Audio not so great with Canon 5D

Question

I just started using a Canon 5d Mk II with a highly rated Azden mic and the resulting audio sounds tinny to me. I have read elsewhere that audio is the one major downfall with the Canon and am wondering what others might suggest? I have read great things about the Zoom H4n and am wondering if others feel this would improve my audio quality? I also realize that in order to monitor audio as I'm recording I need a device like this and I want to ensure that it will also give me better sound.

Answer 1

The audio pre amps in the HDSLR cameras are only of "adequate" quality. To get good quality sound you need to record your audio dual system on a recorder such as a Zoom H4n or Tascam DR 100.
You can then need to use a program such as PluralEyes to re sync the separate sound tracks in FCP. Or use a slate like they do in film production or wait for FCP-X which appears to have a feature that can do this.
Remember HDSLR cameras had the video feature added at the request of major news companies so their still shooters could shoot a bit of video for the web versions of their paper. HDSLRs are still and always will be a primarily stills camera, any features for sound and video processing had to be small enough and cheap enough not to encumber this. What they offer the film maker is optics and cmos sensor that gives the low depth of field property of 35mm film and very small camera. Beyond these features the technical aspects become a compromise and you need a careful and precise workflow to get the most out them.
I'd also suggest your microphone would not be the one chosen by a high end professional sound recordist. On a price for quality comparison it would probably fair well though.