T7i has no external mic level control???

[scott4video]

Please, someone tell me that there is a way to adjust the audio recording level on the T7i. I went out of my way to get a camera with a mic input for high-quality audio in my videos, but unlike the T6i, 70D, etc., it looks like Canon decided to remove the ability to manually adjest the input level from the T7i. I hope I'm wrong and someone here can tell me how to access that setting.

Thanks in advance...

[kvbarkley · Accepted solution]

It is right in the manual, page 300 or so. I suspect you are in a basic zone mode. You need to be in a creative zone mode, PAS or M, see the little star?

[scott4video]

@kvbarkley -- Thank you! You made me realize I was reading the wrong manual. 🙂 (I thought the Basic Instruction Manual was the main one, and the BIM says nothing about manual audio settings.)

I have since learned that not only do you need to be in one of the Creative modes to access the manual audio settings, but you also have to stay in a Creative mode. If you switch to automatic, the external mic input switches back to automatic level control.

Setting the level manually significantly reduces the background noise and hiss. Also, I tried using an AC adapter (battery replacement) and it added a bit of 60Hz hum to the background noise when using the external mic. The adapter wasn't the Canon brand, so I'm not sure if that would provide a cleaner DC voltage. I opted to forgo buying an adapter and bought extra batteries instead.

[RobertTheFat]

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@scott4video wrote:

@kvbarkley -- Thank you! You made me realize I was reading the wrong manual. 🙂 (I thought the Basic Instruction Manual was the main one, and the BIM says nothing about manual audio settings.)

I have since learned that not only do you need to be in one of the Creative modes to access the manual audio settings, but you also have to stay in a Creative mode. If you switch to automatic, the external mic input switches back to automatic level control.

Setting the level manually significantly reduces the background noise and hiss. Also, I tried using an AC adapter (battery replacement) and it added a bit of 60Hz hum to the background noise when using the external mic. The adapter wasn't the Canon brand, so I'm not sure if that would provide a cleaner DC voltage. I opted to forgo buying an adapter and bought extra batteries instead.

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A sensible decision, IMO. There's probably no maintenance operation more easily accomplished on-the-fly than changing the camera battery. That's basically why I'm convinced that battery grips are largely a waste of money.

Context: I was once taking pictures of our City Manager and his family a few minutes before his inauguration began. I had to stop and change flash units while he and his wife waited on the set because my 580EX suddenly crapped out. I ordered a 600EX-RT the next morning. (Or was it after I got home that same day?) If it had just been the camera battery, I wouldn't even remember the incident.

Incidentally, I'm not an electrical engineer, but my impression is that that kind of hum usually results from a ground fault. If your adapter had a 3-pin plug, there's a good chance that the outlet's ground wire wasn't properly connected.

[qxinfinity]

👍, great save.

[DonaldMLewis]

This is honestly a MAJOR design flaw with the t7i, I scrapped mine over this. Providing external mic options with out an ability to monitor the sound is actually inexcusable. The Bluetooth option is painful to setup, has a delay and honestly is very temperamental to use. KV's response does not address the true underlying issue of not being able to monitor the sound. I have wasted hours of Videoing becuse the sound was horrible due to the lack of monitoring the sound. Best advice I have for you is to get a new camera.

[kvbarkley]

Yeah, after 7 years it is probably time for a new camera.

[DonaldMLewis]

Has not been 7 years but definitely time to get a new camera with a glaring design flaw like this.

[kvbarkley]

OK. 6 years 11 months. This thread was started in Dec 2017.

[DonaldMLewis]

You can still buy this camera today so it is still relevant since people with this issue will be directed here. Good camera equipment lasts for a very long time I have a cameras that are 10+ years old that I still use. The core issue with the camera is in its design. I am not sure is you actually use this type equipment or if you just want to troll. I shoot a lot of content for a living, 8-10 videos a week, I am not putting Canon down, I hold them to a high standard. I currently shoot with the Canon R6 Mark ii, its ability to shoot in low light is amazing along with non restrictive video time makes this Camera the best for what I do. The R6 Mark ii is way superior to the the R6. Also with an inexpensive adapter I can use my old glass. 

So once again, the t7i has a glaring design flaw that it was set up with external mic capabilities and no way to monitor the the sound while filming, which is imperative in today's content creation. If you disagree with this statement I would love to hear an actual argument other than its an old camera or this is an old blog. People are still buying and using this camera.