Audio Quality with point and shoots

[sagero]

I'm considring buying a point and shoot for use as a video camera too, as the video quality and memory has come a long way. One thing I'm concerned about is audio quality. Wondering how the audio quality on these compares to an inexpensive mini-dv video camera. I assume since space is at a premium on the point and shoots, the microphones are probably significantly compromised. Anybody have an opinion in general about audio quality on compact point and shoot models vs. an inexpensive mini-dv video camera?

[David Metsky]

In general, the audio is sub-par, you will get much better sound and video from a dedicated video camera. If your main use is as a video camera, get a video camera.

[SpecialK]

Originally Posted by sagero

I'm considring buying a point and shoot for use as a video camera too, as the video quality and memory has come a long way. One thing I'm concerned about is audio quality. Wondering how the audio quality on these compares to an inexpensive mini-dv video camera. I assume since space is at a premium on the point and shoots, the microphones are probably significantly compromised. Anybody have an opinion in general about audio quality on compact point and shoot models vs. an inexpensive mini-dv video camera?

Probably about the same. The Canon S3/S5 has stereo mics, if that helps, plus a "wind filter" adjustment.

[griptape]

A microphone on a compact camera is even more compact than the camera itself. Probably about the size of the microphone inside your cell phone. If audio is a big concern, then a dedicated camcorder would be a much better solution.

[KCook]

I agree with the others here. Shooting video with my Canon S3 is great fun. However, the audio is seriously poor quality. My telephone is better (honest). Completely out of the question for music. I have not tried camcorders in a while. But my bet is that even the cheapest of these beats the audio on a digital still camera.

Kelly Cook