mounted to a tripod or a tripod quick release plate - unless you buy a special spacer or use some other work-around. The A1U has some firmware in the chips that allow some features additional to what the HC1 had. It has 10x optical zoom.

The Sony HDR-FX7 is a high-end consumer - some would call Prosumer - grade camcorder with a 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo mic jack that can use XLR mics by adding an XLR adapter from juicedLink or BeachTek. (Its pro sibling is the HVR-V1U). The manual zoom and manual focus rings are separate rings and there are more easily accessed manual controls on the outside of the camcorder when compared to the A1U/HC1. The tape mechanism is a top loader, so not issues when tripod mounted or a quick release plate is attached.

In good light, the video from both will be quite similar as they are both recording DV or HDV to miniDV tape (best available quality). If you are caturing daylight snowboarding, your bigger woory is keeping the camcorder from getting condensation and keeing the camcorder warm to continue operating properly. Electionics have operating environmental requirements - outside these environmentals and anything electronic can have issues - especially batteries keeping their electrical flow going.

The FX7 will do a lot better in low-light. The FX7 is a bigger camcorder than the A1U/HC1 because the lenses are bigger - that's why it does better in low light. The FX7 has a top handle that the A1U/HC1 does not have.

Between the two, I would suggest the A1U - even with all its faults - it is smaller and lighter than the FX7. I suggest that with the $ saved getting the A1U, invest in something like a PortaBrace Polar Mitten to keep the camera and battery warm and reduce the potential for internal condensation. Make every effort to use a tripod, monopod or other steadying device (table, chair, whatever...). Never (or very rarely) handheld. It is also small enough to mount to a helmet... You can take the XLR adapter off.

starting small film company interviewing models need a GREAT hd camcorder under $1000 with close up any ideas?

Juan

Im no professional but would like a camcorder with near professional features and quality i know there are many good ones but i'm on a budget of under $1000 ive been doing research and found a canon vixia hfs20 but it has mixed reviews and i truely want something GREAT thanks for the help

Answer
First, let's define professional camcorder:

Lens filter diameter 70mm or larger.
3CCD or 3CMOS imaging chip system - 1/4" or larger.
XLR audio-in connections.
Records to low compression (HDV, DVCPRO HD or XDCAM/HDCAM) video formats.

When you find a camcorder with the above, all the other stuff like separate manual focus and zoom rings, manual audio control and all the other manual controls on the outside of the camcorder will be included.

You already know that there is no "professional" camera made (new, anyway) that is under $1,000. Since you are doing interviews, I presume that means you get to control the environment - specifically, lighting.

Under good lighting conditions, ANY camcorder can provide good video. You just need to know what that camcorder's requirements are for "good lighting conditions". That leaves low compression applied to the digital video stream and audio.

Audio first. Consumer grade camcorders - if they even have a mic jack - use a 1/8", (3.5mm) stereo plug. Your mic selection will be a bit limited, but the NRG SA-568 and RODE video mic are worthy of investigation. Just because a consumer camcorder has a mic jack does not mean it has manual audio control - so be careful. Download the camcorder's manual form the manufacturer's web site to be sure.

Video compression: AVCHD is a LOT of compression to MTS files. This continues to be a large reason why professionals do not use AVCHD. This is a bigger deal if there is fast action. I can't imagine interviews with models being "fast action".

The Canon HF S series *should* be OK for you IF YOU TURN ON THE LIGHTS so they are bright enough to meet the camcorder's "good lighting" requirements. I prefer the HF S100. Learn about three point lighting and four point lighting. Learn about use of makeup in a HD video environment. high definition video sees EVERYTHING.

That said, given a choice, use of a miniDV tape based camcorder is preferred for a LOT of reasons... The Canon HV40 and Sony HDR-HC9 should be investigated - but only if your computer has a firewire port or you can add one (this is the only way to get the video from the camcorder to the computer for editing).

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