Q. I want to purchase a hard drive based digital camcorder with an audio in to attach an external microphone. Budget is around 400 dollars, any ideas?
A. For $400? does not exist... also, be aware that if you want to record loud audio, you will need manual audio controls... without it, the audio ato-gain circuit will still get overloaded making the audio sound bad - even if you have the best mic available.
The least expensive camcorders with manual audio control and a mic in jack are the Canon HV20, HV30, Sony HDR-HC7 and HC9. They are miniDV tape based camcorders.
The Sony HDR-SR11 and SR12 have a "Low" mic gain setting made for loud environments - but they are way outside your budget.
Looking for camcorder with audio video input, and time lapse recording. Does it exist?
Q. I'm looking for a camcorder that has audio video input for a lipstick or bullet camera, and also perform time lapse recording. I have searched the internet for days looking for an HD camcorder that has these features. The results are overwhelming. Anyone have any suggestions?
A. I looked across Canon's HD camcorder line and can say they do not and chances are slim other makers do.
In the Pro line, starting with the GL-2 there are inputs for audio and Video and the few remaining MiniDv camcorders usually have these inputs. I even have an old Z300 I use as the recorder for a waterproof board camera I built several years ago.
I believe you will get better results, for less money, if you look for a mini DVR. These are often used as wired remote recorders for helmet-cams and are also used in security. About the size and weight as a pack of cigarettes, they may even be able to record a full HD frame. They run about $200 - 300 without a monitor and $300-600 with a built in monitor.
http://www.supercircuits.com/search?keywords=Micro+DVR
I am not aware of any bullet cams better than 720 X 480 which is SD and records very well on a MiniDv camera. So consider that route as well.
Time lapse is also more available in the MiniDv pro cameras. I did not see interval recording available on any HD camcorder. This may be problematic with the compression used in HD recording. Interval recording pretty much demands uncompressed video, again, like the MiniDv recorders.
So, without even trying, you have discovered a couple reasons in addition to image quality, why the so called highly compressed, H.264 HD cameras are a step backwards from uncompressed MiniDv.
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