Camcorders forum: Need camcorder with external microphone jack. Suggestion?

looked closely at has an external microphone jack. My Sony TRV17 has one, and the small Canons I've used have one. I suppose there might be some cameras which lack this, but I think they're in the minority.

Did you mean an XLR microphone perhaps? Those are very unusual, but adaptors are available.

This a copy of a response to another post-
I am a video producer working with a local community TV station. I understand your problem. I use a JVC GY-DV500 (12 pounds, on the shoulder) for most of my video, but needed a small camcorder for some interior shots for an airplane sequence we're working on.

I ended up with a Panasonic PV-GS150 for the following reasons:

3 CCD for good image quality
External mic input
Very small
Cheap extra batteries
Decent image stabilization
Inexpensive wide angle adaptors available
Decent low light, but mot much better than competing models
Price- Approx. $600 with rebate at Circuit City

I avoided Canons because of all the tape transport issues I have read about.

I purchased an extended warranty from Mack for I think $60 for 4 years.

This camcorder produces an excellent image for the price. Not as good as my DV500, but not that much different. Also, this cam was the easiest to set up because of it's joystick, so it's buried menu features are quite usable. Manual focus is difficult, but rarely needed (auto focus works well most of the time). I can also monitor the audio with headphones while using an external mic.

I would go to a retailer and try a few models. My priority would be:

3 CCD
External mic
Good image stabilization
Inexpensive accessories
Low light performance

Hope this helps.

Today, 12/30/05, I was window shopping for a camcorder or hybrid at Circuit City. Only two models had external mic jacks: the JVC F550 which listed for $449 but was on sale for $360 and the Samsung SCD353 which listed for $244 but was on sale for $219. I am looking for external mic capacity for the same reason, to obtain improved sound quality, especially to eliminate the mic picking up the sound of the camera as it runs.

That camcorder has a microphone jack. Im aware of this because I have used this at school. I like the feel of the camera. So why not...

cost around 500 at circuit city. Has a built in light too just incase...