I would like to participate in the "trenches" sharing but need to buy a suitable camera. I have to depend on whomever I can find to operate it so it should be easy to use. A friend did some "smart phone" videos but had poor sound quality. I had a Samson Q3HD but no one could operate it properly. I tried setting it on a tripod near our sound man's table and just letting it run but people kept running into it. So, I sold it. I'm willing to try again. Suggestions?
Thanks,
Deaton

Hi Deaton

I use a Zodak Zi8 which has a stereo audio input, one of few video camera's that has, giving you a decent audio recording. They are now out of production but can be picked up on eBay for a reasonable price. DonM also uses one, his videos are very good quality. The camera is capable of recording up to 1080 i.e. full HD.

Hope this helps

Col

Where and how do you set up the camera? And, Is the set up only good for stationary players?
Ciao,
Jerry

I set mine on a tripod unless I have someone to hold it and take video. I run a feed from stereo or headphone out on mixer or keyboard for the audio.
You can see result of a quick effort here:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uhF35XksDD0

Problem is, most video cameras, at least the ones I've seen, don't usually have an external audio input, therefore, you have to rely on the built-in shotgun mics, which are poor at best unless they are relatively close to the sound source. I tripod, however, is almost a necessity if you want good quality. I'll have to look in the office and see if I can find another one around here.

Gary

Hey Don are you running to Bose Compacts in that Margariteville video?

God Bless,
Don

Yes, but the recorded sound is straight from the mixer.