Transform highZ speaker out from 16mm projector to mediumZ mic in of camcorder?

Ciro B

Just going straight from the projector's 1/4 inch speaker out (the speaker out has a fixed volume-no volume control. It's a telex instaload telecine) to the camcorder's 3.5mm mic in gives me an audible but loud and distorted sound signal. I bought a high-low transformer (Shure A85F). This corrected the distortion in the sound, but there is a loud hiss which gets much louder when the soundtrack goes soft and diminishes somewhat when the soundtrack is at a high, but never completely goes away. Is there another kind of high-low transformer that's stronger or more appropriate? The Shure A85F's specs say it has "24db of voltage gain." Should I look for a transformer with a higher db voltage gain? Please help me lose the hiss. Thanks.

Answer
I'd put all my bets that the culprit AGC is in the camera and not the projector. That's why consumer camercorders' audio sucks. Your transformer is doing its job, the camera is trying to compensate for the quietness and increases the recording level... these Automatic Gain Control circuits are dumb and can't tell hiss apart from meaningful signal.
If you have an option in the camera to switch to manual recording levels and turn off AGC, by all means.

In addition, you might also wanna try a -40dB pad (attenuator), that's more suit for the job than the A85F.

Which Camcorder Should I Get?

JavoTheGee

I'm starting a new YouTube channel and need a new Camcorder as my old one is very out of date compared to the ones people have now a days...

I've used Sony for so much and was looking at their Handycams as I just need something cheap... I was also on Canon USA...

I need good quality and very good Mac support... Which Camera do you think will suit my needs better?

http://store.sony.com/8gb-full-hd-camcorder-with-projector-zid27-HDRPJ230/B/cat-27-catid-All-Handycam-Camcorders?_t=pfm%3Dshopping_cart%26pfmvalue%3Dimage

or...

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/camcorders/consumer_camcorders/consumer_camcorders/vixia_hf_r500

Thanks!

Answer
You did not tell us which Mac. You did not tell us what "good Mac support" means.

In the cases of the two camcorder you linked us with, the video they can capture is basically the same consumer-grade AVCHD compression format.

The Canon R500 has a larger imaging sensor and a connector for an external mic (the Sony HDR-PJ230 has no mic jack). The mic jack alone pushes me toward the Canon. The larger imaging sensor is icing.

Add a decent tripod, lighting and memory card. Add the external mic later (check the Audio Technica Pro88 for a low end wireless system or Audio Technica ATR6550 for a decent shotgun mic. For camera-mounting the base station or the shotgun mic, you'll want a camera bracket like http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/918053-REG/vello_cb_510_dual_shoe_brackt.html

For lighting (indoors) a couple of
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Designers-Edge-LED-Portable-Work-Light-with-6-ft-Cord-L1312/204667687
will be useful.

Be sure to use the white balance feature... read the camcorder manual...

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Does the Sony HDR-PJ50V camcorder have threads too attach a fisheye lens?

Angelo Cas

I need a camera for skateboarding, and this one seems very nice.
The only thing I need to know is if it has threads, I don't know how to tell.

Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-PJ50V-Definition-Camcorder-Projector/dp/B004H8FN7G

And if you have any better recommendations for a good camera(for skateboarding) I'm cool with that.
I have a low budget.

Answer
The specification the camcorder needs is the "lens filter diameter". This means there are threads to mount filters... or a tele or wide angle (including fisheye) lens that screw-mounts.

Reading the manual for the HDR-PJ50V
http://www.docs.sony.com/release/HDRXR160-PJ50-PJ50V_EN_ES.pdf
reveals a (lens) filter diameter on page 69. 37mm.

Too bad AVCHD compression and fast action don't get along too well. Another option is something in the Canon HF M series. I hope your computer has LOTS of CPU power and a minimum of 4 gig RAM... and LOTS of available hard drive space. And you need to consider what you will edit with. MovieMaker cannot deal with AVCHD video. Sony Vegas can. So can iMovie and FinalCut. We know nothing about your computer.

Transform highZ speaker out from 16mm projector to mediumZ mic in of camcorder?

Ciro B

Just going straight from the projector's 1/4 inch speaker out (the speaker out has a fixed volume-no volume control. It's a telex instaload telecine) to the camcorder's 3.5mm mic in gives me an audible but loud and distorted sound signal. I bought a high-low transformer (Shure A85F). This corrected the distortion in the sound, but there is a loud hiss which gets much louder when the soundtrack goes soft and diminishes somewhat when the soundtrack is at a high, but never completely goes away. Is there another kind of high-low transformer that's stronger or more appropriate? The Shure A85F's specs say it has "24db of voltage gain." Should I look for a transformer with a higher db voltage gain? Please help me lose the hiss. Thanks.

Answer
I'd put all my bets that the culprit AGC is in the camera and not the projector. That's why consumer camercorders' audio sucks. Your transformer is doing its job, the camera is trying to compensate for the quietness and increases the recording level... these Automatic Gain Control circuits are dumb and can't tell hiss apart from meaningful signal.
If you have an option in the camera to switch to manual recording levels and turn off AGC, by all means.

In addition, you might also wanna try a -40dB pad (attenuator), that's more suit for the job than the A85F.

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