When I look back at all of the different types of recording equipment that I’ve used as a print and radio reporter, and even investigative content writer, I have no nostalgia for old formats. I’ve used cassette tape, minidisc and DAT recorders and my Olympus LS-10 portable digital recorder beats them all in every way.
The LS-10, which has recently been replaced by the slightly better LS-11 and the video recording LS-20, has expansive storage capacity, long battery life and is shock resistant since it records onto the same removable SD flash cards (no moving parts) that many digital cameras use. In contrast, my old minidisc recorder and its spinning disc would sometimes turn off when jostled.
Most importantly, the Olympus LS series have decent preamps, which are the internal amplifiers that boost the recording signal. This combined with uncompressed CD quality recording modes makes the Olympus suitable for radio use since it can be used with most external mics.
Dynamic mics like the Electro-Voice RE50, for example, are popular with NPR reporters because they are less sensitive to handling noise. But they also require more preamp to pick up lower volume sounds. Noisy preamps sound hissy when the recording levels are increased to, say, capture a soft-spoken speaker in a quiet room.
The interface across the LS series is very intuitive. There are dedicated physical buttons that make navigating functions easy. And the amply sized LCD screen allows you to easily monitor sound levels, battery level and elapsed recording time. You can also adjust the recording level on the fly, which is a must for radio use. A side dial allows you to keep your levels from peaking and distorting. Distorted sound can’t be recovered in post-production.
The LS-20 is the newest version of the LS series and it adds 1080p video recording capability with digital image stabilization. The form factor is à la Flip video camera but with the lens positioned on top of the unit. You point it like a taser to record, which can be awkward to use. Of course, I consider the video recording feature as a nice add on to a good sound recorder and one that will give you better photos and video than a camera phone. Especially since the LS-20 gives you a lot of manual adjustability for the camera. Overall, all three recorders offer nice functionality for reporters that want to add to their multimedia repertoire.
Street price for the LS-20 $222.53. You can also pick up the very worthy LS-10 and slightly better LS-11 on clearance at some online vendors or on eBay.
Pros
- Intuitive interface
- Decent preamps
- Stores files on internal memory or SD card
- Adjustable recording levels on the fly
- Can record to uncompressed WAV format
- LS-10 and LS-11 have more durable metal cases
Cons
- A bit more expensive than other comparable small digital recorders
- No XLR inputs that would allow for a more secure connection
- High profile record button is easy to hit accidentally
- LS-20 uses pricey proprietary battery
- LS-20 has a 4 gig recording limit so can’t continuously record long sessions
- LS-20 doesn’t come with a windscreen making outdoor recording difficult
