I don't have an audio input can anybody help?

[Flamingo With A Spoon Productions]

I got a video camera for my christmas its a Sony handycam DCR-HC47E and it doesn't have an audio input jack.

I know Erik talked about using a mini disc recorder instead but will it still make decent sound without one or is it pretty hopeless?

I would appreciate some help.

[DeadFishProductions]

Okay on board mics are generally pretty shit but you can get by on it! It just depends on your environment.

[Crosius]

The principle issue you're going to encounter with your on-board microphone is that the sounds it will record best are the sounds emanating from whatever is aligned with the centre of the video frame. There aren't many times when that's going to coincide with one of your actor's mouths. Getting the microphone off the camera lets you match the axis of the microphone's cardioid envelope to the sounds you're interested in recording. It also lets you aim the axis downwards, so when your actor moves out of line, the microphone is only recording the sounds bouncing off the floor, instead of the traffic passing through the busy intersection behind your actor.

You don't really need a minidisc recorder (although I have one, and I quite like the quality) these days, since there are other digital recording options that do not tie you to an ageing format with limited digital transfer support. You can get digital recorders with XLR microphone inputs that will record directly to one of the popular audio file formats (MP3, AAC, etc). If you're buying new, it's worth considering one of these solid-state recorders.

Unfortunately, since digital recorders are aimed at people who are interested in acoustic quality, they tend to be priced accordingly. This is probably why MD recorders are suggested, as they are a mature technology and the price for a good MD recorder is becoming reasonable for hobbyist-level budgets.

[New Spark Films]

I borrowed a laptop for my latest movie and recorded it on that.

[etentertainment]

Yeah, just record into a laptop, but make sure you use a clapboard, and save every take that you shoot and label it accordingly for the track/ take you recorded.

[Egg Dude]

I have the same problem as this, I have the Sony DCR-HC28. What I do for pro productions is that I dump all of my audio. This takes time, but it gives excellent quality. Just make sure you record some backround noise as well.

[mr_goodbomb]

Dump your audio? Not sure what you mean.

What is a good-quality minidisc recorder for a reasonable price?

[gcubedproductions]

Recording to a laptop really won't make your audio better. A mini disc recorder, or any kind of external recorder will do really well. They are pricey, but good sound is definitely a fair trade.

[Crosius]

If I didn't have my MD recorder, I'd probably look at getting one of these (http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/h4/). (Who am I kidding? I'm still thinking about getting one.:))

If you're looking to record to a laptop, you should obtain a high-bandwidth input (your laptop's "mic in" isn't designed to capture high-fidelity audio) like an audio breakout box (http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/FireWire410-main.html). Units like these show up on Craigslist and ebay from time to time, which gives you a chance to save some coin.

[SyxxGage]

Your audio will definitely not be as good with the onboard mic, however, you can get better quality if your diligent. First, remember that your on board mic is omni directional, meaning it will pick up sound from all sides. Try to film in an area with as little ambient noise as possible. Have a soft touch with your camera. The mic will pick up the sound of you jostleing the camera around. Avoid filming in an area with alot of echo. Omni mics are absolutely useless in an echo-y area because the echo is comming from all directions.

[SPARC]

The H4 is cool, but there is no information I can find on the site as to how much or where to buy. Do you know?

Nevermind, I found it on Amazon for $259

[horror-guy]

the h4 is cool, but I am wondering about its features compared to the break out box which looked and seemed better

[trspballer7]

use this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/479976-REG/Sony_VMCK100_VMC_K100_Microphone_Adapter_Cable.htm l

im buying one for my handycam...just buy a shotgun mic and plug r in

[Sam_rocks321]

Most mp3 players have an audio input you can try that.