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[Travis Hanson Contribution Level: 1]

I am using the Flip HD, great video ok sound. That is where I need some advice. I want a affordable
HD camera with an audio output for my external mic. Anyone have suggestion and please include the
average price point.

Thanks

[David Johnson Company: Numis Network Contribution Level: 2]

I got the Kodak Zi8 and love it. It got is for about $120 from a shop on Amazon. Works great. It does have a microphone input.

Without a mic, the sound is not that great. I did one video and the audio is on, but whenever I made an s sound in my words it sounds like static. Not sure why, but with the mic sounds great.

Here is a review by Mike Keonigs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EWwQZ7bEK0

Also this is a video I did with it a few weeks ago:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUZV7vssVH4

The only draw back is it films in Quicktime, so you need a video editor that edits quicktime or convert it to .avi.

[Richard Bravo Company: Life Force International Contribution Level: 9]

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Here's a few alternatives you don't hear mentioned in the "mlm" community ...

I'm a long time Canon user so I'm completely biased, sold out,
and any other phrase you can think of to describe a brand fanatic.
moving on ...

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Summary of Models Reviewed

• all shoot in HD
• all of these models have external mic jacks
• all models are flash drive memory except the HV20
• the prices are based on current Amazon retail

VIXIA HF R10 - about $300
There are some limitations and issues in low light and battery life, so read up on reviews.
test video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EflqO002Oy4
*note: I don't believe this camera has the ability to accept an external lens.

VIXIA HF M3000 - about $350
This one gets great reviews all around.
test video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOIX9sQEWZU

VIXIA HF M30 - about $400
This one gets great reviews all around.
test video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSeB36G-VMA
*note: the footage is sort of lame, but pay attention to how quickly the camera focuses with this guy waving it all over the place; pretty impressive.

HV20 - $500used - $1300new
This is a great camera but pricey with a potential downside (for some) good for others, it's tape based (minidv). But the quality is stellar and can be used for indie movie production.
test video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACVZp-UMD0Y
*note: I'm selling both of mine. 1 has a wide angle $500. The other does not have the extra lens $450.

550d (eos t2i) - $800-$1500
I'm consolidating the two cameras I mentioned and my older model eos and buying this one.
I love the 35mm look and need a single unit camera to do killer stills and HD video.
test video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTaDFq7g0oo

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Honestly Travis just about every camera in the Canon lineup will stomp the Flip, the zi8 or any of the popular pocket cameras you see recommended in this particular industry. No offense intended, they're great little cameras for under $200 which is mostly the reason you hear so much about them; low cost.

But they do have plenty of downsides and compared to the prosumer level controls you see in the Canons they just can't compete.

At the end of the day it really comes down to what you want to spend.
Hope this helps you find something that works for you.

~Richard
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[george Ruiz Company: Isagenix Corporation Contribution Level: 4]

I agree with David, the Kodak Zi8 is very good for the price, I have done some videos using an external microphone, and it works well! It cost me around $130.

I also have a high end Canon, I love it, but the Kodak is the choice if you don't want to spend a lot of money..

George Ruiz

[Travis Hanson Contribution Level: 1]

Thanks Richard,

Your post helped a lot. I am going to choose one of the Cannon's for sure.
I'm kinda leaning toward the VIXIA HF M30 based on price and reviews.

Thanks again for the info.

Travis

[Richard Bravo Company: Life Force International Contribution Level: 9]

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right on Travis ... glad I could help.
Looking forward to seeing some new videos from you.
Cheers!

~RB
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