On Mon, 22 Nov 1999 22:49:36 GMT, xtian@newsguy (Dezi) wrote:

>I have a Sony TRV9 digital camcorder. I video lots of jazz musicians
>in the studio, rehersals ect. Anyway when I was looking to buy some
>more tapes off the internet I wondered if there is any difference
>between the sound quality of the Sony Excellence w/memory chip and the
>Sony Premium without the chip. There is a big price difference ($14.99
>Excellence at Profeel. $7.99 Premium at Tape Resourse) If only the
>chip is different then I can use the cheaper.
>Also if anyone knows a good microphone to buy I am starting to think
>about that and don't know what to look for.

Except for drop-out rate, you should see or hear no
differences with different Mini-DV tapes in either the
picture or the sound... The TRV-9 internal mic system is
VERY noisy - an external mic (or mic system) is essential
with this camcorder. Good sound recording of music is
a bit of an art, but you can start with something as simple
as a good on-camera stereo mic (or pair of mono shotgun
mics, pointed in very slightly different directions),
to a full mixed multi-mic set-up. I recommend trying a good
stereo on-camera mic first (mount it on a side handle, or
on a bracket that lifts the mic above the camera shoe), if
you want to keep things simple. All the mics I use need
EQ'ing during editing to sound good except my Canon ZM-100,
but it requires the addition of an external battery pack
(which I made...) to work on the TRV-9. Next level: try
using a couple of Azden wireless systems - the mics sound
good (but can sometimes use EQ'ing), and can be placed
closer to the action for better sound and good stereo
spread. The mixer + good specialized instrumental mics
route can be very expensive, and good results depend on
having the experience and the ability to do this well.