Microphone for sound cameras?

[Patrick Cooper]

At some point in the future, I am thinking of buying a super 8 sound camera for exposing my one and only K40 sound cartridge. However, knowing my luck, I would probably end up with a camera without a microphone. I admit that i know next to nothing about audio. Are the types of microphones that would be suitable for these cameras be readily available - including the mounting system that attaches the mic to the camera? Or would it be best to find a deal that consists of both camera and original microphone?

[Claus Harding]

Patrick,

 

Your best bet is to buy a camera with its own mic to ensure technical compatibility with the camera. In particular, different cameras may have different plugs, with the mic being matched to the camera. The 'mini plug' is quite common, but sometimes it will be wired for a specific camera, so best to get both at once.

 

That said, you'd better get going. The official word is that there will be no more K40 processing at the one lab left, after the end of 2010 (at Dwayne's in Kansas.)

 

Good luck,

Claus.

[Jim Carlile]

Those mikes were all junky, really, with few exceptions. Any old cassette mike with a sub mini plug will work fine.

 

Most cameras on sale will have the mikes with them in the box or bag.