SD300 Video audio problem when recording with loud/heavy bass music in the background

[bartdotla]

Hi,

My message has a weird topic, I know. Let me explain, I used to have a Canon S400. When I shot movies at parties where loud music was played, the audio quality was really bad, since the microphone could not handle the loud music and definitely not the heavy bass.
Example: http://www.bart.la/albums/reunionmovies/aak.avi (Requires Xvid codec)
This problem was solved when I upgraded to a Canon S430. For whatever reason this model seems to have a better microphone tuning, which allows you to record movies with reasonanble audio quality even at +80DB. A few months later I bought a Canon S500 and the movie audio recording was still great.
Last week I bought myself a Canon SD300, with as main reason: high quality video recording with no time limit (S400&S500 series = 3:00).
Unfortunately, I have again the bad sound qualtity now with the SD300. Is there anyone out there which uses his canon to record movies at parties or has any clue what I could do to increase the sound quality. If not, I will sell it again and use my S500 again.

Thanks in advance!

[c2ironfist]

I hear yhaa its sad check out my link regarding recording video I have specs on the audio there as well

http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4135

Do you also experience problems in auto mode whithout flash? Where images become blurry as hell.

Apparently I've read many problems with the SD300... its a great camera but.. it so sad that it doesn't perform at a high level people was expecting.

[bartdotla]

Hi c2ironfist,

Thanks for your reply. I just got the SD300 this week, didn't have the time yet to test the picture quality. But indeed, my first impression was also that video recording takes a lot of space... I now record at 320x240,15fps. I hope there's a way to solve the audio/compression issue. Maybe a firmware update? I don't even know if there were firmware updates in the past for this type of Canon camera's (S400,S410,S430,S500,SD200,SD300,etc..)

[c2ironfist]

Your problem is my problem.... I'm gonna experience it sooner or later bettor know about is sooner then later... :(
Good thing you mentioned it.

Have you tried covering up the microphone area where the mic is.. maybe that may help?

There is also a volume adjust while playing videos which is the down/up button dunno could work :)

I'm gonna check my manual out again see what I can do.. I havn't read the entire thing yet lol.. like everyone else we pretty much take it out and assume we know how to use it right away.. most of the time this is true but for little toys like this gotta check out the manual.

My previous camera had a really cool feature, audio recording and it was awsome for in class lectures when you get to lazy to listen. But the SD300 doesn't have audio only and if so it is only for 1 whole minute or you'll have to record a video which eats up hell of a lot of memory.

Another thing I was disapointed with was that when hooked up to your PC the computer doesn't read it as a removable Disk drive which sorta sux beause my previous camera was able to do that. Not to mention the cheap plastic doors that most likely will break in the long run....Sigh

But overall the SD300 is the best camera for what I'm looking for, its great just a little pricy for what it has to offer

[bartdotla]

Thanks again c2ironfist for your help and feedback. I think I will try the 'microphone cover' trick once to see if that helps...
It's a pitty we can't change the recording volume, only the playback volume...

[c2ironfist]

hey let me know if it works ;)
Just in case I run into the same situation :)

[bartdotla]

the cover trick didn't work :( will need to buy other camera to shoot party movies...

[c2ironfist]

That sux..

I'm hatin the fact that I can't just do audio recording with my camera...

So that gives me an excuse to buy a new MP3 player as an audio recorder :p

hehe

[foaf]

I've had this problem with my old Pentax, and got rid of it for the same reason. I'm not sure the manufacturers take into account shooting videos in loud environments. But videos from parties can really bring back memories from a night, but you NEED the sound and music.

So after your post I am now really paranoid about the SD500 (Ixus 700) which I am planning on buying. Would really like to know if sound quality is good at loud volumes. So if ya read this Jeff, a quick mention of video sound quality would be great in your review.

[bartdotla]

thanks for the feedback guys! I hope they solve the problem with the SD500, the S400 had the problem too and they fixed it in the S430 and S500 model...

BTW If you like party video's, check www.bart.la/zillion :-)