I'm curious if anyone has any hands-on experience or tips in casually interviewing an important and genetically close elderly family member(s). One of whom is an extremely valuable resource with a sharp memory and who is a very willing participant (themselves realizing the importance of genealogy). I prefer the words 'Chatting casually' over the term 'Interview', but hopefully you get my drift.
With Genealogy research in the hard copy sense, we've both shared and have experienced these paper trail journeys together, but this personal chat will be focused on parents, immigrant grandparents, childhood memories, homes lived in, schools attended, memories of the place we live, etc.
Now, on the technology side.
I own an iPhone and an iPad, both newer and unfortunately both 16gb, which can still leave me short of memory, a lower level SX-45 Sony Handycam Video recorder (memory card capable), a laptop, and a Canon s-110 camera with audio/video capability. If I had to choose one or both, I believe audio is most important for something like this. I'm not that great with technology so prefer to stay with the simplest method for my own sanity.
Would a digital voice recorder (around $60 - $100 Cdn.) maybe be an investment purchase for such a venture? If not, would an external microphone be of value for the other devices? I'm not familiar with audio options all that much. I can't break the bank right now with fancy equipment. It certainly won't be a Hollywood blockbuster.
I'll do this once with an ongoing series of casual chats, and I'd like to get things somewhat right.
I'd appreciate having some input from any kind person who has done this before on every day type electronic devices from a simple point of view.
The recorded voice is so much different than a paper trail. In the dinosaur age, I once recorded our children when small with a cassette tape recorder. That one remnant of a cassette tape has remained a valuable little gem within the family. I'd really like to do this for the next generation while I and my elder family members have this opportunity.
Any and all replies are very much appreciated.