Camcorder accessories

johnbl wrote on 12/28/2003, 5:48 PM
Im a video amateur hobbyist and just bought a Sony VX2100 last wk which I am very happy with. I wanted to get the best shotgun mic for the least money and was wondering what you guys would recommend. Also Looking for a wireless lav ( Dont want to spend much again...as this is a hobby and doesnt make me money). Would appreciate your recommendations. I was going to get the Beachtec XLR -mini adaptor that sits under the camera . JOHN

Comments

riredale wrote on 12/28/2003, 6:19 PM
I have seen similar discussions on this board in the past--you can do a search to find them. I do know there are good mics that terminate in a mono or stereo miniplug, eliminating the need for the XLR adapter, especially since you mentioned that cost is a factor. As I understand it, XLR is important for long cable runs, and not so important for short runs. In any event, your camcorder's audio recording system won't do justice to a really nice microphone, anyway.

In my case, I have used an inexpensive Sony 708C stereo microphone ($100) for my choir tour recordings, and the sound is very clean. The noise floor is only about -50db, but for live recordings the sounds of the audience and hall/church ventilation are about that much, anyway.

Congrats on the 2100. I bought the 2000 a few months ago, and it is a nice camera, with remarkable low-light performance.
Spot|DSE wrote on 12/28/2003, 6:23 PM
Sennheiser and Audio Techncia both make great shotguns for reasonable prices, as well as the wireless lavs. Depending on budget, the AT 855 is amazing.
The 845ST is a great shotgun too.
I urge you to not go cheap on a shotgun. Plastic body or aluminum body mics are very tinny sounding, so get something with a brass body where possible. Mics don't wear out in any short time frame, so you shouldn't be afraid of used in most situations.
randy-stewart wrote on 12/28/2003, 8:58 PM
I'm jealous. I've been drooling for a VX-2100. Would you mind telling where you got it and for how much. Here is a good link for audio equipment. Has good explanations and several price levels. http://www.equipmentemporium.com/audiohi8.htm
Have fun with your camera.
Aloha,
Randy
craftech wrote on 12/28/2003, 9:50 PM
Shotguns work best for fairly closeup work. They don't work well for long distances. Almost any cheaper microphone used closer to the talent will sound better than an expensive one aimed from far away.

Also, you might wan't to check out www.signvideo.com and look at the XLR Pro as an alternative to the Beachtek.

And, consider a wired lav instead of a wireless if you can. Much less chance for problems.

John