Need advice: Video camera + external microphone for live recordings

[Colonel_Claypoo]

hello everyone!

i'm looking for the most efficient way to record my band's live perfomances audiovisually meaning as cheap as possible while maintaining the highest quality possible.

what would you recommend me for a video camera (hd?)
and external microphone?

thanks a lot

[Stumbo]

What's your max. budget?

[Colonel_Claypoo]

well, i wouldn'T say i got a budget since i'm more taking a first glimpse and picturing in my mind what can be done with this. so i'm free for any affordable reocmmendations and that, in my mind, is below $1000

[oldrookie]

So many variables... are you using a mixing board with output...just recording speaker output... need multiple mics to mix all instruments? (Just to name a few.)

In a live venue...practice studio?

I'd recommend spending some time on camcorderinfo.com for a good place to start.

[Colonel_Claypoo]

Originally Posted by oldrookie

I'd recommend spending some time on camcorderinfo.com for a good place to start.

thanks!

i eductated myself a bit about camcorders.
i'm now looking for mics. i read a few cameras have an input for a mic. now what stereo mics would be a good choice for a live room recording? just one with decent quality would do i think.

[DeepBottom]

If there's a mixing board you could just plug in there. All your gear is already going through the board, just hook up the audio out into the camera or into a laptop/recording medium. A good quality tripod is a must.

[oldrookie]

Just make sure you are feeding a mic level signal into the camera. Line level will distort.

I don't use stereo mics, so can't help much. Check out Sweetwater.com for info, or B&H Audio.

[Stumbo]

Some cameras have headphone output so you can hear what's being recorded.

To get a more balance recording, it might be helpful to use a small mixer. Take a line out from the P.A. (especially for the vocals and combine with a microphone.

[megadan]

Getting a camera with a stereo mic input, and a decent stereo, doesn't seem like it will come in under $1000...

if you're more interested in the audio, I'd say simple digital or minidisk recorder, with a good mic. Sync the video to a buddy's cheap camcorder if you want.