Ever since DSLRs started became capable of recording high definition video, their audio capabilities have lagged behind. Some people have got round this by using external field recorders, but the ones that have included "proper" audio - XLR sockets, phantom power and good preamps, have added enormously to the cost of a DSLR rig
For those that feel that the internal video codecs are good enough (and they're getting better all the time), or who have an external recorder that doesn't sport top-notch audio facilities, which is probably the majority of DSLR users, Tascam have stepped in with a unit that is designed from the ground-up for DSLR users.
There's been no need for massive technical innovation specifically for the DR-60D: Tascam has been building digital audio recorders for decades. What they've done here is cleverly adapt their presentation so that the recorder can be easily and simply integrated into a DSLR rig. The unit has ample 1/4" mounts to make it adaptable to work with virtually any kind of set-up.
With a cascade of pro-audio features (below), we can't wait to try this out. Price? B&H has it listed at $349.00
• Record to SD/SDHC card(Up to 32GB)
• Simultaneously record up to 4 tracks
• Record Mode：MONO, STEREO, DUAL MONO, DUAL ST, 4CH
• Recording format：16/24bit、44.1/48/96kHz (WAV/BWF)
• TASCAM original HDDA microphone preamps
• Recording levels can be adjusted independently for the 1/L, 2/R and 3-4 inputs
• Two XLR/TRS inputs support +4dBu line level input and phantom power supply (24/48V)
• Plug-in power supply and high-output mic input supported on input 3-4
• CAMERA OUT connector for output from the DR-60D's mixer
• CAMERA IN connector for sound monitoring from the Camera
• Independent LINE OUT connector and HEADPHONE output for high-quality sound output
• 50mW/ch headphone output
• Tripod mounting threads (bottom) and DSLR screw attachment (top)
• Handles protect the screen and can be used to attach a shoulder strap
• Soft-Touch Rubber Keys for silent operation
• HOLD switch to prevent accidental operation
• A QUICK button is available for easy access to various functions
• 128x64 pixel LCD with backlight
• USB 2.0 connection for high-speed transferring
• Mini USB cable included
• Operates on 4 AA batteries, an AC adapter (sold separately) or USB bus power
• Can extend battery life with BP-6AA battery pack (sold separately)
• Dedicated remote control jack for the wired RC-10 remote control or RC-3F footswitch (both sold separately)
• Internal mixer: PAN and LEVEL controls
• Low cut filter(40/80/120Hz)
• Limiter (1/L and 2/R can be selected for link-operation)
• Delay function for distance of microphones adjustments (+/-150ms)
• M-S decode function
• Slate tone generator (AUTO/MANUAL)
• Selectable duration of slate tone from four positions (0.5/1/2/3 sec, when Auto generate)
• Selectable slate tone generate position. 3 positions: OFF/HEAD/HEAD+TAIL, when Auto generate
• File name format can be set to use a user-defined word or date
• Dual recording function allows two files to be recorded simultaneously at different levels
• Auto-record function can automatically start and stop recording at set level
• Pre-recording function allows the unit to record a 2 second sound buffer before recording is activated
• Self timer function for solo recording
• New file starts recording automatically without interruption when maximum file size is reached
• Track incrementing function allows a recording to be split by creating a new file when desired
• Jump back and play function
• Equalizers function for playback, and level alignment function to enhance the perceived overall sound pressure
• Resume function to memorize the playback position before the unit is turned off
• MARK function up to 99 points per audio track
• DIVIDE function