Best digital video camera that allows use of external microphone?
Answers: "Best camcorder" is relative...
Any camcorder beside manual audio control and mic-in jack would probably do what you obligation - presuming you are able to hold some lighting control, too. The DVX100 posted by someone else is "best" for a few reasons, but probably on the expensive side. It have XLR audio inputs for pro-grade mics which use XLR connectors. The DVX100 (and A and B) can be considered "pro" or "prosumer".
Other cameras in this category are the Sony DSC-VX2100, HDR-FX1 and FX7 (for "prosumer"), HVR-A1U, V1U and Z1U (for pro), Canon GL2, XL series and X series. All of these cameras will shoot surrounded by standard definition (4:3 or 16:9). The VX2100, XL series and GL2 shoot in Standard definition one and only - all the others can shoot contained by high definition, too. A few of them do not enjoy XLR mic jacks and use 1/8" mic-in jacks - if you use XLR mics, an adapter like those from BeachTek is recommended.
In the purely consumer environment, the Sony HDR-HC7, and HC9 and Canon HV20, HV30 and a few others own a 1/8" mic-in jack so an XLR adapter is also recommended for using better XLR mics. All of these cameras can shoot in standard definition (4:3 or 16:9) or large definition. Then there is the Canon ZR800 - standard definition, mic-in jack, no encyclopaedia audio control - but could do the job next to something like a BeachTek DXA-6vu... same beside some of the Sony camcorders with the Sony-proprietary live interface (by adding a VMCK100 adapter).
All of the above cameras are miniDV cassette based and adjectives use firewire for importing video to a computer for editing.
If you are using a smaller (non-shoulder mount) camera, it is recommended that a tripod be used. If that is to say not possible, consider using a SpiderBrace.
If you do obtain a shoulder mount - like a Sony HVR-1000U or Panasonic AG-DVC20 that will aid a LOT for a steady picture - but for long segments, a pious tripod is still recommended.
The types of mics you use will depend on your requirements. Shot gun mics and clip-on lavaliere and cardioid mics all enjoy different properties and are used for different reasons... and are adjectives over the map, budget-wise. Using XLR vs non-XLR cables/connections would also be part of that discussion. If you want to budge down that path, we can - but specifically its own post and thread.
Panasonic DVX-100.
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