Camera Sound: Difference between revisions

(First version - basic camera setup advice and quick primer on mic types)
 
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== Microphone types ==
== Microphone types ==
* '''Rifle mic''' - it's the long thin one with the fluffy thing. It's very directional, so it needs to be 'pointed' at the sound source - but used properly it gives nice, clear audio. There's rifle mics mounted on the Sony HDV cameras; while their sound quality isn't top-notch, it's acceptable for rough footage or alternate angles. The aforementioned fluffy appendage is a wind shield - it's a must when filming outdoors and a must-not when filming indoors. '''The rifle mic must never, ever, ever, EVER appear in shot!''' If you have a presenter that looks like they should be holding something, give them a handheld mic instead. The boom mic has some friends:
* '''Rifle mic''' - it's the long thin one with the fluffy thing. It's very directional, so it needs to be 'pointed' at the sound source - but used properly it gives nice, clear audio. There's rifle mics mounted on the Sony HDV cameras; while their sound quality isn't top-notch, it's acceptable for rough footage or alternate angles. The aforementioned fluffy appendage is a wind shield - it's a must when filming outdoors and a must-not when filming indoors. '''The rifle mic must never, ever, ever, EVER appear in shot!''' If you have a presenter that looks like they should be holding something, give them a handheld mic instead. The boom mic has some friends:
** Boom pole - a long pole to help you get the rifle mic into odd situations (ideally you want it above the scene pointing down).
** Boom pole - a long pole to help you get the rifle mic into odd situations (ideally you want it above the scene pointing down).
** Rubber mount - it connects the mic to the pole. The rubber absorbs any vibrations in the pole as you move it, which the mic would've picked up quite clearly.
** Rubber mount - it connects the mic to the pole. The rubber absorbs any vibrations in the pole as you move it, which the mic would've picked up quite clearly.
* '''Tie mic''' - little microphones that clip onto somebody, usually onto their clothes' neckline. Tie mics are a great way to easily get good sound from someone sitting down. They're very close to the sound source, so the signal they get is nice and clear. There are some downsides, though - if ANYTHING rubs against them (which clothing and/or hair often do if you're not careful) will create a nasty crackling sound that renders the audio unusable. Also, take care not to clip the mic to someone's side - if they turn the other way, the sound goes quiet and slightly tinny.
 
* '''Tie mic''' - little microphones that clip onto somebody, usually onto their clothes' neckline. Tie mics are a great way to easily get good sound from someone sitting down. They're very close to the sound source, so the signal they get is nice and clear. There are some downsides, though - if ANYTHING rubs against them (which clothing and/or hair often do if you're not careful) will create a nasty crackling sound that renders the audio unusable. Also, take care not to clip the mic to someone's side - if they turn the other way, the sound goes quiet and slightly tinny. Additionally, asking presenters or interviewees not to wear their necklace while using a tie mic will avoid the annoying clicks caused by the necklace bashing against the microphone.
 
* '''Handheld mic''' - This really isn't the proper name for this, but it's good enough to distinguish it from the other two types. A handheld mic is the sort of mic that most people think of when they think of a microphone. It looks good when held by a presenter, especially if they need to alternate it between themselves and someone else. Just make sure they know how far away from their mouth they should hold it.
* '''Handheld mic''' - This really isn't the proper name for this, but it's good enough to distinguish it from the other two types. A handheld mic is the sort of mic that most people think of when they think of a microphone. It looks good when held by a presenter, especially if they need to alternate it between themselves and someone else. Just make sure they know how far away from their mouth they should hold it.