Best shotgun mike, telephoto lens, for HDR-SR12

Jon_Roland wrote on 12/5/2008, 2:51 AM
This is about hardware but it seems to be a good place to ask. I am looking for a good shotgun mike for my HDR-SR12. I have been looking at the Sony ECM-HGZ1 Shotgun Microphone at http://www.amazon.com/Sony-ECM-HGZ1-Microphone-DCR-DVD305-Camcorders/dp/B0007NP8Q6/ref=pd_ybh_2?pf_rd_p=280800601&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_t=1501&pf_rd_i=ybh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=03FPMNYMJ24AAXMVWPW5 but it does not indicate compatibility with my camcorder.

Anyone have any suggestions for that and for a telephoto lens?

Comments

farss wrote on 12/5/2008, 4:32 AM
As you can't change the lens on that camera then what you need is a teleconverter. Sony would probably have one that's 1.7x to 2.0x that'll work as well as any. Given a choice of converters go for the HD one and the best one Sony make.
Depending on what and where you're planning to shoot through the teleconverter the results you get can be disappointing from my experience and that was on a SD camera. HD and the compression used on consummer cameras could make matters worse for you if there's heat haze.

Bob.
richard-courtney wrote on 12/5/2008, 6:58 AM
Your answer may be found here:

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=11038016

check the compatibility tab.

The HDR-SR12 has the Active Interface Shoe.
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A better microphone...
depends on what you are recording. A day at the zoo with family I would not
bother being a video geek and adding all the gadgets while family waits
for you. The mentioned mic might not be all that bad.

Recording voice from across the room for a child's school report I would
use a stereo mic that has a 1/8" plug and a stereo extension cable to
get the mic closer to subject and away from the camcorder sounds.
(motor whine and you fumbling with zoom etc.)

A small mic stand:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/154666-REG/K_M_23110_500_01_Table_Top_Tripod_Microphone.html
add the holder as needed.

Rode videomics and others have been reviewed here numerous times.

EDIT:
If you use any non-AIS device on the camera's AIS mount you will need this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/468612-REG/Pearstone_SSA_Cold_Shoe_Adapter_for.html

Jon_Roland wrote on 12/5/2008, 5:33 PM
Okay, based on your helpful link I ordered the Sony ECM-HGZ1 Shotgun Microphone.

Now another question. I ordered both the mike and a Sony HVL-HIRL IR NightShot and Video Light, but there is only one shoe. I can imagine wanting to use both at the same time. Is there a way to have an outboarded shoe-equivalent?
farss wrote on 12/5/2008, 6:17 PM
If they use the "hot" shot part of the interface probably not.
If you don't need that, just a vanilla cold shoe then Rycote make a hot shoe extension which isn't "hot at all. There's quite a range of brackets that might get you what you need.
Probably a good idea not to hang everything off the top of the camera anyway.

Bob.
richard-courtney wrote on 12/5/2008, 7:06 PM
Actually you won't find a dual holder that helpful. The light's throw is not far enough to
need a shotgun at the same time. The night vision is cool.

I'd recommend finding a copy of our forum's very own Victor Milt "Light It Right" DVD.
I think we have all built the "nanolight".