Hi everyone.

Im looking into buying either the Canon 5D mark II or a 7D.
I'm looking into the 7D because of it's native 24fps full HD in contrast to the 5D's 30fps.

I have some experience with shooting video and editing in final cut pro.

Since the 7D doesn't record sound "on board", one needs a sound mixer.
Does anyone have experience with any of these? I've seen and operated one back in school, but it was professional and expensive.
I'm looking for a mixer that costs a maximum of 400 dollars.

Any suggestions?

Hi Mike,

I would suggest posting this question on Cinema5D if you haven't done so already as it's a far more active forum for DSLR video shooters.

Cheers,

Derryck.

The 7d does record sound onboard

it has an internal mic (rubbish)

and a small jack pug to put you own mic in

the sound level is stuck on auto though !

Thats why people want seperate sound and for better 'resolution' and control that a proper sound recorder brings

The mic input does not provide 'pantom power' which some mics need

Companies like beachtek make a preamp that can disable the auto gain

also there is no way to monitor what you are recording

----

IMO it is useful to collect ambient but care or another solution is required for interviews

S

Thanks guys,

I got in a conversation with a employee at a local Apple store who shoots video on a 7D too.
He suggested a couple of devices which don't cost all too much.
I'm gonna look into it, and post my findings in this thread.

regards,

You don't need a mixer at all. I'd suggest looking into a Zoom H4n (which a lot of other 5D/7D users are running). It's a standalone unit and uses SD cards -- you can then use a standard card reader to copy the audio files to your machine when it's editing time. You'll have to sync up audio + video when you load it all up in FCP (which is not hard if you have someone clap or setup a clap board or some such). There is also software that helps do this for you (I forget the name) .. but I've never used it as I've never had a hard time lining up the audio by hand. There are a couple of tips you'll want to follow if you go this route with a Zoom -- but nothing serious and it's easier to worry about that bit once you decide