Attaching an external mic to a camcorder w/ no audio in jack

planesguy2004

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Sep 7, 2016
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Hi. I have a Sony HDR-CX240 camcorder, and I would like to input an external mic. Is there any way to do this without buying a new camcorder? I can't really buy on right now. The only ports it has are mini HDMI out, and "multi" which looks like a micro usb. I would like to use a 1/4" mic, but I can use a converter to convert it to 3.5mm.

Thank you in advance!
 
Solution
I don't think you would go wrong with either a Sony or Canon. All of the ones listed above shoot in HD.
Canon -all shoot in Full HD (1920 x 1080/p and can record at 60fps. The sensor size of the following are all 1/4.58" The maximum aperture and focal length are the same for all four.
Refurbished Canon VIXIA HF R600 - $149.00
Refurbished Canon 8GB VIXIA HF R60 - $179.00
Canon 16GB VIXIA HF R70 - $279.00
Canon 32GB VIXIA HF R72 - $299.00

Comparison of specs (from B&H)

The Sony HDR-CX4455 has Wi-Fi/NFC for wireless control of the camcorder and has a dual record option (larger higher quality file and a smaller lower quality file for easy sharing) but has a smaller sensor (1/5.8") which is not ideal in low-light conditions.

If...

Max1s

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May 24, 2011
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Well, if there really isn't an audio in jack, (make sure it's not hiding under a small plastic cover or something) then I would guess that that USB "multi" is where it's gonna go. There's probably like a dongle thing that comes off it with different types of plugs/jacks. Did the camcorder not come with the "multi" attachment?
 

planesguy2004

Commendable
Sep 7, 2016
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1,590


The camcorder didn't come with any kind of adapter. And, I checked for an audio in port many, many times.
 
It seems as though there is no external microphone available to work with the HDR-CX40. I could be mistaken but I'm almost positive the "multi terminal" is out only and would not allow you to record audio via any type of adapter. I looked in the help guide and user manual and found nothing to suggest you could use an external microphone with this camcorder.
 

planesguy2004

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Sep 7, 2016
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So...I can't use my current camcorder. That sucks, do you know of any cheap camcorders that have audio in?
 
How cheap is cheap? What is the most you are willing to spend? If you want to stick with Sony the HDR-CX455 has a microphone jack and a headphone jack $348.00 @ B&H.
Zoom Q4 Handy Video Recorder - $199.00
Refurbished Canon VIXIA HF R600 - $149.00
Refurbished Canon 8GB VIXIA HF R60 - $179.00

 

planesguy2004

Commendable
Sep 7, 2016
44
0
1,590


Just the most relieable camera/camcorder you can get for the cheapest price. As long as it's HD.
 
I don't think you would go wrong with either a Sony or Canon. All of the ones listed above shoot in HD.
Canon -all shoot in Full HD (1920 x 1080/p and can record at 60fps. The sensor size of the following are all 1/4.58" The maximum aperture and focal length are the same for all four.
Refurbished Canon VIXIA HF R600 - $149.00
Refurbished Canon 8GB VIXIA HF R60 - $179.00
Canon 16GB VIXIA HF R70 - $279.00
Canon 32GB VIXIA HF R72 - $299.00

Comparison of specs (from B&H)

The Sony HDR-CX4455 has Wi-Fi/NFC for wireless control of the camcorder and has a dual record option (larger higher quality file and a smaller lower quality file for easy sharing) but has a smaller sensor (1/5.8") which is not ideal in low-light conditions.

If I were choosing between those I would go with a Canon. Which one you choose depends on your budget and whether or not internal memory is important to you.

 
Solution

planesguy2004

Commendable
Sep 7, 2016
44
0
1,590


Thank you. I will probably go it's one of those. I'm not too concerned with internal memory.