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Is the front mic enough for this kind of material?

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Old 22-01-2008, 7:00 PM   #1
M57
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Exclamation Is the front mic enough for this kind of material?

Hi,

I'm looking for a good budget camcorder to make some hardware reviews where I point at the object I'm inspecting, and speak either behind or under the camera with only my hands showing like this one:

like this one

A few salesmen (in different stores) recommended the JVC GZ-MG130, as it's the best within my budget available here (under $530 US), but it only has a front mic, and no mic port.

Do you think it would do the job?

Also, if there are any specs I should look for for recording this kind of videos specifically, please let me know.

Your help is much appreciated.
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Old 23-01-2008, 10:35 AM   #2
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Re: Is the front mic enough for this kind of material?

The mic will work, but for that kind of work you'd be better off with one with a mic input, you could then wear a lavalier (tie clip) mic.

Or, the other option would be to record the video first, and replace the sound with a separate audio track (e.g. you could use a mic attached to your PC, or other device). If they aren't going to see you talking this will work well.
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Old 23-01-2008, 11:09 AM   #3
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Re: Is the front mic enough for this kind of material?

But is the difference in the audio quality really worth the price difference (about $420)? especially that I'm going to record in a silent room.
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Old 23-01-2008, 11:57 AM   #4
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Re: Is the front mic enough for this kind of material?

No I wouldn't pay an extra $420, though you can buy a better camcorder than the MG130 with a mic input for less money, if you don't mind DV tape. Are you buying in the US? Here I would suggest the Panasonic GS230, but that model doesn't seem to exist there.
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