Vixia update
*Sigh* You know when you have something that's so close to perfection but there's just one tiny problem? Yeah. It exists with the Canon HF11. As detailed in the previous post I've been having audio issues stemming from my use of an external mic attached to the camera via a 1/8" mini-plug. All to spec as outlined in the HF11's manual.
I sent it in a few weeks ago only to get it back not but a week later with a "could not duplicate" notice. Er. I'm not sure how you couldn't duplicate something as inherently simple as plugging in a cable to the back of the camera. It's not rocket science. So, thinking I was doing something wrong I retraced my steps and tried the camera out again. I was able to duplicate the problem 6 different ways using a variety of cables.
So I made a little video to help my friends at Canon Technical Support hear what's going wrong. Sadly I failed to capture the video for you all to admire, but it basically consisted of 1 minute of video where I recorded using the on-board mic for 30 seconds and then connected an external mic for another 30 seconds in one take. No fancy editing, you can hear me shuffling in the background. The minute that mic goes in the plug the clicks begin, regardless of whether the mic is actually turned on or not. I could take the mic off the cable completely and would still get the issue.
So I spoke with Canon again and they said to ship it back and they'll take another look. If this turns out to be what they intended I'll post a sample video for you folks and you can give me your feedback. Till then cross your fingers that they'll figure out the problem and/or send me a brand new (working) camera.
In other news we're in the final post phases of a new short that I hope to have up in a couple weeks. I'm excited for this one.
March 12th, 2009 - 21:16
Tyler Rhoades likes this. Wait…this isn’t Facebook, is it. Damn.
June 16th, 2009 - 10:31
Hey Dom What’s new.
November 20th, 2009 - 10:42
Any update on this? I’m an aspiring filmmaker and I had 98% settled on getting an HF11 to do my thing, when I stumbled across your post talking about the clicking with an external mike. since that’s the setup I would have been using, This caught my attention big time.
November 20th, 2009 - 10:50
Sadly this never got resolved to my satisfaction. Canon maintains that this sound is intended and their typical line is that it results from the automatic gain being set too high. Despite changing the camera back to factory settings the issue remains. I will try to post the samples I have, and possibly even the video Canon shot with my camera where the technicians say that this issue happens on ALL of their cameras. I have only seen this issue in one other place on the ‘net, another friend who has this same make/model has told me he’s had no issues and uses the same setup I do. I’m tempted to open the camera to try and fix it myself!
November 20th, 2009 - 10:56
Thanks, I guess I’ll pick one up and rely on the generous return policy of the retailer if this issue crops up.
November 20th, 2009 - 10:57
Yes, test early. Heck, bring your mic to the store and test it on the camera and if it works make sure you buy that one! Good luck!
November 23rd, 2009 - 11:13
OK, I was able to get this to work. I turned mic attenuation OFF. While this shouldn’t be necessary, it did clear the problem. Mic levels are cut about 1/4 now, but overall sound volume isn’t affected too much.
December 14th, 2009 - 14:54
Glad the hear you got it fixed.