We all know (or should) that audio is the most important element of a video project. Of course, great visuals are something we all strive for but if these are lacking, while the audio is good, we can still enjoy the experience. The same isn’t true of the reverse. You could have the best image quality, with the most beautiful camera work and lighting but if the audio is hard to listen to the whole thing falls apart and the likelihood of switching off becomes that much greater.
With that in mind, a good audio recorder should be high up your gear acquisition list. Yes, most cameras have the ability to record audio, and some have passable microphones built in (although they are never really production-worthy), so why the need for a separate piece of gear?
