video and audio recording gear and other tools?!

[flashyfingers]

Hello all! There had been lots of discussions regarding recording audio and a little bit about video. Lets talk about and recommend stuff here!

My immediate question is about cam corders and video cameras. I have a small diaphragm condenser mic, and I would like to find a device that has an XLR input for external microphones, and of course, a decently priced one.

thank you, love you all!

[stevensk]

Im no expert on video, but it you have a condenser, I suspect you need phantom-feeding?
If so, I recommend a small mixer. From main out (on the mixer) to your computor (line in). Alternatively direct to a audiointerface and via usb to the mac/pc

[quantum]

Probably a more cost effective manner of using your good condenser mics with video is to record to two separate devices: an audio recorder and a video camera.  You would sync video and audio in post production.  Sync doesn't have to be expensive or high-tech (although it can be if you really wanted it).  Just clap your hands a few times before you play.  You could even make a DIY clapper board if you wanted.  In post production, you simply line up the clapping recorded from your condensers and the video cameras internal mic. 
https://www.ehow.com/how_5140030_make-own-clapper-board.html

You could get an adapter to fit XLR into the 1/8" plug typically found on many cameras.  However, the signal path will not be balanced all the way. 
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Camcorder-XLR-Adapters/ci/8673/N/4291085906

For a camera with built in XLR you probably have to look at ENG or cinema cameras.
An example: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_EOS_C100

***

My own take to balance both budget and quality is to use a DSLR with video capability.  It gives the advantages of a larger imaging sensor at a reasonable cost.  They are also modular by design, so you could add or subtract accessories as needed for your application.  Keep in mind that many DSLRs don't have an autofocus/tracking system that can be found on many consumer camcorders.  For music vids this isn't much of a problem, as such auto tracking can sometimes not understand what is going on (ever seen Youtube vids of the camera randomly flipping focus between hands and parts of the piano - very annoying).  Put camera on tripod, lock focus manually, done.

For audio you would either use an XLR adapter, or record to a separate audio recorder and sync in post. 

[iancollett6]

Hi,
   I just bought a little device called iRig Pro by a company called IKMultimedia.
 Its a little unit which contains a 9V battery, this is for the phantom power. It has an XLR input which I plug a condensor Mic into. The other side plugs into an IPhone, Ipad etc.
 There are a heap of apps that you can use it with but I only use it with the Iphone Video Camera.
 It cost me about $220 Australian Dollars, so probably cheaper anywhere else in the world!!
 I love it!