Where do you get a decent external microphone for a video camera?

What kind of Digital Video Camera might be best for me?

• I'm in the market for a video camera. I've already decided to get one that stores onto SD or SDHC memory cards, believing that the lack of moving parts will make it more dependable. I'm going to use it to capture the normal family events, but will also film myself DJing parties and other business-related events. I'll also tape my daughter singing, so it will have to have good sound quality; I'm thinking it will need to have an input for an external microphone. I will probably output to computer files, then burn to DVD. Should I get an HD camera? If so, is 720P adequate or would I need 1080? I own an HDTV, how do I show my HD videos on my TV? Do I have to input it through my camera, and what kind of cables would I need for that? What do I have to know to make sure I can output the video in the way I describe above? Is there something you can tell me that I have not thought of? Obviously, price is somewhat important, but I don't want to waste money buying something that won't do what I want. Thank you!

• Answer:

  You are correct about HDD camcorders, as well as DVD cams. You did not state what your budget is, but you might want to consider a tape-based cam. They use miniDV tapes which the video can be captured (copied) into your editing program uncompressed. Tape-based cams usually have more manual controls which you will want if you are shooting at parties. You'll have mixed and/or low light and very loud music. A pro-sumer cam will be able to address those scenarios much better than a comsumer-grade cam. With many of the more featured video editing programs available, the miniDV capture process is much easier and you can output your projects to DVD, Blu-ray, etc. Your computer will need to have a FireWire port (you can add one, they are cheap). One of the least expensive miniDV cams is the Canon VIXIA HV40 HD. It sells for around $650.00. Other cams can run $2,000 and up. But they will have the best features in the long run.