field recorder?

[jt916]

I need a hand held field recorder to collect some sound for a short film. where I am going I need to be a bit discreet so the last thing I want is a rig like Sound Device with a long boom walking around...to be a target.

I am looking at the Zoom H4, Sony PCMD50, Sony PCM-D1.

any suggestion. I would collect sound and run back to my hotel at night to upload. crazy weather condition where I am going so need something reliable and tought.

any suggestion?

thanks

[bcgood]

I'm reporting you to security!

[tsvisser]

Originally Posted by jt916

I need a hand held field recorder to collect some sound for a short film. where I am going I need to be a bit discreet so the last thing I want is a rig like Sound Device with a long boom walking around...to be a target.

I am looking at the Zoom H4, Sony PCMD50, Sony PCM-D1.

any suggestion. I would collect sound and run back to my hotel at night to upload. crazy weather condition where I am going so need something reliable and tought.

any suggestion?

thanks

I'd add the Nagra ARES-M to that list... they aren't so expensive, sounds like you need to capture dialogue - perfect fit for these units, plus they offer some nifty stereo and mono mics either plugged right into the unit, or extension cables / clip-ons, etc... so offer a bit more flexibility than the typical mic-in/on-body FLASH recorders.

[Rob King]

I have to admit, I bought a Zoom H4 and took it to India for a couple weeks and was amazed at the quality of recordings I got from those cheap ass mics that are built in!! Totally usable source material that I am using in a game right now. For the money, I think I paid $275 for it, it is worth every penny. 24/96 wav's, built in mic. Perhaps not considered a pro piece, it can yield pro results that won't break the bank or bum you out to bad if it gets crushed in the field.

[Marlan]

Just get a $299 M-Audio Microtrack II and save money. It not only uses up to 8Gig cards but has full 48V powered mic pre's and..... (and this is why I like it) a 24/96 s.p.d.i.f input from any a/d your heart desires.

[Sound Sorcerer]

Originally Posted by Marlan

Just get a $299 M-Audio Microtrack II and save money. It not only uses up to 8Gig cards but has full 48V powered mic pre's and..... (and this is why I like it) a 24/96 s.p.d.i.f input from any a/d your heart desires.

Add top quality stealth mics to the microtrack II with a Binaural DPA setup...