My Digital Camera is a Canon Ixus 230 HS. It films great HD video but the audio is awful, it makes a very clear clicking noise and a lot of background noise as can be heard here. Instead of buying a camcorder, I decided to buy a good Microphone to go with it so audio would no longer be a problem. I did a lot of research and decided upon the zoom H1 handy recorder as the best device to suit my needs. It was quite expensive but it was definitely worth it with the quality sound it produces.
Once I got the microphone, I didn't want to have to have it static on a tripod stand as I am often moving around when filming so I need to carry it. I didn't want to hold it as it would be annoying holding two devices at once and the sound of me holding the microphone could be picked up in the audio. So I had to create a device to connect the two together, I decided to make use of the screw thread that both the Microphone and the Camera had for tripods. This is how I did it:
Parts Required:
- 1.5" x 1/4" Bolt with thread along its whole length, can be bought from a local DIY store. If different equipment is used, the bolt must be long enough for the microphone to not be visible in the camera view when attached below via the screw threads. Test if it is the correct width by screwing it into the thread on the bottom of your camera, if its fits then it is correct.
Optional but very useful parts:
- 2 x Rubberised Pads that are usually found on the top of small tripods. I had two from tripods but you can probably buy them separately.
Tools Required:
- Hacksaw
- File
Step 1:
Using a hacksaw, cut off the head of the bolt, cut no further than where the thread begins.
Step Two:
File the cut end so it is rounded with no sharp edges. You should be able to screw it into the threaded hole on the bottom of the camera, if you can't then make sure the start of the thread is not blocked or damaged.
Step Three:
It is pretty much done now, just some screwing together required:
Screw the filed bolt into one of the devices.
Screw on one of the rubberised tripod pieces to the end so the rubber is touching the device.
Screw on the other rubberised piece the other way around to the middle of the bolt piece.
Attach the other device to the other end, align the devices up then screw the rubberised piece to hold it in place.
You now have a rig for filming quality audio and video. If the Microphone is visible in the camera picture then the distance between them needs to be extended.
Synchronization of Audio and Video:
In my case, the two devices are not connected together via a cable so I have to sync them on the computer. This isn't too difficult, I have been using Adobe Premiere pro so you can just align the two audio peaks then delete the camera audio. You can also get special software that will do it for you like this. There are many tutorials online and it is quite easy once you get used to it. It helps to clap at the start of your recording so there is an obvious sound peak that is easy to line-up.
