audio recording device for 7d?

[Frank Giardina]

There’s two pretty reasonable tools out there… the Zoom H-1 and the The RODE VideoMic are about $100.

Frank Giardina
17 Video Production

[Nathan Troester]

What is your budget?

I’ve had good success with the Zoom H2 ($130) , Zoom H4N ($300), and the Tascam DR-100 ($290). I switched to the H4N because of the XLR inputs. Totally worth it. I use the Tascam too. It’s is a bit bulky, but the volume controls are easier and the options for powering it are fantastic.

Just as important is the mic. You could spend a couple hundred to get started, but honestly the Sennheiser G3 lavs and a good shotgun mic (around $600 each) are well worth it.

[Brent Dunn]

If you want to record in camera, you can use the Zoom with a cable attached and have audio both in the zoom recorder and the camera. The zoom will give you a better quality audio than just recording directly into the camera.

If you want a shotgun type microphone, the Rode mics have a nice sound and a good track record.

Of course, what type of shooting are you doing? That is what will dictate your audio. Interviews / Weddings, you’ll need a Lav. I use the Sony wireless Lav systems.

Brent Dunn
Owner / Director / Editor
DunnRight Films
DunnRight Video.com
Video Marketing Toolbox.net

Sony EX-1,
Canon 5D Mark II
Canon 7D
Mac Pro Tower, Quad Core,
with Final Cut Studio

HP i7 Quad laptop
Adobe CS-5 Production Suite

[Brian Klassen]

I’ve been impressed with the Zoom H4n (new to me). Three or four weeks ago I took 30 minutes of audio-only with the on-board mics near Lake Champlain in Northern Vermont as the ice broke up. You could hear every crack, snap, crash, and groan. Played back later I was impressed. I’ve also used it plugged directly into my Canon 7D, also good results. If you go with it, I’d highly suggest the remote and a split cable (male/male camera to H4n and female for plugging in headphones). Also the hot shoe adapter.