Video Camera mic requirements

[shizzzon 461]

I've owned a couple of vid cams within the past few yrs all in the $700 range.

I need to buy another one somewhat soon so when i install my new setup i can get vids up.

One thing that has got me wondering is- is there anyway of finding a camcorder or external mic suitable for recording car audio vids?

When looking at mic specs, i know one requirement is to be able to record the frequencies that will be playing but is there any input on choosing a mic that will not sound distorted because of the pressure inside?

[johnecon2001 82]

There's really no way around the distortion. Simply put, a onboard camera microphone wasn't built to handle 140dB's+. You might be able to find a camera that can take an external mic and then pic up a microphone better suited to that pressure level (see kick drum microphones). But even then, most of them will be rated to only 120dB.

[JimJ 11]

Does it really matter?

Even if you used a professional boom mic, there's nothing in a typical "bass vid" that's telling you anything of use that a microphone would help with...

[///M5 2,833]

There are microphones that can measure 180db, but expect to pay well over a grand for them.

[shizzzon 461]

well, one thing i hate is sub vids with distortion so loud that it makes you just stop the vid because the sound is so annoying.

I am referring to external mics being used for the vid cam.

[///M5 2,833]

The acoustic pressure rolls off as a squared power of the distance you go away so just move the mic further away. If you want a mic in car, it will cost you a lot of dough. Not sure why you care, not like subs vids are exciting. Imagine that it moves back and forth.