Cin, use 16-bit. 12-bit is on the cam if you want to dub a voice-overs directly on the cam. But why would you want to do that (he says facetiously) when you can do that with VMS. Use the extra 4-bits for your video.

Thank you MSmart for the help. I obviously didn't have a clue which was what. I will give that a try, as the camera was 12 bit by default, and see if that helps a 'bit' ;) I still think there must be a way to capture the audio by some other means than the camera's weak mic. Thanks again. Cin

Ah, so by 'capture' you're referring to getting the sound from the live source into the camera. I was thinking you were referring to the process of getting the audio from the camera to the computer.

Unless i'm running around doing grab shots, i have a cardioid electret mic that i connect to the camcorder and use that for picking up the audio. It's very clean and quiet. For a lot of scenes i'll put it up near the ceiling pointing down at the speakers. That way it's out of the shot, but still close enough to pick them up quite clearly.

Note that 12 bit vs. 16 bit should make no difference in the volume of the sound; it should only affect the signal to noise ratio and available dynamic range. Still though, 16 is definitely a better choice than 12.

Thanks Kelly for confirming that the 16 bit is a better choice. Can you explain in more detail what a 'cardioid electret mic' is or where to get one? And is there some sort of wireless alternative? Thanks again.

Cardioid is a term for a mic that pics up more strongly in one direction than in the opposite direction. These mics focus on the sound source directly in front of them and reject sound from the sides. Contrast that to most built-in camcorder mics that are omnidirectional and pick up sound from all directions equally.

Electret is one of two main technologies used for sound pickup. The other is dynamic. Dynamic mics tend to be more rugged, but also tend to be less sensitive and more noisy. Electret mics are usually more delicate, but tend to be more sensitive. Electrets also require power, often in the form of a battery. OK, if you're willing to pay enough money you can get as rugged, sensitive, and noise free a mic as you wish in either type, but that can be a LOT of money. But, at consumer prices electrets are a better choice where the person speaking isn't holding the mic right in front of their mouth. Dynamics are a better choice when someone is singing right into the mic or in very loud situations.

I'm using the Shure L16 model, which was a special issue made for Radio Shack and sadly discontinued. They were about $150 each, but i got them on clearance for about $80 each. (So i guess being discontinued wasn't so sad for me since i got 8 of them!) They require an AA battery, though you can also get an external power supply for them. The closest match i can find in Shure's current catalog is the SM94. I think i've seen them sell in the $150 to $200 range. These don't take a battery so an external power supply is required.

There are tons of wireless possibilities. There are a couple of broad categories though. There are handheld wireless mics which are large, and miniature mics such as lavalier and headset models. The former are usually a single unit that the performer holds or is put on a mic stand. The latter are usually a dual unit with the mic itself being very tiny and easily hidden along with a transmitter pack that goes on a belt clip or in a pocket. With both styles a receiver is required as well. There are so many choices that it's tough to make a generalized recommendation. However, one rule i usually tell most folks is that if you don't pay at least $400 for a wireless system then you'll be very disappointed with the result.