Pentax K 3 ii, weird VIdeo Background Audio

Marcus_H · 12-10-2016, 09:15 PM

My K 3 ii just arrived from B&H last week thursday, and I've finally had the time to really use it and test it out. However, I've noticed the audio records a really weird in camera sound, and I'm not sure if this is normal. I've linked a video below with some footage in a nearly silent room with just my voice at the end. Should I send the camera back or is this normal sound? I've also compared to my old k 30, which has a static background sound, but nothing like what I'm hearing on the K 3 ii. I've already updated the firmware and done a reset, as well as tried different lenses.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Youtu.be

(headphone recommended)

stevebrot · 12-10-2016, 10:14 PM - **1 Like**

A certain amount of noise is expected with the built-in microphone when there is no signal (i.e. quiet room) with the gain on auto. To avoid, manually set to a lower gain or turn the microphone off.

Steve

**RuiC** · 12-11-2016, 11:11 AM

Originally posted by Marcus_H

My K 3 ii just arrived from B&H last week thursday, and I've finally had the time to really use it and test it out. However, I've noticed the audio records a really weird in camera sound, and I'm not sure if this is normal. I've linked a video below with some footage in a nearly silent room with just my voice at the end. Should I send the camera back or is this normal sound? I've also compared to my old k 30, which has a static background sound, but nothing like what I'm hearing on the K 3 ii. I've already updated the firmware and done a reset, as well as tried different lenses.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Pentax K 3 ii Audio Problem - YouTube
(headphone recommended)

Originally posted by stevebrot

A certain amount of noise is expected with the built-in microphone when there is no signal (i.e. quiet room) with the gain on auto. To avoid, manually set to a lower gain or turn the microphone off.

Steve

That's not noise but ambient sound! Follow Steve's advice!

Marcus_H · 12-15-2016, 11:23 PM

Originally posted by RuiC

That's not noise but ambient sound! Follow Steve's advice!

The sound that you hear is definitely from the camera itself, not ambient noise from the room. I've done a couple other tests with changing the mic gain from auto to lower levels, and while it does reduce that weird sound, it definitely is still noticeable and also the sounds I am trying to record are too quiet.

So I'm seriously considering sending it back to B&H for a new body.

**Fries** · 12-15-2016, 11:53 PM

Don't rely on the built-in microphone. Use a external one!

stevebrot · 12-17-2016, 03:55 PM

Originally posted by Marcus_H

So I'm seriously considering sending it back to B&H for a new body.

You will not see any difference in the replacement. As noted above, for better results use an external microphone, monitor your levels, and adjust as needed. For best results use an external sound recorder and patch in during the editing process (how professionals do it).

Steve

Marcus_H · 12-18-2016, 07:46 AM - **1 Like**

I just ordered an external mic. Thanks for the help guys.

**Fries** · 12-18-2016, 12:27 PM

Originally posted by Marcus_H

I just ordered an external mic. Thanks for the help guys.

Congratulations! There are lots of choices and there are differences in quality as with everything. But having a external mic should improve the sound on your video a lot.

12-17-2016, 03:55 PM	#6
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Marcus_H So I'm seriously considering sending it back to B&H for a new body. You will not see any difference in the replacement. As noted above, for better results use an external microphone, monitor your levels, and adjust as needed. For best results use an external sound recorder and patch in during the editing process (how professionals do it). Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 12-17-2016 at 04:04 PM.

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12-10-2016, 10:14 PM - 1 Like	#2
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	A certain amount of noise is expected with the built-in microphone when there is no signal (i.e. quiet room) with the gain on auto. To avoid, manually set to a lower gain or turn the microphone off. Steve

12-11-2016, 11:11 AM	#3
RuiC Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lisboa - The best destination in Europe Posts: 633	Originally posted by Marcus_H My K 3 ii just arrived from B&H last week thursday, and I've finally had the time to really use it and test it out. However, I've noticed the audio records a really weird in camera sound, and I'm not sure if this is normal. I've linked a video below with some footage in a nearly silent room with just my voice at the end. Should I send the camera back or is this normal sound? I've also compared to my old k 30, which has a static background sound, but nothing like what I'm hearing on the K 3 ii. I've already updated the firmware and done a reset, as well as tried different lenses. Any feedback would be appreciated. Pentax K 3 ii Audio Problem - YouTube (headphone recommended) Originally posted by stevebrot A certain amount of noise is expected with the built-in microphone when there is no signal (i.e. quiet room) with the gain on auto. To avoid, manually set to a lower gain or turn the microphone off. Steve That's not noise but ambient sound! Follow Steve's advice!

12-15-2016, 11:23 PM	#4
Marcus_H New Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 13 Original Poster	Originally posted by RuiC That's not noise but ambient sound! Follow Steve's advice! The sound that you hear is definitely from the camera itself, not ambient noise from the room. I've done a couple other tests with changing the mic gain from auto to lower levels, and while it does reduce that weird sound, it definitely is still noticeable and also the sounds I am trying to record are too quiet. So I'm seriously considering sending it back to B&H for a new body.

12-15-2016, 11:53 PM	#5
Fries Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Gauw Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,582	Don't rely on the built-in microphone. Use a external one!

12-18-2016, 07:46 AM - 1 Like	#7
Marcus_H New Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 13 Original Poster	I just ordered an external mic. Thanks for the help guys.

12-18-2016, 12:27 PM	#8
Fries Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Gauw Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,582	Originally posted by Marcus_H I just ordered an external mic. Thanks for the help guys. Congratulations! There are lots of choices and there are differences in quality as with everything. But having a external mic should improve the sound on your video a lot.