Help me decided between the h4n and dr100

[Montana Wild]

Ok guys so I'm new to audio so If you'd be willing to help me make a decision on a portable digital recorder to go with my HDSLR (nikon d7000). I'm filming outdoor content, fly fishing and hunting specifically. I'm looking for better audio and I'm going to be buying one if not 2 wireless lav mics. I'd like to be able to record from the cameras viewpoint also and was looking at portable handheld recorders. For the application of outdoor audio and use with 1 or 2 wireless mics, would I be better off with the Zoom H4n or the Tascam dr100? I'm hoping to learn more about audio and audio production but I need to purchase something soon as I have multiple shoots lined up soon. Thanks guys. Hopefully I can learn a bunch from the forums here.

[Montana Wild]

One more thing. I need to potentially record 2-6 hours of audio per day. Which would be better for battery life? Also do I even need an external recorder or would a RodeMic on my camera be a better, cheaper solution for on the fly style of shooting?

[Ozpeter]

You might get more replies if you ask on Recording Gear - more people there who might have both.

[Montana Wild]

Thanks I'll post up there also. Just really getting excited to improve my production level so making this purchase is one of the steps. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[jnorman]

there is a new tascam DR-100 mkII out there now that looks pretty good. the roland R26 might be a good option also, since it has the same preamps as the R44. check out taperssection.com - lots of info and reviews of all those units.

[neddy]

Originally Posted by Montana Wild

One more thing. I need to potentially record 2-6 hours of audio per day. Which would be better for battery life? Also do I even need an external recorder or would a RodeMic on my camera be a better, cheaper solution for on the fly style of shooting?

Here's a battery comparison of various handheld recorders that I found helpful...

Portable Recorder Battery Life Test Results!

The sony recorders seem to shine in the power consumption department, though they lack the XLR mic connections that are on the H4N and DR100.

If the camera has a mic or line input for audio the mic on camera route may be easier, you won't have to mess with time code sync issues that will arise from using external recorders that don't have the ability to sync to the camera.

DVXuser.com :: The online Community for digital filmmaking is a good source for info on dslr video and audio production.

cheers

[Montana Wild]

Damn. I swear the more I learn about these things the less easy my decision seems to be. Now I'm looking at the dr40 and the sony pcm m10. Jeez.

[Bibster]

I did a test with an external 4*'D' cell thinggy for a H4n: Over 10hours recording time (with Phantom on)
Must be somewhere in the H4N thread. It is.