Current Equipment
Camcorder: Sony HDR-HC3
Audio: Internal (standard on-board camera mic)
Audio: External, Shotgun mic (zoom and gun mode)
Audio: External, Olympus DN-3100PC with cheap Tie-Clip mic
Laptop (not currently used for video or audio)

I have a desktop, yes, it's my primary. The laptop is mentioned because I'm willing to use it to record audio to if need be.

Problem
All these audio methods are very poor. The on-board default mic built into the camera is just as good as the Sony shotgun mic and the tie-clip mic is from RadioShack and it's absolute trash. In short, my audio is bad.

The Goal
I use my camera to record client testimonials. I will also be recording my own short videos for explanation of topics to clients. Some shots are taken outdoors and others are taken indoors.

I'm not a professional although I do want high quality sound.

Since the mic will most likely need to be on the individual speaking, I probably need a wireless lapel mic of some sort. I have no knowledge whatsoever in the audio field. Do bear in mind my camera is a Sony, meaning it has no standard audio jacks--just the proprietary Sony jack.

Summary
I'm looking for advice on how to record audio that is high quality. The use is for client video testimonials. I don't want to spend a lot of money and I don't know the best way to go about this (wireless lapel mic, etc). Any help is greatly appreciated.

I'm looking for advice on how to record audio that is high quality.

Buy a Zoom H2 portable recorder (about $185) and use that to record the audio. Start the Zoom recording when you start the camera. They don't have to be in perfect sync because you'll align the audio tracks later in whatever video editing software you use. I use Sony Vegas, and it shows the audio waveforms for the camera's audio, as well as the Zoom audio when that's imported to a separate track. So you can slide the Zoom audio left or right as needed until the waves are aligned. Then you'll mute the camera's audio and use the Zoom track only. Of course, it doesn't have to be a Zoom H2, but that's what I use and it's a great value.

That's what I did for this video, where I needed the audio to sound close up but the camera was in the back of the room:

Hearing is Believing (http://www.realtraps.com/video_hearing.htm)

--Ethan

Buy a Zoom H2 portable recorder (about $185) and use that to record the audio. Start the Zoom recording when you start the camera. They don't have to be in perfect sync because you'll align the audio tracks later in whatever video editing software you use. I use Sony Vegas...

Thank you. I'll check this option out. I also use Sony Vegas and have experience lining the audio. Thanks again.

For other who are interested in this item, the details are here: http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/h2/

Demos can be found on YouTube. For a voice demo, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCn28Ke1tm0 and scan half way through.

One other possible solution I found is the AZDEN WMS-PRO. This one also seems to be decent for voice. I'm trying to compare it with the suggested Zoom H2. My only concern is that I do not know how close one has to be to the Zoom H2 in order for it to effectively pick up the sound.

I do not know how close one has to be to the Zoom H2 in order for it to effectively pick up the sound.

It depends on the room's acoustics. The Zoom H2's microphone preamp is pretty sensitive, and has a three-way switch for that. The larger issue is being far away in a live room will sound off-mic. I've used the Zoom from three feet away in a "normal" sounding room with good results. If cost is not a barrier, there are other brands and models for about $100 more that are even better, with quieter preamps. But the Zoom H2 works well enough if you're reasonably close to the source.

--Ethan