These are some great deals on popular audio recorders. If you don't already have a few, the Zoom H1 is still my favorite pocketable recorder. The Tascam DR-40 is also a popular portable recorder with great reviews and offers up XLR inputs with Phantom Power when working with professional mics. If you don't already own an audio recorder, these are some of the most commonly used ones with DSLR Video. Check it out - deals end Saturday night.
Tag Archives: Zoom
Zoom H1 Ultra-Portable Digital Audio Recorder (Silver) - $30 off. Sale price $69.99. An easy-to-use, versatile stereo digital audio recorder that fits into the palm of your hand. 
Tascam DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder (Bronze) - $70 off. Sale price $109. Professional level features and flexibility in a compact and durable design that's ideal for use in the field. 
Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder. $60 off. Sale price $189. Compact digital audio recorder that packs a wealth of features into a rugged design. 3 colors and kits on sale. 
Marantz PMD661 MKII Professional Portable Flash Field Recorder $220 off. Sale price $379. A professional stereo field recorder that offers recording, playback, editing and security features in a handheld package. 
Tascam DR-70D 4-Channel Audio Recorder & Rode NTG2 Condenser Shotgun Mic Bundle $250 off. Sale price $499. Designed as an audio recording solution for filmmakers. Dual built-in omnidirectional microphones and is capable of recording up to 4 tracks simultaneously. It has tripod mounts on both the top and bottom of the unit and can be mounted above or below your DSLR or video camera as well as on a follow-focus cage. Comes with 8 accessories. 
Audio Microphones & Recorders for your DSLR
G.I. Joe always told me 'knowledge is half the battle'. So for the newbies in the hiz-ouse - If you're still shopping for a microphone to suit your DSLR audio needs, you'll probably already find that the Rode VideoMic is a very popular one. I've run my own tests and found that it does perform much better than some microphones going for twice it's price. But before you start throwing down a solid buck, you can read up some other interesting suggestions through the B&H Insights blog that might help you get a bit more 'knowledge' - Go Joe!.
B&H Photo Video Insights Blog for DSLR Microphone Options
So a microphone will help you focus in on a little better sound than just the onboard microphone, but for the best sound processing, you'll want to shop for a portable audio recorder. The in camera audio of the DSLR's are just not up to par for the true audiophile. The link below jumps you to another B&H Insights article about different Portable Audio recorder solutions.
B&H Photo Video Insights Blog for DSLR Portable Audio Recorders
$99 dollar Audio – Zoom H1
What's going to be the hottest selling item in the DSLR world come July 30th? Well It's not going to be a DSLR. I predict the hottest selling item is going to be the new Zoom H1 portable audio recorder. C'mon for $99 dollars, and it's portable size, it's the perfect recorder for DSLR shooters. It's not going to match the many inputs of the H4n, or have as high quality, but it'll do the job where the H4n can't. One of the things i'm already thinking about is using these instead of wireless receivers on a Bride or Groom. Given the right lav microphone attached, these will run much much cheaper than any wireless set and guarantee to provide a high quality recording capture. More information can be found on the Samson Tech website.
But if I were you, i'd start getting on the pre-order list where available. It's already showing up on the BHPHOTOVIDEO website, Keep checking this article and click here when it comes around.
Improve that Poor DSLR Audio
David Richards (Above) throws up this cool little video that explains a bit about Audio on DSLR's. He's using the Panasonic GH1 in this video.
It's no secret that DSLR's with it's built in microphones don't do much for quality audio. Even with special microphones connected to the input of the camera, the DSLR's lack the ability to manually adjust Gain levels. (until new firmware). Now if you're working with long lenses to get that awesome Depth Of Field, you're really putting yourself further from the subject and the audio will really suffer. Here's two of my personal favorite items that go with me on every shoot.
The Rode VideoMic is a cheap but quality solution to getting a more focused pickup from your subject. This tool doesn't work well without being able to adjust the audio gains, so you'll need to double it up with the most popular Portable Recorder for DSLR filmakers - the Samson Zoom H4n.
Together this combination of tools will get you high quality Audio on the cheap.
3 Videos about the Hybrid
These videos are related to a Hybrid Steadicam (Merlin) Vest + Glidecam HD 4000 video camera stabilizer. I had to create a DIY adapter to 'mate' the two different systems together, but very happy so far with the results.
First video is what it sorta looks like (to date).
Second Video shows the DIY adapter up close (and very personal).
Third Video shows some sample use of the rig (at home).
Video #2 was shot with my 7D + Tamron 18-270 (fun cheap lens).
Thanks for the questions and comments BTW, I'm glad people find some of the random stuff I do useful.
Question: Why not just get the Glidecam Vest?
Answer: I have already owned the Steadicam Vest + Merlin, and the vest works awesome. Very light, slim, easy to put on, and allows me to get through narrow doors. It's a 'beast' and other than getting the two to mate, there is absolutely no reason the vest COULD NOT fly this Glidecam.
AND!!!! The Steadicam dual arm Vest is way cheaper than the price of the Glidecam dual arm vest. This Hybrid configuration will save you big bucks and works awesome.
Steadicam + Merlin = 2300?
Glidecam X-10 Vest + 4000 Pro = 2300?
I'm using the Steadicam Merlin Vest + Glidecam HD4000.
Canon 5D Mark II, Battery Grip
, Samson Zoom H4n Portable Recorder
, and Rode VideoMic
. I'm planning on mounting a shoulder rig with quick release for everything on top, and possible LCD monitor at the bottom. It feels like this vest config can hold alot more than it does today. ""UPDATE. I got an awesome monitor, check it out"""
