TheBrit

I'd like to record some video while driving, but the 'desired' noises (engine, etc) are drowned out by road and wind noise.

How'd I go about getting a cleaner sound? I've got a Sony DSC-P5 camera with MPEG function and a Sony TRV-320 Digital8 camcorder. I guess the TRV will record better quality sound than the P5 anyway, but is there anything I can do to improve things?

I've got some clips from the P5 but you can hardly hear the rumble of the engine, which was the whole point of the excercise... :-(

Egil A64.2s - S6

Rather than the camera's mic, use a remote mic. and place it in an optimal position, like the engine

TheBrit

Euro model camcorders don't have analogue in facilities due to a stupid 10% EU tax on "video recorders" - the theory being that the ability to record from an external source makes it a video recorder.

I have a DV-in enabler that also enables anlogue in, but I don't think the TRV320e recognises the record button, so I might also need a LAN/C remote. By the time I've bought all this gear it would have been cheaper to fly to Hong Kong and buy a PAL camcorder with all the features enabled already. Well, not quite but it's still getting expensive to enable something the camcorder should be able to do anyway...

I was thinking I could have some fun with one of these cameras;
<img src="http://www.rfconcepts.co.uk/cam.JPG"><ul><li><a href="http://www.rfconcepts.co.uk/sony_colour_ccd.htm">http://www.rfconcepts.co.uk/sony_colour_ccd.htm</a</li></ul>

RS6.com

When I recorded my test drive with the RS6 in Essen I used a simple Sony Dig Camera.

I think the sound from the engine came out quite clear and I had no external microphones etc.

ejfiii

Use a clean sock and duct tape it over the microphone part in the front of the camera. This will eliminate the wind noise, but allow the motor noise to come through without a problem. In the pic in the link below, you can clearly see the sock and blue duct tape on the front of my camera at VIR.

I assume you have obvioulsy already selected the wind noice reducer option in the camera too?

E. J.<ul><li><a href="http://www.pcarracing.homestead.com/files/VIRmarch2001/Dsc_9289.jpg">993 with sock on camera</a></li></ul>

Egil A64.2s - S6

then dub or splice it onto the video on your computer. A bit more involved but should be not too difficult depending upon your software. This also affors the opportunity to edit the sound to get it just right and to add voice over.

TheBrit

Still the issue of road noise affecting the tape recorder.

TheBrit

I'll admit I haven't really tried it yet, mounting the P5 is a lot easier due to it's small size and low weight.

TheBrit

Interesting idea, thanks

Egil A64.2s - S6

If you place the mic. next to the engine you will be able to turn down the gain and get only the loudest noise. It is like placing your mic. next to your mouth while outside.
Wind noice is another matter and is usually caused by the wind buffeting the mic. directly. A sock will reduce this. However, if you have any half decent sound editing program on your computer, or get access to some, then you may filter out most unwanted sounds.